Last week, the Valley Record sent each SVSD school board candidate a brief questionnaire on some of the issues raised during this school board campaign. Each candidate was asked for a statement on their background and qualifications, a question on the freshman campus concept, and a question on an issue that they specifically mentioned.
All were asked: Do you support the proposed freshman campus concept? Do you feel that there are other, better options available to the district? Why or why not?
The following individual questions were asked:
Geoff Doy – You have expressed concern about the current school board’s tendency to cast unanimous votes. Could you discuss exactly what your concerns are, and how you might address them as a school board member?
Caroline Loudenback – During the Oct. 13 candidates forum, candidates were asked to grade the district on how well it prepared students for their futures, and you gave SVSD an “easy A.” Could you elaborate on why you gave that grade?
Carolyn Simpson: Board members are accountable the entire SVSD. You have championed a seat to represent Snoqualmie specifically. How would you represent your specific district while remaining accountable to the rest of the area?
Craig Husa: In the Oct. 13 candidate forum, you said the district could do better at communicating with residents of the district. How would you improve the district’s communication, and accountability, with the community members?
Peggy Johnson: Your campaign materials have a slogan, “Winds of Change.” Could you discuss the aspects of the school district that you’d like to change as a school board member, and how you would pursue that change?
Dan Popp: You are near the end of your term as school board president. If you are re-elected and chosen for another term as president, what agenda would you set for the board?
Carolyn Simpson, District 3 challenger
What are your background and qualifications?
My eight years volunteering across the district and observing school board meetings through my work on the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation, MSHS Learning Improvement Team, Facilities Task Force, and Band Boosters far exceeds the experience of any other candidate. My 13 years with Ernst & Young, a global public accounting firm, provides the business experience that is needed to develop district goals and determine creative solutions to prioritize limited funding.
Do you support the proposed freshman campus?
Focusing significant efforts on freshman success is essential and urgent. While serving on the MSHS Learning Improvement Team, I learned how strong a connection there is between freshmen who struggle and those who drop out. I strongly support the current efforts of the high school leadership group which is working on the freshman learning concept. They realized that the district doesn’t need a separate building to implement this concept, and they are working on systems to identify at-risk freshman and provide early interventions now.
You have championed a seat to represent Snoqualmie specifically. How would you represent that city while remaining accountable to the rest of the district?
Living in different areas but representing the district as a whole is a difficult, yet important, job for school board members. They need to come together to be accountable to the entire district, yet ensure that the perspectives from different communities are factored in when making important decisions. It is essential that each director not only live in, but be engaged with, their respective communities, so that they can bring those perspectives to the discussion. My extensive involvement in Snoqualmie, combined with my experience on district-wide issues, will bring the right balance to the school board.
Craig Husa, District 3 incumbent
What are your background and qualifications?
Extensive experience in operations – I have been the CEO of several companies. Strategic and financial planning and budgeting have been key factors to the successful growth of those companies, as have sound judgment, integrity and critical thinking. Extensive experience in leadership – With strong leadership based on respect, clear communications and the ability to foster teamwork, organizations can accomplish great goals. A passion for education – I was blessed by my public school K-12 education. The foundation this education provided enabled me to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and Harvard Business School. Additionally, it prepared me for a productive life. I want to ensure the same for all children of SVSD, that they are enabled to identify and realize their full potential.
Do you support the proposed freshman campus concept?
Yes, I support the freshman campus. It was recommended as the best available option by the High School Educational Program Study Committee (HSEPSC) comprised of 18 teachers, administrators, community members and four subject matter experts. HSEPSC studied how to improve secondary education, best use our assets (buildings), and retain students by giving them the support and placing them in environments in which they may best succeed. HSEPSC developed a strategic plan for our district which included the Freshman Learning Center.
In the Oct. 13 candidate forum, you said the district could do better at communicating with residents of the district. How would you improve the district’s communication and accountability to the community?
We must continually strive to make all school district information quicker and easier to access and in layman’s terms, for everyone to understand. The district website, newsletters, e-mails, webinars and community meetings are a good start. Personally, I will continue to engage with students, parents, teachers, community members, legislators and others to encourage more interactive communications. I always hear a wide range of important feedback from those with whom I speak.
Geoff Doy, District 2 challenger
www.geoffdoyforschoolboard.com
What are your background and qualifications?
I live in North Bend with my wife, Deborah and our two children, who are in second and sixth grades in district schools. I have volunteered thousands of hours over the last six years in schools, helping in classrooms and working with kids in every grade K-7. I’ve raised money for PTAs, led successful bond and levy campaigns. In 2009 the PTA Council awarded me the “Golden Acorn” award for service to children in the Valley. I am an Encompass Board member and I coach kid’s soccer.
Do you support the proposed freshman campus concept?
The key word is concept. There is clear research documenting the challenges that high school freshmen face, program, social, organizational and communication challenges. The research is not unanimous as to the solution. One part-solution is segregation of ninth graders from the rest of the high school. Segregation can be achieved by separate wings (as in our middle schools), floors, or a separate campus. I support segregation as one of the strategies to address the issues that freshmen face. We do not have to annex Snoqualmie Middle School (SMS) to achieve this. Annexing SMS is a totally different issue which raises questions that the district has not answered:
– Three years ago we asked taxpayers to pay for a $30 million bond that added 300 new classroom spaces and additional commons space at MSHS and during that time, enrollment has remained static.
– Annexing SMS will overcrowd two middle schools. In 2003 the community voted for a bond to create three middle schools, we need to respect community wishes.
– The transport arrangements for moving students between campuses are unclear, and could require major changes in the school day.
– What are the program implications of a separate campus, a reduction of options for freshmen?
