EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with new information from Highline Public Schools, as well as the resignation letters submitted to the district.
Highline School Board Director Melissa Petrini made a surprise announcement by submitting her resignation during a school board meeting held on Wednesday night, Jan. 22, 2025, citing frustrations with board dynamics, lack of accountability, and what she described as a “toxic and hostile” environment.
Petrini represented District 4, encompassing Normandy Park and parts of Des Moines and SeaTac, while Hagos represented District 5, covering the Des Moines area.
Both were elected to their positions in November 2023, with terms expiring in December 2027. Both resignations were effective immediately, and Petrini left the meeting after her speech (Hagos was not present).
Hagos submitted her resignation to the board on Tuesday morning, Jan. 21. President Joe Van announced this at the start of Wednesday night’s meeting during roll call. During director reports, Petrini announced hers, then submitted a resignation letter shortly after.
Both cited different reasons for their decisions.
Petrini, who was elected to the board in 2021, said during her surprise, often emotional resignation speech in her Director Report that she could no longer serve effectively due to ongoing challenges, including a perceived lack of open dialogue and communication, accusations of defamatory behavior, and her feeling that dissenting voices are marginalized.
“I feel that independent voices like mine are not valued – they’re minimized and discriminated against,” Petrini stated during her remarks.
She expressed gratitude to those who supported her, acknowledging the few individuals who engaged in “meaningful conversations” and treated her with dignity.
During her tenure, Petrini championed issues such as literacy improvement, equal academic opportunities, and teacher support. However, she expressed concerns over what she saw as misplaced priorities within the district, including political activism over academic excellence.
She also alleged that she had faced personal attacks and misinformation, including being labeled as a “white supremacist,” a “Moms for Liberty,” “racist,” and “dangerous” by individuals within the community and leadership.
“A culture of belonging doesn’t quite fit the experience I’ve had of pure contempt,” she added.
Petrini’s resignation follows a string of contentious moments during her service, and she expressed regret for stepping down, but reiterated her commitment to working on educational issues in other capacities.
The board will determine how to fill the vacant seats in accordance with district policies.
Statement from School Board President Joe Van:
“Directors Hagos and Petrini have resigned from the Highline School Board. I want to thank them both for their service to our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for their time and commitment.
“At Highline, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a culture of belonging for all students, families, and staff members. Our policies and practices reflect our dedication to equity and excellence, guided by Our Promise to know every student by name, strength, and need, so that they are prepared for the future they choose.
“Our priority has always been—and will continue to be—academic success for our students. Our data shows we are making progress, even if it’s slower than we’d like. The road to success is complex, with many factors to consider in making sure our students are ready to learn.
“We are listening to all voices. We do this work because we care deeply about our community, our children, and the future we are shaping together. The work must continue, and I’m committed to doing so with all voices at the table. Together, we will continue pushing forward to create the best environment for our students to thrive.”
Hagos’ Resignation Letter:
“I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the Highline School Board due to my increasing job demands and ongoing family health matters. It was a privilege to serve alongside all of you and wish the Superintendent and board team all the best.”
Petrini’s resignation letter:
“Please be advised that I hereby resign from the Highline School Board of Directors, effectively immediately, due to the irreconcilable issues surrounding our board governance, leadership, adopted policies and direction of the Highline School District that is inconsistent with the values I see that our constituents hold. While I still care deeply for the students and families we serve, I feel there is no path forward that will bring about positive changes that would make our schools more neutral, transparent, accountable, safe and truly inclusive of all viewpoints, experiences and needs. I wish the best to Highline and hope the best for our students and parents who are fighting for the educational rights of their children.“
Video
Below is raw video of Petrini’s resignation:
Very interesting statement by the Highline School Board:
“At Highline, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a culture of belonging for all students, families, and staff members. Our policies and practices reflect our dedication to equity and excellence, guided by Our Promise to know every student by name, strength, and need, so that they are prepared for the future they choose. ”
So are you really saying: “ALL can belong, regardless of behavior or performance. Neither performance nor behavior of students, families, and staff members are guiding the management of the School Board”?
That is why the “ . . . dedication to equity and excellence,. . . “ does not include statements about behavior and performance.