Bainbridge Island School Board Director Tim Kinkead has announced that he will step down from the school board.

Kinkead made the announcement at the school board’s last meeting, and said he would continue to serve until a replacement board member is found.

“My business has grown to a point where I no longer have the time necessary to contribute to the level the role deserves,” Kinkead told the Review.

“My resignation allows for new candidates to step forward to volunteer for this important role,” he added. “I hope the next board member continues to support our district’s focus on improving student outcomes through high quality staff who promote student learning.”

Kinkead was first appointed to the District 4 director position in September 2010 before being elected the following year.

He easily won re-election to another four-year term in November 2015.

According to School Board President Sheila Jakubik, a formal interview process will be launched to find a new director for the District 4 position.

“He’s really been an asset to the board. It will be sad to have him go,” Jakubik said, and added that Kinkead has always put students first in his decisions on the board.

The board has outlined a process for finding a replacement, and will advertise the position to find a volunteer to serve out Kinkead’s term.

“Hopefully we’ll find another great community member to step in,” Jakubik said.

Kinkead was expected to submit a formal letter of resignation at this week’s school board meeting.

He is the second most veteran on the school board. Only District 2 Board Director Mike Spence, who joined the board in November 2009, has served longer.

“Tim Kinkead has been an outstanding school board member. He has a passion for public education and helping all students be successful,” said District Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen.

“Tim has a deep knowledge of best educational practices, and he has played a crucial role in helping the district through financially challenging times,” Bang-Knudsen added. “We will miss Mr. Kinkead, and are deeply appreciative of the time he has served in his role.”

Officials said the school district would begin accepting applications from interested residents who want to serve on the school board Friday. Applicants must live within the boundaries of District 4; a map and other information on applying can be found at www.bisd303.org.

The deadline for applications is noon Monday, Oct. 15.

Candidates will be contacted for interviews by the board, which will be conducted in public during a special session on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

It’s expected that the candidate chosen for the board will be sworn in at the school board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 25.