During the Dec. 10 school board meeting, a new director took the oath of office. Jasmine Fast is the new board director for District 3. Jarrod Karuza who is the board director for District 2 was reelected. Each board member will serve a four-year term which expires in December 2029.
Director Jasmine Fast, District 3
Director Jasmine Fast has lived in Meridian School District for 11 years and has two children in elementary and middle school. In collaboration with the non-profit Common Threads Farm, Fast has brought together the first after-school cooking program to Irene Reither Elementary School. She currently serves the community in her roles on the Cordata Neighborhood Association, Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission, Community Development Advisory Board, Cordata Business Park Association, Building Industry Association of Whatcom County Government Affairs Committee, and as President of the American Planning Association of Washington Northwest Section.
After a ten-year hiatus following high school to raise her children, Fast graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in Urban Planning & Sustainable Development from Western Washington University, often bringing her children to classes with her. As an example of long-term sustainable planning and collaboration with local tribes, Fast shares she helped develop a 100-year visioning plan of Fisherman’s Cove for Lummi Commercial Company. Fast hopes to bring to the board a perspective for similar long-term planning methods. She currently works as a private sector Land Use Planner for Jones Engineers and is a proud member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) following a code of ethics and professional conduct to faithfully serve the public interest and safeguard public trust.
Fast’s goals for school safety are driven by principles of prevention, inclusivity, preparedness, and well-being. She believes safety is not just about responding to emergencies, but also about creating an environment where students, staff, and families feel secure, supported, and able to focus on learning. Her ideal learning environment would balance academic rigor with creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing students not only for exams but for real-world problem-solving and lifelong learning.
Improving channels for authentic community engagement is a passion of Fast’s and she looks forward to connecting voices throughout the Meridian schools to make informed decisions that reflect shared values. Fast believes supporting the diverse needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community begins with listening to ensure constituents are respected and represented in all district decisions.