Greg Heath, a veteran member of the Puyallup School District Board of Directors, announced at the March 11 school board meeting that he will not seek a fourth term and run for re-election in November.

Heath’s seat, Position 4, along with Pat Donovan’s seat, Position 1, will be up for grabs in the Nov. 5, 2013 General Election. Donovan announced at the same meeting that he will run for re-election in the fall.

Heath said his decision to not run again comes with a lot of angst.

“I’ve enjoyed it very much,” Heath said. “I’ve been with great board members, great students, staff and superintendents. Twelve years is a long time. I’ve had the blessing to hand all four of my children their diplomas. My youngest graduated last June.”

Heath said his reason for leaving is largely due to his want for family time with his grown children and now “two beautiful grandchildren.” Both grandchildren were born last year.

“It was a year of transition in 2012,” Heath said.

Heath was first elected to Position 4 in 2001. He was re-elected in 2005 and 2009 and this year is completing his 12th year and third term. He has served with 12 board members and three superintendents over his tenure. Heath graduated from Puyallup High School in 1972. All four of his children also graduated from Puyallup High School.

Heath said it was important for him to stay on the board to see the hiring of a new superintendent and be on the board during Tim Yeoman’s first year.

“It was viable for me to be part of his first year,” Heath said.

Heath also wanted to be part of the board to usher in the new members.

“I have a really good bunch of board members,” Heath said. “I felt I was needed as part of the historical aspect of it. Everybody has got a lot of knowledge and understanding.”

Heath said he also wanted to bow out early to allow people time to contemplate whether or not they would like to run for the seat. The time for prospective candidates to file for office with Pierce County Elections is from May 13 through May 17.

When Heath ends his term at the end of 2013 he plans to continue professionally as the principal of his transportation and engineering consultant firm. He said the engineer in him tells him there is always opportunity for solutions.

“The collective wisdom and skill set (of the board) has always been oriented for kids first,” Heath said. “It’s been a great ride. I’m so envious of the young board members. They’re going to hopefully hang in there and hand off diplomas to their kids. It’s absolutely a highlight that your own child is a product of this school district.”

Reporter Andrew Fickes can be reached at 253-552-7001 or by email at andrew.fickes@puyallupherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @herald_andrew.