Four Highline Schools Board directors took the oath of office Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, following their November election victories and later elected board leadership for 2026, according to information released by the district.
Directors Angelica Alvarez, Joe Van, Dr. Damarys Espinoza and Blaine Holien reaffirmed their commitment to serve students, families and staff during a brief ceremony attended by family members, district employees and community supporters.
The district said the directors renewed their pledge to uphold their responsibilities and lead with the values of the Highline Promise, which emphasizes knowing every student by name, strength and need.
Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran said the board’s leadership reflects the values of the community.
“I am thankful for their continued service and partnership, and for the vital role they play in guiding our work and keeping us focused on what matters most our students,” Duran said.
During the regular meeting that followed the ceremony, the board elected its executive leadership for 2026. Director Joe Van was elected to continue serving as board president, while Director Angelica Alvarez was elected board vice president.
Van said continued leadership requires accountability.
“Serving as board president means holding ourselves accountable to the Highline Promise and the expectations of our community,” Van said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this work and to lead alongside directors who are deeply committed to every student’s success.”
Outgoing board vice president Director Stephanie Tidholm will continue to serve on the school board.
“I want to thank Director Tidholm for her thoughtful leadership and steady partnership this past year,” Van said. “Her leadership reflects the values of our community, and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of Highline students.”
Highline Public Schools Board of Directors
- Director Joe Van, District 3 – Board President: Director Van is a Tyee High School graduate with a background in supply-chain and operations management, currently serving as a distribution center and project manager. He lives in SeaTac with his family and is active in civic and youth sports.
- Director Angelica Alvarez, District 2 – Board Vice President: Director Alvarez is a longtime community leader who works to center families in decision-making and expand opportunities for children. She brings deep experience from regional nonprofits and now leads improvement initiatives at the Puget Sound Educational Service District.
- Director Stephanie Tidholm, District 1: Director Tidholm is a first-generation college graduate with a background in psychology, social work and substance abuse counseling. She is active in community advocacy and serves on several boards supporting at-risk youth and marginalized communities. She lives in White Center with her two sons.
- Director Dr. Damarys Espinoza, District 4: Director Espinoza is an educator and organizational leader with more than 20 years of experience focused on public health, equity and systems change. She serves as Chief Equity and Policy Officer at Mary’s Place and lives in Des Moines with her partner and three young children.
- Director Blaine Holien, District 5: Director Holien is a first-generation college graduate who studied political science and economics at the University of Washington and built a career in sales and management. He is married to a Highline educator and is a father of two. He enjoys skiing, swimming and traveling with his family.
Learn more about the Highline School Board on the distrct’s website.
Videos
Below are videos of both the Dec. 3 swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and returning school board directors, as well as the full board meeting that followed:
