School Board Members and Bios
Alisa Louie, School Board President
Director District 1
Elected by voters through 2023
Email | 425.204.2340
Education: Masters of Arts, English Language Learning, Western Governors University; Bachelors of Arts Education/Child Development, Western Washington University
Occupation: National Board-Certified Elementary School Teacher - Instructional Specialist, ELL Teacher and Technology Coordinator
Other positions held:
- Foundations of Boardsmanship, Washington School Directors Association (WSSDA)
- President, Way Back Inn (a non-profit organization focused on transitional housing for families with children in Renton and Tukwila).
- 2017 Washington State Teacher of the Finalist, Regional Teacher of the Year
- Board member of Washington Teacher Advisory Council
- Bill & Melinda Gates’ Foundation’s Teacher Advisory Council member
Avanti Bergquist, MD
Director District 2
Elected by voters through 2025
Email | 425.204.2340
Education: Doctor of Medicine, University of Louisville; Psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship, University of Washington; Bachelor of Science, Biology, Duke University; Master of Science, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University
Occupation: Child Psychiatrist at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center
Director Bergquist is a Hazen High School graduate and a parent of Renton School District students. She serves on the board of the Renton Schools Foundation. She is a passionate advocate for children, especially with regards to improving mental wellness and mental healthcare.
Stefanie McIrvin, Ed.D
Director District 3
Elected by voters through 2023
Email | 425.204.2340
Education: Doctorate of Education from the University of Washington; Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Seattle University
Occupation: Dean of Business & Information Technology at Renton Technical College
Experienced educational leader specializing in program development and implementation, policy and procedure development, budget management, industry outreach, dual credit articulation and Running Start support with area school districts, internship development, and instructor support and supervision. City of Renton volunteer; former Renton Historical Society board President and served on the Board of New Horizon School.
Vacant Board Position
Director District 4
Appointment through 2023
Email | 425.204.2340
Filling Vacant School Board Position
The district has begun the process to fill Director District #4 for the remaining 10 months. The position encompasses district four (see boundary map), the central portion of the district. Applicants must live in School Board boundary number 4, be registered to vote within district boundaries, and be a U.S. citizen. When the appointed position ends in November 2023, the appointee can campaign to be elected to the position.
- January 18, 2023 - Application packets available (see the link below)
- February 15, 2023 - Application packets due by 5 p.m.
- Mid-February - Board review
- Mid-February - Notify candidates for interview
- Late-February - Early-March - Interview window
Visit the School Board Vacancy page for more information.
Shelby Scovel, School Board Vice President
Director District 5
Elected by voters through 2025
Email | 425.204.2340
Education: Master of Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine; Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Political Science, University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts & Sciences
Occupation: Home Health and Hospice Operations Executive
Director Scovel is a parent of Renton School District students, and she serves on the board of the Renton Schools Foundation. She previously served as Co-President of a Renton elementary PTA, and on the board of a local early childhood education organization.