Officials of the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District plan to meet this week in a closed-door session to interview candidates to replace outgoing board member Linda Kast.

According to the updated agenda for Wednesday’s meeting, the interviews will be done in an executive session not open to the public.

Such a move, however, would violate the state’s Open Meetings Act, which requires that interviews of candidates for elected office be held during meetings in which the public can attend.

The Record has asked the parks district to interview the candidates for parks commissioner in a session open to the public.

Kast earlier announced she was stepping down on Sept. 21 because of a move to Coupeville.

Parks commissioners are expected to interview Mark Helpenstell and Dave Parent for the vacancy at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, in an executive session before the start of the regular meeting at 7.

The new commissioner will join the board on Sept. 21.

At this week’s meeting, the board will also review agreements with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for Lone, Deer and Goss lakes, and also talk about the USA Swimming Regional Build a Pool Conference.

Commissioners for the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District will meet at parks district headquarters, 5475 Maxwelton Road.