Outgoing South Whidbey School Board Director Jill Engstrom cast her final votes Wednesday during the district’s regular board meeting.

Fellow board members, district staff and community members gathered before the meeting to bid farewell to Engstrom and share memories.

Board Chairman Steve Scoles recalled when Engstrom first joined the board in the middle of a term. He said he was proud to cast the first vote for Engstrom.

“It has been an honor to work with her over the years,” Scoles said.

Engstrom said she was excited to finally get some sleep once her duties are over. She also had advice for board member-elect Rocco Gianni.

“You’re sworn in one day and sworn at the next,” she joked about the position.

But Engstrom won’t be too far from the position. She plans to take a different seat during school board meetings — in the audience.

“It’s too important not to be continuing this work,” she said. “I still care so much.”

Engstrom said one of the things she was most proud of was knowing policy and her work to make revisions throughout the years.

“It’s not glamorous, but policy is what governs us,” she said. “Complying is important.”

She said she was also thankful for living in a devoted community which supports and makes a difference to the children in the district.