A board member since 2013, Erin Markquart believes in the power and strength of education for all and its impact on our greater community.

Erin knows education first-hand as a First-Grade Teacher and Literacy Teacher on Special Assignment with the Enumclaw School District. She earned Bachelor’s degrees from Pacific Lutheran University in Elementary Education, Special Education and English, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education.

Erin and her husband, Joel, have four children. In her spare time, she is active as a Bonney Lake High School parent volunteer, community helper and a sports mom.

After decades of volunteering and community engagement activities in the District, Deb Norris enjoys her work on the Board for the unique opportunity to understand the great responsibility and foundations of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. She has been a School Board Director since 2013.

Deb especially values working with the steadfast leadership of Dr. Laurie Dent, whose vision inspires those who work with her, including board members.
A proud Coug, Deb attended Washington State University and later worked at the Norris family-owned Beall’s Compounding Pharmacy until retirement just a couple of years ago.

Deb and her husband, Mark, have three children — all Sumner High School alums. Deb notes that Sarah (’00), Rachael (’04) and Hillary (’09) pursued their passions and interests instilled in them by their teachers, mentors and coaches throughout high school.

In her spare time, Deb enjoys baking, cooking, traveling and watching independent films. Fun fact: Her ginger molasses cookies have been known to generate competitive high dollar bids at fundraising auctions!

A School Board member since December 2015, Paul Williams is serving as the Board's Legislative Representative. In this role, he closely monitors state legislation related to educational and District operational requirements to help apprise the Board of pending updates.

One thing Paul enjoys most about being a Board member is having a front-row seat to learn how families, staff, and the community tend to seek kindness and understanding when working through tough issues.  That process inspires hope and tells the story of our amazing District.

A Federal Way native, Paul graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in history and an initial teaching certificate. He then spent time as an Import Specialist and a Criminal Investigator for the federal government.  Currently, he works as a real estate broker.

If it involves adventure, count Paul in. In his spare time, he enjoys snow skiing, hiking, camp-fire roasting, and exploring old service roads in his Jeep. He also finds time to volunteer. Previous volunteer work includes ManeStage Theater Company, local Girl Scout troop, school classrooms and parent groups.

Paul and his wife, Rebecca, moved to the District in 2003. Their daughter currently attends Sumner High School.

As the longest-standing School Board member, Richard Hendricks has seen quite the spectrum of topics come before the Board. With issues ranging from the good, the controversial or otherwise, he has been steadfast in standing up for what he believes is right for our students, staff, families and the school district community.

This 14-year School Board veteran is committed to making a positive impact on all aspects of a student’s education. From school facilities, instruction and extra-curricular activities, he has played a critical role in shaping policies and making decisions that have made a difference in our District.

Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Martin’s University, and works for the Department of Corrections. In his spare time, he plays hockey, golf, racquetball and also enjoys long road trips on his motorcycle.

A Sumner High School alum, Kevin Lewis wanted to become a school board member to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the District. Kevin and his wife, Jessica, have two daughters: Mayzie (12th grade, SHS) and Ilee (9th grade, SHS).

Kevin has volunteered for the District on the Sumner Middle School Booster Board, many PTA positions and coached 8th grade girls basketball with the Sumner Basketball Association. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, boating and traveling.  

Dr. Dent has served over 20 years in public education and was appointed as Superintendent of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District effective July 1, 2016. 

Serving in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District since 1998, her previous role was Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, where she lead, promoted and sustained exceptional academic achievement at all schools district-wide. Prior to becoming Assistant Superintendent, Dent served as the district’s Chief Academic Officer. 

Dent was Co-Principal at Mountain View Middle School for eight years and the Principal at Liberty Ridge Elementary for three years. During her tenure at Liberty Ridge, the school hit record levels of achievement, which lead to multiple School of Distinction awards and the Washington Achievement Award. Dent was named the 2013 Pierce County Principal of the Year for her efforts in raising academic achievement at Liberty Ridge.

Dent earned her doctorate from Northwest Nazarene University in spring 2018 and her Superintendent Certification in 2016 from Washington State University.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master of Education in Special Education from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and an Administrative Certification from the University of Washington.

Fun fact: Dent is a member of the Marathon Maniacs and two-time Boston Marathon finisher!