Washington school superintendent resigns after being charged with stealing lawn signs

A Washington school district superintendent is resigning after she was busted stealing yard signs opposing a school bond measure she supported.

Superintendent Laurynn Evans submitted her resignation to the North Kitsap School Board, which is expected to act on it at its Thursday meeting.

The agenda includes Evans’ resignation as a line item, as part of a two-page document, titled “Personnel Recommendations” and includes action on over two dozen district employees on items related to New Hires, Retirement, Resignation, Leave of Absence, Offer Rescinded, or Resignation.

Evans is one of two people listed under Resignation. Her resignation is listed as effective June 30.

Kim Gerlach and Scott Henden witnessed Evans taking the signs and disposing of them. The pair installed cameras to see who was behind the thefts and put trackers on the signs which led to Evans being caught in the act.

The Kitsap County prosecutor charged Evans with a misdemeanor for defacing or removing political signs.  

After the superintendent’s actions were revealed, voters chose to reject the measure. The measure would have seen school facilities rebuilt or renovated, resulting in a tax increase for residents.

Evans had been on paid administrative leave since February “...pending the outcome of an investigation.”

Evans entered a pre-trial diversion agreement so that the charge against her could be dismissed.

As part of the agreement, Evans was required to pay restitution for the signs, pay for the cameras purchased to surveil the signs, pay court fees, agree to not contact the victims, and then have 6 months of no legal violations.

The prosecutor told KOMO News that if Evans failed to meet all conditions ”She will likely serve jail time on the charge.”

Following the scandal, many in the district called for Evans to be terminated. It is not yet known if the district asked for her resignation or if Evans submitted it voluntarily and if there is any severance package being offered.