Incumbent Mike Desmond is taking on Natasha Fecteau Minger for the North Kitsap School District Board District 2 position in the Nov. 7 general election, a four-year term.

Desmond is vice president of the board and has been a board member since 2019. He earned his degree in Computer Science at the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a Masters of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

Fecteau Minger graduated from Magnuson Community High School and Olympic College and is currently attending University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Both candidates were asked: What are the five biggest issues in NKSD and what is your stance on them?

Desmond: Safety has been one of my top priorities as a school board director, and will continue to be during my next term. I believe that all students should feel safe at school so that they can focus on learning. I feel that the best way to achieve this is through a close partnership between parents, the community and local law enforcement to foster communication regarding any concerns about student safety.

Fairness is another top priority. I believe that all students should be given the same opportunities regardless of their ability, background or family’s income. I feel the best way to do this is through empowering student voices in our schools. I look forward to our administrators continuing student focus groups that contain representative cross-sections of our students.

The modernization of NKSD facilities is another goal of mine. I am pleased with the capital projects NKSD has been able to complete following the passage of a capital levy in 2022. All of these projects have been completed during a challenging period of inflation and supply chain disruptions. With the support of the community, I am committed to ensuring we continue to modernize NKSD facilities through future additional funding.

Addressing post-pandemic learning recovery is another critical goal. Under the guidance of their teachers, students made significant academic progress this past school year. However, we need to continue to focus on learning recovery following the pandemic. This is best achieved through data-informed strategies to improve instructional effectiveness, specifically in the areas of math and reading.

Parent involvement is very important to me. The best way to ensure students are successful in school is by creating close partnerships between parents, teachers and staff. To help grow these relationships, NKSD needs to continue to invest in innovative communication methods to maximize transparency into a student’s learning environment.

Fecteau Minger: There are several minor changes that will make a big difference for our community.

Changes to the policies at board meetings to increase transparency; recorded meetings that are easily accessible and translated, meeting minutes that are robust and reflect the actual conversations in the room. Our words matter. A thoughtful statement of welcome when we open the meetings will go a long way toward creating an atmosphere where mutual understanding can be reached, and we must end the unnecessary online registration for public comments.

Ensuring the inclusion of parents, staff, students and taxpayers in the decision-making processes: our district is struggling in the wake of the pandemic but we are strong, creative and compassionate. Increasing public involvement on committees and making sure we are taking the advice from our advisory boards will harness the collective strength and benefit us all.

I am not seeking election so that I have the power to make decisions. I am seeking election to disrupt the power dynamics. The superintendent answers to the board, and the board answers to the community. If you vote for me I have one request: please do not let that vote be your only action. Send us emails, come to meetings and speak up, and participate on a decision-making committee. Work with us in finding solutions and celebrate with us when we get it right. I will need you and your support more than you will ever need me or mine.

Working with our Native neighbors: we are one of two districts in the continental United States that serve more than one sovereign nation. Our local tribes are rich in culture and generous to this county. We all benefit from the strength in their community. I am committed to ensuring that the tribal sovereignty curriculum STI is fully implemented across our district. We will form a true government-to-government relationship where we can address the disparities between high schools as we work towards true educational equity.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Desmond: I encourage voters to research both mine and my opponent’s backgrounds to make the most informed decision possible. Voters will find that integrity is important to me, and I am the more transparent candidate. I have dedicated my life to public service as a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, an active duty and reserve naval officer, a community volunteer and a current school board director.

I am the proud parent of two children in the North Kitsap School District, which gives me a unique perspective because my family is directly affected by the policies I vote on. I have prioritized transparency and accessibility during my service on the school board and am always available by phone and email. I value public comment at our school board meetings, and all feedback I receive from students, parents and the community is utilized in my decision-making. Most importantly, I am committed to conducting myself in a professional and collaborative manner. I will continue to work with parents, the community, and school district staff to ensure that we are all in for all students.

Fecteau Minger: Last year I became aware of some things in our district that were concerning so I started looking for ways to effect change. I have been working in my community for almost two decades, advocating for the needs of children and families at the state and federal levels. I have navigated the special education system for as long as I can remember.

I assumed this would be simple. It was not. All the typical things I do to work for change were either nonexistent or inaccessible. The board seems to have policies in place that are purposefully exclusive. For instance, you can’t sign up to speak at a board meeting in person, the meetings are not recorded or translated, and when you arrive at the meeting you are greeted with an introduction that feels hostile.

I have gone to many school board meetings and the tone in North Kitsap made me sad. Then I saw how they treated the tribes and that made me angry. Now I am ready to be hopeful.

Natasha Fecteau Minger