Northshore Board of Directors welcomes new members

The Northshore School District welcomed Sandy Hayes, Kimberlee Kelly, and Carson Sanderson to its Board of Directors during the Monday, Dec. 8 school board regular meeting where the new and returning members were sworn in. Hayes, Kelly, and Sanderson were elected by Northshore voters during the November general election to serve four-year terms, which will expire at the end of 2029. 

During the Dec. 8 meeting, after the new board members were sworn in, the annual process of board reorganization took place, during which the officers of the board for 2025 were elected. Members selected Director Sandy Hayes to serve as president of the board, Elisabeth Sotak to serve as vice president, Kimberlee Kelly to serve as audit committee chair, and Han Trần, to serve as legislative representative (two-year term).

“We are very pleased to welcome Director Kelly and Sanderson to the Northshore School Board, and I feel honored to return to this important role,” said Board President Sandy Hayes. “Director Sanderson brings deep experience as a longtime Northshore volunteer, a parent of students who have come through our schools, and a partner in the district’s strategic work. Director Kelly brings valuable perspective as an educator and a strong advocate for our neurodivergent learners. I appreciate the skills and commitment they each bring and look forward to working alongside them in service of our students and community.”

Sandy Hayes has served on the Northshore School Board since 2009 and is a longtime member of the Northshore community. With a professional background in law and restorative justice, Director Hayes brings deep expertise in governance, systems leadership, and accountability to the School Board. She has held multiple leadership roles, including President of the Washington State School Directors’ Association, and has been a strong advocate for transparency, equity, and innovation in public education. She is actively engaged in the community, volunteering with Northshore PTAs and the Northshore Schools Foundation and regularly participating in district events. She and her family have lived in Northshore for more than 20 years, and all three of her children are proud graduates of Northshore schools. Director Hayes remains deeply committed to ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning opportunities and the support needed to thrive.

Carson Sanderson brings a long history of volunteerism, advocacy, and connection to Northshore schools to her role as a new School Board Director. Since moving to the district in 2014, she has volunteered extensively - supporting classrooms, libraries, PTAs, the North Creek High School band, and serving as President of the HiCap Parents Council. Carson also worked for four years as a Northshore test proctor and continues to volunteer in that role. She holds a degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University and brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills to her board service. Carson and her husband are raising four children in Northshore, including a North Creek graduate, two current North Creek students, and a Skyview Middle School student. Her experience as a parent, volunteer, and advocate informs her commitment to student success.

Kimberlee Kelly brings more than 15 years of experience as an educator, leader, and advocate for neurodivergent learners to her new role as a Northshore School Board Director. A public school graduate, neurodivergent educator, and parent of a future Northshore student, Kelly brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her role. Her career spans early childhood, K–12, and adult education, with nine years of classroom teaching and leadership through Teach For America. Kelly holds a BA from UCLA and a Master’s in Education from Loyola Marymount University and has led equity initiatives, mentored educators, and spoken internationally on education. Currently, she teaches professional development, serves on the executive board of the American Forest Kindergarten Association, and leads a neurodiversity-affirming early learning program. Kelly is deeply committed to creating inclusive, equitable learning environments for all students.

Northshore board members represent the district at large, although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the District. The board is an elected body of five citizens and is the policy-making body for the District, while the superintendent is responsible for implementing the policies and related plans. Board members make all final decisions regarding school district priorities, policies, personnel, textbooks, expenditures, and growth management. To learn more about Northshore’s Board of Directors, visit our website.