In between discussions about which city council candidate has done more about parks or SOV access to I-90, some Islanders have paused to ask — what about the School Board races? Many express regret or dismay that both seats — left open by outgoing School Board members, Carrie George and John Fry — are to be filled by candidates who are unopposed in their races.

However, we are grateful that two talented individuals have stepped forward to take on the important task of managing the Mercer Island public schools: Attorney and Island dad, John DeVleming, and university professor and Island mom Adair Dingle.

Each brings a unique set of skills and valuable experience to the job.

DeVleming, a former Peace Corps volunteer, World Health Organization worker and U.S. State Department official, has worked with people from different cultures and different points of view both here and overseas. He has long coached girls volleyball on the Island and is a former board member of an alcohol and drug treatment center. He and his wife have three children.

Dingle and her husband have four boys. She is an associate professor of computer science at Seattle University with business experience. She is part of the university’s governing Academic Assembly. As a member of the Sullivan Leadership academic scholarship committee she reviews applicants of college freshman.

And as a teacher, she knows firsthand how well prepared or not undergraduates are when they come to her classes.

Both are thoughtful individuals who say they are aware of the time and commitment required in joining the school board. Each respects the work by those who have served before them.

It is our view that both of these individuals will serve the school district and the community well.