In the Taholah School District, current school board President Jacob James hopes to retain his position in November despite a challenge from Richie Underwood.

Neither candidate responded to email inquiries from The Daily World about their campaigns. According to information provided by candidates to the Grays Harbor County voter’s guide, James was elected to the school board as a write-in candidate in January 2022 and began serving as vice-president until his appointment to the presidency a year later. He also served as interim superintendent of the district during the summer of 2022.

According to James’ personal statement, he led the board as it declared a Climate State of Emergency, and has worked with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Quinault Indian Nation to plan for a new school as the village of Taholah moves to higher ground to escape climate disasters.

James graduated from Taholah High School in 2001 and received an associates degree from South Puget Sound Community College.

“I’ve served only two years, instead of the full four-year term,” James wrote in the statement. “It’s important for continuity, for the sake of students, to provide stability in governance of the district. It’s about equity and inclusion for everybody. I thank everyone for supporting me; now I ask for the opportunity to finish the job. Ultimately, it is about students, our community, making the world a better, more livable place, and it starts here, at home; children are the future.”

Underwood did not provide campaign information through the Grays Harbor County voter’s guide.

Contact reporter Clayton Franke at 406-552-3917 or clayton.franke@thedailyworld.com.