The Oak Harbor School District sent out this press release on Wed., Jan. 11, 2023.

School Board Appoints Jensen as New Director

The Oak Harbor Public Schools Board of Directors appointed Sharon Jensen as its newest member during their Monday, January 9, meeting. Jensen fills the vacant position from Erik Mann’s resignation effective December 12, 2022.

“The Board was inspired by Sharon’s commitment to mentoring youth and serving the community,” School Board President Lynn Goebel said. “Sharon’s extensive volunteer record, as well as her acute business background made her a standout candidate. We are thrilled to benefit from her expertise as we advance the mission of Oak Harbor Public Schools.”

The Board selected 5 finalists to interview from 13 applicants. The interviews were open to the public and streamed live. Each candidate was asked eight questions before the Board went into Executive Session for discussion. Jensen was selected and announced after the Board returned to Regular Session.

“I was thrilled to learn that the members of the Oak Harbor School Board appointed me as a director. What an honor,” Jensen said. “As a new member of this local governing body, I am committed to working together with my colleagues on the board, and the administration, to serve students, parents, teachers, and the public to the fullest extent.”

Jensen is a finance and human resources manager for CONE Architecture. She has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Washington and nearly 20 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and hiring.

Jensen is the parent of four adult daughters who attended Oak Harbor schools. As a stay-at-home parent for 15 years, she actively participated in PTA and volunteered in leadership roles with after-school activities, clubs, and fundraisers. She also has extensive experience with mentoring and coaching youth of all ages.

“I promise to be open-minded and well informed on all sides of issues prior to casting a vote and with a listening ear will always welcome comments from the public,” added Jensen. “I look forward to becoming an integral part of this district and hope to help inform voters about the February 14 school bond measure.”

Jensen will be sworn in at the next School Board meeting on Monday, January 30, and will fill the Position 5 school board seat until the next scheduled board election in November 2023. We thank finalists Joshua Maclean, Kerstin Cornell, Pamela Burley, and Ray Lindenburg for interviewing and for their interest in serving Oak Harbor schools and families.