Central Kitsap School District election candidates

As elections come down to the wire, each candidate for a Central Kitsap School District director position was asked two questions: What are the five biggest issues and your stance on them and why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Below are the answers provided from either their website, election pamphlet or response to the email.

Breezy Mitchell v. Kristin Hay – District 2

Mitchell supports policies and practices that promote a safe and inclusive learning environment and foster a positive climate where all students can learn and thrive. Mitchell believes it is the district’s responsibility to prepare students for the future and to be ready for the challenges ahead.

Students can flourish with quality education, personalized learning experiences, support services and resources to help students achieve their full potential. She hopes to get parents involved by encouraging participation in school activities and impacting the district with decision-making. If she is elected, she knows it can lead to improved educational outcomes and more inclusive environments. In addition, it can boost communication and create a productive environment.

Mitchell believes she is a worthy candidate because she is a mother to a high school, middle school and elementary school student in the district.

She describes herself as an open, honest, and respectful community member who plans to set policies and practices that support and prioritize all students. Her experience derives from owning a business and working as a charge nurse in critical care, allowing her to make tough decisions. Lastly, she believes she can bring a unique, empathetic experience deriving from Korea and adapting to the changes in Kitsap County.

Hay’s biggest issues are academic success, discipline for behavior violations, fiscal responsibility, communication inadequacies and transparency. She believes CKSD needs to refocus its efforts on meeting basic education standards, balance disciplinary actions for students and find alternative methods of instruction.

Hay knows fiscal responsibility and communication are a concern because the public wants to know how their tax-payer money is being spent. She wants to make sure families are aware of information handed out to students without the parents’ knowledge.

Hay hopes voters choose her because “My actions are driven by a need to improve academic success for the students of this community.” She was appointed to the school board in March and hopes to continue to advocate for community members and support them with her voice.

Drayton Jackson v. Jim Grose – District 3

Jackson is looking to be reelected. He is looking to boost unity, trust and collaboration with the community. He is driven to fight for democracy in public education and ensure that children receive a bright future. His goal to complete those challenges includes increasing staff of color, working with lawmakers to fund special education and building trust within the community.

Jackson said he stands out because he has been on the board since 2019. In addition, he is a parent in the district. Plus, he has a variety of professional experience, including being the founder of the Foundation for Homeless & Poverty Management and a board member of the Kitsap Public Health Board.

Grose plans to retire from federal service and wants to continue serving his community.

Grose’s largest issues include the amount of political and social turmoil and pressures that are being placed on students. He believes it can be changed through the support of teachers teaching the youth how to think and not what to think. That includes developing their processes, skills and supporting professional careers or further education.

He believes he stands out because he can bring a common sense approach to the school board and will always have the best interests of the students and their parents. Grose will retire as a pipefitter and insulator shop superintendent with 21 years of trade and project management experience.

Meghan Hein v. Jason Gilham – District 4

Hein’s largest issues include safety and security, academic recovery and achievement, options for college and career readiness, fiscal responsibility, and transparent communication. Hein’s first issue involves safety and security, including hard and soft measures. She hopes the social/emotional learning and strategic plan the board shepherded helps boost safety. Secondly, she wants to tackle academic recovery and achievement with volunteer weekly reading and extra practice.

Next, her mission is to ensure all students graduate college and are career-ready. She believes that mission is crucial for success in the district. Lastly, Hein wants to improve transparent communication. She knows they are moving in the correct direction, including ensuring that public commenters are followed up with after board meetings.

Although Hein has served for only 16 months, she believes she stands out because she learned how the district operates, how state and federal funding impacts the district and how important it is to inform legislators of our district’s needs. Lastly, she plans to volunteer in classrooms and attend every event possible to show support to the community.

Gilham’s priority is to support student needs. He believes in this idea since has lived in the district since 2006 and has several children in the school system.

Gilham said he stands out because he is considered a levelheaded moderate who moderates both sides of a disagreement. He believes he can help conflicting parties find common ground and work toward common goals. Gilham has some experience working as a Cub Scout leader and assisted with Boy Scouts and Scout Camps between 2005-12.