During the Dec. 13 school board meeting, two new directors took the oath of office. Jana (Bjornstad) Haugen is the board director for District 1 and Michelle Simmons is the board director for District 5. Marty Gray who is the board director for District 4 was reelected. Each board member will serve a four-year term which expires in December 2027.

Director Jana Haugen, District 1

Director Jana Haugen has lived most of her life in Meridian and is a proud Meridian alumnus. She and her husband Steve, felt it was essential their five children attend school in Meridian. 

She has served the community in a variety of volunteer positions including serving on the Board of Directors for Meridian Youth Sports, volunteering with the outdoor education program, PTA and many hours as the team mom for the football team, including starting the little buddy program. 

Haugen currently works for the City of Bellingham Public Works Department and has worked with and for public agencies over the past six years. Haugen also has private sector experience working in real estate investment and management, as well as being in the family berry farming business for 35 years.

Haugen said she looks forward to the future and working collaboratively with all the moving parts of the district and community.  

Director Michelle Simmons, District 5

Director Michelle Simmons is honored to be a fourth-generation Hispanic community member with roots in agriculture in our community. She is a Meridian alumnus and is proud to call Meridian home. 

Simmons and her husband, Martin, have three children. Two of their children have already graduated from Meridian schools and their youngest is a sophomore at Meridian High School.

Simmons has served in a variety of volunteer and professional roles. Simmons currently is a business leader with a multi-county restoration company, serving local communities during disasters. She serves with a passion for the development of her team members, business growth and sustainability. She said she is fueled by serving others, connecting a need to resources, and encouraging people to reach their greatest potential. Simmons believes the greatest gift you can give another is your time.

Simmons said she is looking forward to serving on the Meridian School Board – Go Trojans!