Having been one of the voices of criticism of the Lynden school board, Ken Owsley decided it was time to find out for himself how he could serve the students of Lynden. With a history of living in the Lynden district for over 20 years and within Lynden for more than 13 years, all his kids have attended Lynden Schools. He joined the Lynden School board in 2022, his first entry into public service in this nature.
“I applied to join the school board because I see it as a way to learn something,” he says, “and be involved in the community rather than just complaining about things that may or may not be true. I hear rumors of how decisions are made, and I wonder if those rumors are true. So, I decided to find out for myself.”
While learning the process of open public meetings and understanding the intricate role the school board members play in decision making, Owsley has been able to dive deeper into the inner workings of the school, from financing to his role on the board.
“A school district is ultimately a reflection of its community,” Owsley says. “I think that what makes Lynden a desirable place is a commitment to community and openness. A friend, and fellow parent, recently said to me, ‘Lynden is committed to excellence, and the school district is the same.’ I think this is true. Lynden is a great place to raise a family, and I think the schools are great, too. That doesn’t mean there aren’t problems to solve, but my experience thus far with the leadership within the school district shows a commitment to excellence.”
