Highline School Board appoints Dr. Damarys Espinoza and Blaine Holien as new Directors

The Highline School Board has appointed Dr. Damarys Espinoza and Blaine Holien as new directors during a meeting on March 19, 2025. Dr. Espinoza, who will serve as Director of District 4, is an accomplished educator with a doctorate in anthropology and extensive experience in public health and community resilience. She currently holds the position of Chief Equity and Policy Officer at Mary’s Place and teaches at the University of Washington.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holien, who will serve as Director of District 5, has a background in sales leadership and is a proud first-generation college graduate from the University of Washington. Both directors will be sworn in on March 24, 2025, at a public ceremony, which will also be livestreamed. School Board President Joe Van emphasized the importance of engaging the community in the appointment process and expressed confidence in the new directors' commitment to educational excellence. Superintendent Ivan Duran also highlighted the need for strong governance to fulfill the district's educational promise.

Together, Dr. Espinoza and Mr. Holien are expected to enhance the school board's efforts to support students and families in the Highline area.