2026–27 Legislation and Finance Committee

Under the direction of the WASA Board of Directors, the Legislation and Finance Committee sets the legislative priorities and processes for the association and establishes its agenda for each legislative session.

Region 101

Tricia Jeffries, St. John-Endicott SD
Ben Ferney, Cheney PS

Region 105

Robert Bowman, Naches Valley SD
Brian Hart, Granger SD

Region 108

James Everett, Meridian SD

Region 109

Mary Templeton, Lake Stevens SD (Chair)
Patty Dowd, Mukilteo SD

Region 110

Alan Spicciati, Auburn SD

Region 111

Ron Banner, Clover Park, SD

Region 112

Derek Jaques, Camas SD 

Region 113

Chris Nesmith, Elma SD

Region 114

Amii Thompson, Bainbridge Island SD
Jason Rhoads, ESD 114

Region 123

Shelly Redinger, Richland SD

Region 171

Alicen Gaytley, Quincy SD
Carol Lewis, Moses Lake SD

Business and Personnel Administrators Component (BPAC)

Jill Pratt, Rochester SD

Educational Service Districts (ESD) 

Shane Backlund, ESD 105

 Instructional Program Administrator Component (IPAC)

VACANT

Principals

Elyse Mengarelli, Mabton SD

Small Schools

Linda McKay, ESD 171

Special Education

John Sander, Franklin Pierce SD

Federal Legislation

Ron Banner, Clover Park SD 
Michelle Price, ESD 171
Krestin Bahr, Peninsula SD

At-Large

Jim Kowalkowski, Rural Education Center / NWESD 101

WASA Consultants (nonvoting)

Mitch Denning, AEA

Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) Government Relations (nonvoting)

Melissa Gombosky, AESD

Board Representative (President)

Tabatha Mires, Manson SD

WASA Staff

Jeff Snell, Executive Director
Marissa Rathbone, Assistant Executive Director, Government Relations
Heather Chard, Government Relations Admin Assistant