Board & Leadership

Alan and his partner have lived in the Kent School District for over twenty years with two children successfully graduated from Kent-Meridian High School after time at Mill Creek Middle, Neely O'Brien and East Hill Elementaries. Alan currently works for the Washington Education Association representing educators in Renton, but has previously worked closely with educators in Kent as well. Alan and his partner have worked closely with their children's schools to help with fundraising over the years, and to advocate for greater equity in music programs in the Kent-Meridian strand. Alan has always stayed focused on the importance of public education for the empowerment of young people and the inclusive attitude that is necessary for a thriving community. Alan was a founding member of the Kent Schools Foundation because of a strong belief that the funding sources available in the educational system have never been enough to provide in the areas where the needs are greatest. Programs that provide enrichment and success in one part of the community should have support in an equitable manner.

Allyson Johnson and her husband Carl have raised 3 children in the Kent School District; all three have graduated from Kentridge High School. Allyson has been a tireless and passionate advocate for kids and public education. She has volunteered in many capacities over several years from elementary, middle and high school PTSA President, Kent Area Council President, Washington State PTA Region 9 Director and lots of different PTSA committees. Several years she has volunteered with Citizens for Kent Schools and a year as a mentor with Communities for Kent Schools. She worked for the Kent School District as a Health Tech and Administrative Assistant at a local elementary school for 15 years. Allyson has been involved with the Kent Schools Foundation for about 13 years. During the Pandemic she began volunteering with the Kent Community Foundation and Kent Community Partners and joined the Rotary Club of Kent. When she is not volunteering she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Randy worked in public schools in Washington for 33 years. He retired from the Kent School District in June of 2024 after serving in the roles of Executive Director and Associate Superintendent. Randy is currently employed by the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs as their Executive Director. Randy has previously served on the boards of the Kent Drug Free Coalition, Building Better Futures, Citizens for Kent Schools and the Association of Washington School Principals. Randy joined the Kent Schools Foundation shortly after retiring from the district as a way to continue to make a positive impact on youth served by the Kent School District. He accepted the role of VP of Organizational Development and Governance in an effort to position the foundation to be an enduring support to students and staff for decades to come.

Connie discovered her love for teaching during high school. She went on to earn a BA in Education at Western Washington University and later earned a Master of Education from City University. Connie began her teaching career in Arizona. She moved to Kent in 1983 and joined the KSD staff as a special education teacher. She continued teaching special education through retirement in June of 2023. Connie's two children attended Kent schools and graduated from Kentlake High School. Connie has passions for students and for strong public schools. She has long advocated in many ways, from serving on curriculum committees to meeting with legislators. In 2011, she stepped away from the classroom for two years to serve as president of the Kent Education Association. During her term she challenged the Kent School Board to look for new funding sources to increase the opportunities for students. That challenge led to founding the Kent Schools Foundation. Since retiring, Connie has returned to serve on the board. She is excited to be part of the next chapter of the Foundation as they pursue increasing the opportunities for all students across the district.

Marilyn Boxly has a natural gift for working with children. After moving to the Pacific Northwest, she was hired by the Seattle School District. In 1990 Marilyn matriculated to the Kent School District where she taught at Jenkins Creek Elementary School. After 32 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2022. Marilyn not only shaped the lives of countless students as an educator but also experienced the district from a parent's perspective — her son was a product of Kent schools. This dual role gave her a unique and invaluable insight into the community she served so passionately. Marilyn is an active member of The Kent Educators of Color Network. She is true to meeting the needs of all students, to ensure opportunities are afforded and accessible to every child regardless of their zip code, hue, or status.

Sharn Shoker is a lifelong Kent resident and proud graduate of Kent School District schools. She attended Emerald Park Elementary, Meeker Middle School, and Kent Ridge High School, experiences that shaped her deep connection to public education and the Kent community. In 2018, Sharn briefly worked with the Kent School District as a Policy Intern, where she gained firsthand insight into how district-level decisions impact students, educators, and families. Today, she is raising a future Kent School District student, further strengthening her commitment to ensuring every child has access to opportunity, support, and a high-quality education. Sharn is honored to serve on the Kent Schools Foundation Board, where she is passionate about supporting students, educators, and schools across the district and giving back to the system that gave her so much.