EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board swore in its newest member, Casey Devine, at the Jan. 27 meeting. Devine describes herself as an educator, parent and community advocate with deep roots in Ephrata.  

Devine will be serving the rest of Anita Waller’s term which expires at the end of 2025. Waller, formerly the board chair, stepped down at the Sept. 23 board meeting.  

“I really admire Anita Waller, who had just stepped down from the school board, and I thought, what a great opportunity to expand my working with kids, and go from our limited group at Saint Rose, and then expand my excitement for student achievement to the broader community,” Devine said.  

Devine's connection to Ephrata stretches back to the 1930s when her grandmother's family moved to the area. Her grandmother graduated in the class of 1948, leading a legacy continued by Devine's parents, husband and children, all of whom are Ephrata High School graduates.  

“We’re keeping that tiger legacy going,” she said. 

After graduating from Ephrata High School, Devine pursued a degree in communication at Washington State University. Later, she studied hospitality management at the Art Institute, briefly considering a career in restaurant management. However, her true calling emerged when she discovered a passion for education. She began teaching preschool at Saint Rose Catholic School, where her journey in education quickly expanded to include roles as a physical education teacher and technology director.  

“At that time, we had a big Gates technology grant, and I got involved in implementing that into the building, because back then they didn't have computers, they didn't have the internet,” Devine said. “It's very exciting.” 

Devine's tenure at Saint Rose encompassed various initiatives, including the development of a successful on-site lunch program after transitioning from a partnership with the Ephrata School District.  

“I’m pretty proud of that program,” she said.  

Despite retiring from her teaching position at the end of the last school year, Devine remains actively involved in the community by substituting at her former school. Her passion for education and desire to contribute further led her to run for a position on the Ephrata School Board.  

“When I saw in December that there was a spot up for grabs, I didn't really think about it, just kind of stayed in the back of my mind,” Devine said. “Then I thought there's not a lot of people who have the time to really invest in something like that. So why not me? I know I would do a good job. This is something that you know I should, I should try to get involved in.” 

Devine’s inspiration to join the school board stems from her long-standing commitment to serving the community.  

“I volunteer in all kinds of things. I'm always driven to serve in some way and if there's a need, if I can help, I like to be able to help,” Devine said. “Just seeing what a difference you can make every day for those kids' lives is my inspiration to stay connected to education and continue in some way in that area.”  

As a parent of three children, all of whom are involved in the Ephrata School District, her perspective encompasses both educational and parental insights. Devine's eldest child graduated last spring, while she still has a high school senior and a middle school seventh grader currently enrolled. 

As a mother, Devine said activities and athletics are super important to both her and her family. Her children play a variety of sports; however, Devine’s favorite is basketball.  

“As a mom of three kids, my kids' hobbies and activities are basically my hobbies and activities,” Devine said. “We're a sports family. We are pretty much involved in all the sports at the youth level in Ephrata, and that sort of influences me because I know how my kids have benefited and thrived from Athletics and Activities in Ephrata.” 

Outside of her kids and her newfound role, Devine likes to ride her mule with her dad. Her dad recently got into riding horses and Devine decided to join him on his journey. 

“Mules are just smarter, they just are,” Devine said.  

Devine's goals as a school board member include advocating for necessary resources for both students and teachers. She highlighted the importance of the upcoming bond and levy as crucial for the district's future.  

“Without that critical funding, the school’s focus will need to shift from expanding student opportunities to reducing student opportunities,” she said. 

Her commitment to listening and learning from the community is at the forefront of her approach.  

“I plan to ask a million questions,” she said. “I'm starting from zero, which I think that's good. I think that I'm not coming in with an agenda I don't have preconceived. I haven't formed my opinions yet, so I never want to assume that I already have the full picture and I know what's going to fix any problems. And one piece of really great advice that Anita Waller gave to me was to get into all the buildings, volunteer for any programs that need help, and that being in the buildings, being in the classrooms, is really the best way to get a feel for where the needs are.” 

Looking forward to her first school board meeting, Devine expressed excitement. Devine said she has a nervousness about public speaking; however, she also emphasized the importance of preparation in overcoming her fears.  

“Practice makes perfect. The more I do it, the more comfortable I’ll get,” she said.