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EDUCATION

I firmly believe that public education is foundational to our community and our country. An educated citizenry is critical to a successful democracy, where the power lies with the people and their vote. Additionally, education has always been the key to a better life in the United States. This principle is even more critical in the Information Age, where post-high school is the required for most livable wage jobs.

I am very proud of our Puyallup School District and the progress we have made in the past six years. When I was elected to the Board in 2001, the District had a $4.5 million budget hole and was far behind in terms of student achievement. Through firm and focused direction from the Board, excellent work by the staff, and support from our parents and community, we have brought about an incredible turn-around. Today, we are financially stable, have significantly increased student achievement, while raising standards and opportunity for all students. While we have made significant progress, we still have further work to do!

However, our legislature has been taking actions that make it harder for our students and our families. They have:

  •Usurped local school board authority. As an example, last year, they took away our communities ability to decide what is the appropriate sex ed curriculum for our students – the curriculum will now be set by Olympia.
  •Backed away from rigorous standards and weakening important accountability. These standards have been bringing much needed focus to the system. Last year it backed away from math, and this year bills are pending delaying the reading and writing accountability.
  •Cost shifted. More items that should be funded by the State are being pushed back onto local taxpayers in the form of local levies and higher bonds.
  •Increased the number of unfunded mandates. A steadily increasing number come down from Olympia – distracting districts and costing thousands of dollars.

I have both the experience and expertise to be your strong voice for education in Olympia!