– What are the costs of transportation and program changes at the SMS campus?
– What will happen to SMS staff?
Once all the questions have been answered we can make a decision.
You have expressed concern about the current school board’s tendency to cast unanimous votes. Could you discuss exactly what your concerns are, and how you might address them as a school board member?
School Directors have recently assured us that discussion of district issues does not occur outside board meetings. Since very little discussion takes place in board meetings, with some board members being silent for almost the entire meeting, when does discussion take place? It makes no sense that five people can vote unanimously on everything for four years with so little debate. I would press for more discussion, debate, challenge, community input and more representation of different ideas.
Caroline Loudenback, District 2 incumbent
www.loudenbackforschools.blogspot.com
What are your background and qualifications?
My work as a real estate broker and consultant requires many of the same fiduciary responsibilities as my current school board position. I have volunteered extensively in the district and the community for many years. My work at the district level and with the leadership team has given me a good inside view of what we hope to accomplish as a district. Working with distressed homeowners and other life experiences have given me a healthy life perspective and compassion for people. I have first-hand knowledge that life does not fit in a nice little box for most and the ability to be flexible, adaptable and open minded is critical.
I am immensely proud of our kids, staff and community and hope that my positive support and belief in them inspires them to challenge themselves to reach their greatest potential.
Do you support the proposed freshman campus concept?
The freshman campus concept was the result of 10 meetings’ worth of rich discussions about strategies to address what our kids need and want from their schools and teachers. The feedback from the students that was gathered during this study was at the core of those conversations. I believe the concept is sound. We may need to revisit the timing.
During the Oct. 13 candidates forum, candidates were asked to grade the district on how well it prepared students for their futures, and you gave SVSD an “easy A.” Could you elaborate on why you gave that grade?
We are living in uncharted waters today. Many jobs have not been created so defining a path is difficult. We have a district that works to create an environment that encourages divergent thinking and collaboration, leverages technology for richer student learning, and encourages and embraces the student voice in decisions. Our new high school principals and the incredible P.R.I.D.E initiative are some examples of our district doing “A” work in fostering a supportive learning environment that put the kids first and making it about them. Our students are achieving in academics, on tests, in music, film, athletics, technology, leadership, life and more.
Peggy Johnson, District 5 challenger
www.peggyjohnsonforschoolboard.org
What are your background and qualifications?
I currently sit on the Washington State Office of Educational Ombudsman Parent Advisory Board. I travel to Olympia to stand and deliver to the Senate and Representative legislature sessions on issues of student and teacher safety and justice. I worked with state leaders on the current Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy and Procedure, contributing to the understanding and language of those for our state government. Just last week I was asked to work in that same capacity on a more regular basis. I have accepted. These experiences dealing with state senators, representatives, OSPI, and our present school board and district administration has given me valuable knowledge and insights into the processes and politics of our educational system, and have prepared me well for the role of school board director.
Do you support the proposed freshman campus concept?
The solution for our freshmen is NOT annexation of Snoqualmie Middle School. What would help our ninth graders would be the re-organization of Mount Si High School so all freshman classes are closer to each other, which will reduce congestion in the halls. There have been attempts to do this, but more could and should be done in this area. Another thing that would help our ninth graders is more ninth grade teachers. The administration has reduced teachers and increased administrators by over $1 million in the past few years. This must change. The money must go back to getting more classroom teachers – especially in math to lower the class sizes of eighth and ninth grade math.
Your campaign materials have a slogan, “Winds of Change.” Could you discuss the aspects of the school district that you’d like to change as a school board member, and how you would pursue that change?
Our current board has engaged in turning a blind eye (and worse) to bullying, sexual harassment and assaults of our students and staff. I will ensure the proper applications of policies, procedures and laws. Our students, staff and families should not be the beasts of burden for our leaders’ poor conduct. The winds of change are blowin’.
Dan Popp, District 5 incumbent
What are your background and qualifications?
To borrow a term from a leadership class at MSHS, I am a “servant leader.” I am a son, brother, husband and co-worker of educators. My mother was a pioneer for early childhood education in Washington state. My career at Microsoft focuses on academic programs for 21st century learning, allowing me to help develop global educational programs, giving students skills and credentials needed to be successful.
In this servant leadership role, I will use my 30 years of business/management experience, my knowledge of school systems and the challenges we face, and diplomacy, to help develop solutions within our diverse community interests.
Do you support the proposed freshman campus concept?
The broad community (citizens, parents, students, teachers and administrators), through multiple task forces, committees and focus groups, recommended that the district develop the freshman learning center (FLC) and high school plan. I wholly support the community’s plan.
The community concluded that the high school and FLC programs will elevate student success and achievement by: integration of learning across disciplines; developing career pathways; increased science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) offerings; increased college-level offerings (Advanced Placement); offering apprenticeships; and increased curriculum rigor and expectations.Many of these program improvements are already underway. We are not waiting for the FLC to be created.
You are near the end of your term as school board president. If re-elected and chosen for another term as president, what agenda would you set for the board?
I’ll continue our team’s focus on the following:
• Strategic plans driving opportunities for students to compete, post-graduation, in higher education and their chosen career paths.
• Significantly improve percentage of students attending colleges/universities.
• Improve parent, student, staff and community involvement, with two-way communication, empowering all in the decision-making processes.
• Prepare students for a rapidly changing technological environment.
• Foster acceptance, appreciation and respect among students for themselves and others.
• Unify the various and disparate communities represented across our school district.
These are not small tasks, but a unified community can accomplish extraordinary things. I look forward to serving our community.
E-Wallet Purchase (Add Funds)
Term Subscription