List any previous offices held and the number of years in that position.

University of  Wisconsin — Alumni Association treasurer – 3 years

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Alaska/Oregon/Washington Region Political Action chair – 2 years

Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity – treasurer – 2 years

PTA Corporate Sponsorship Chair – 2 years

What is your vision for education in this community?

In short, to place  emphasis on the common ground issues that will allow the district to be as best as it can be for students, voters, teachers and staff within budget constraints.

What do you think is expected of you as a board member?

To  understand the superintendents vision for the district, to communicate that vision to the community and staff. To allow public input when decisions are made.

However, in Washington RCW 28A.320.015 states:

1. Responsibilities that a school board may exercise:

(i) Promote the education and daily physical activity of kindergarten through twelfth grade students in the public schools; or

(ii) Promote the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the school district; fulfill powers as are expressly authorized by law; and

2. Exercise powers necessary and fairly implied in the powers expressly authorized by law.

Having regularly attended board meetings often what community members are not clear regarding the role of directors.

Often there is confusion regarding what board members can and not do. Further, the community does not know how to ensure that their input is heard, welcomed, and valued.

What do you believe are the biggest issues facing your district’s community?

Lack of public trust and understanding the role of school board directors. Lack of funding and the challenges the district will face if enrollment continues to decline.

What are your thoughts on the ninth graders possibly moving up to the high school level?

In short, in the districts I have lived, Washington is the only one that does not have a K-8, ninth through twelfth configurations.

My youngest step daughter was a Running Start student. As a parent we educated and did what we could and protected her from the possible dangers she might face because she had classes at Olympic College.

As far as I know, there have been  none or very few problems regarding Running Start students attending Olympic College. I am sure the same would/will apply when ninth graders move to the high school.