The Enumclaw School Board kicked off its Nov. 15 meeting with congratulations and cake for board member Cathy Dahlquist, who was recently elected to a 31st District seat in the state House of Representatives.

It was also an evening for the inevitable, as Dahlquist submitted her letter of resignation. She will stay on until Dec. 31.

“In the past few weeks, I came to the realization I will not be able to do both,” said Dahlquist, whose term expires in 2013.

Dahlquist was elected in 2005 and re-elected in 2009. She twice served as board president and was the board’s legislative representative in 2010.

“Our kids and our community will be well served,” board member Chris VanHoof said of Dahlquist’s latest position.

Board member Corey Cassell said he was torn during the election.

“Either way we were winners,” he said. “If she lost, the Enumclaw School District was a winner. If she won, Enumclaw and the 31st District were winners.”

Dahlquist’s District 2 position covers the area primarily south of state Route 410 and Roosevelt Avenue and a small neighborhood between Roosevelt and Griffin avenues between Semanski and Porter streets. A map is available on the school district website.

The application period will remain open until 4 p.m. Dec. 17. Applications should be submitted to Board President Nancy Merrill through the Enumclaw School District office.

The board will review applications and conduct candidate interviews during early January. A selection is expected before the board’s Jan. 18 meeting and the person appointed will serve through the end of the year.

A candidate will be chosen during the November election to fill the remainder of Dahlquist’s term.