Coupeville Sports

Kathleen Anderson’s legacy will live on at her old stomping grounds.

The Coupeville School District is naming its board room in honor of the late school board president, a decision approved at Monday night’s meeting.

Anderson, who died in September 2021, “was a pillar in the local and state education system for over 40 years,” said Coupeville Superintendent Steve King.

She began her life in education as a teacher, before serving twice on the Coupeville School Board.

Anderson’s first run was from 1980-1989, then she returned to serve from 2004 until her passing.

She was also on the State Board of Education for 15 years, while becoming that board’s first female president.

“As a school district and state board member, Director Anderson was known as someone who always prioritized what was best for students,” King said.

He hailed Anderson’s expertise in capital projects and her advocacy for “educating the whole child through career and technical education, athletics and activities.”

Along with her time on various school boards, Anderson also served on state-level committees and was involved in collective bargaining which “improved working conditions for staff.”

Coupeville School Board Director Nancy Conard, who made the motion on Monday’s vote, was a student in Anderson’s first class as a teacher.

The school district plans to purchase a memorial plaque in Anderson’s honor and will hold a celebration at a later date.