Congratulations:
Scott Heinze Position #3
Karen Vialle Position #5
Welcome to The Tacoma School Board
Scott Heinze Position #3
PO Box 6931 Tacoma WA 98417 (253) 459-0328 electscottheinze@gmail.com
www.electscottheinze.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elect-Scott-Heinze-to-the-Tacoma-School-Board/218746251479569
www.electscottheinze.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elect-Scott-Heinze-to-the-Tacoma-School-Board/218746251479569
Dexter Gordon Position #3
636 S Jackson Ave Tacoma WA 98465 (253) 678-3927 electdextergordon@gmail.com
www.electdextergordon.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/electdextergordon
www.electdextergordon.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/electdextergordon
Karen Vialle Position #5
952 S Fairview Dr Tacoma WA 98465 (253) 651-8208
krviall@comcast.net
www.electkarenvialle.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-to-Elect-Karen-Vialle/145005698898842?sk=wall&filter=2
krviall@comcast.net
www.electkarenvialle.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-to-Elect-Karen-Vialle/145005698898842?sk=wall&filter=2
Kim Washington Position #5
PO Box 5031 Tacoma WA 98415 (253) 572-6330 kim.washington9@gmail.com
http://electkimwashington.com/Home_Page.html
http://electkimwashington.com/Home_Page.html
Candidates address 3 big issues facing Tacoma schools
If you had been a member of the board during the strike, how would you have handled things differently?
What are your opinions on the superintendent search?
How will you address tough budget decisions?
THE NEWS TRIBUNE The News Tribune Published: 10/23/11 12:05 am | Updated: 10/23/11 11:12 am
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/10/23/1876246/3-big-issues-in-their-own-words.html#ixzz1buqmmLXX
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/10/23/1876246/3-big-issues-in-their-own-words.html#ixzz1buqmmLXX
Tacoma school election draws cash, controversy
The Tacoma School Board has navigated a storm of controversy this year: budget cuts, school closures and a teachers strike.
DEBBIE CAFAZZO; Staff writer Published: 10/23/11 12:05 am | Updated: 10/24/11 10:31 am
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/10/23/1876207/tacoma-school-election-draws-cash.html#ixzz1buswTksJ
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/10/23/1876207/tacoma-school-election-draws-cash.html#ixzz1buswTksJ
All-City PTA Meeting Oct 5, 2011
Scott Heinze
Dexter Gordon
Karen Vialle
Kim Washington
Dexter Gordon
Karen Vialle
Kim Washington
CANDIDATE FORUM
Sponsored by The Pacific Avenue Business District
and Tacoma Council PTA
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Moore Public Library, Community Room (on S. 56th just off Pacific Avenue)
Featured: Tacoma School Board Candidates
and Tacoma City Council Candidates
Bring your questions and let's discuss the merits of a strong school system for sustaining our local economy.
Co: Moderators Shelley Kloba, Legislative Director, WSPTA
Jim Hoffman, retired teacher and Communities That Care Board Member
Your Vote Mattters!!
Mail in your ballot by election day, Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Invite your PTA, Invite your friends. See flier below.
and Tacoma City Council Candidates
Bring your questions and let's discuss the merits of a strong school system for sustaining our local economy.
Co: Moderators Shelley Kloba, Legislative Director, WSPTA
Jim Hoffman, retired teacher and Communities That Care Board Member
Your Vote Mattters!!
Mail in your ballot by election day, Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Invite your PTA, Invite your friends. See flier below.
| pabd2011legislativeforum.doc |
| pabd2011legislativeforum.pdf |
Inside Opinion: What's on the minds of Tacoma News Tribune editorial writers
School board candidates on the strike
Posted By Cheryl Tuckeron September 20, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Read more: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/opinion/2011/09/20/school-board-candidates-on-the-strike/#ixzz1YYL5TyMa
That headline is a little misleading; I couldn't actually get the Tacoma School Board candidates to tell me where they stood on the teacher strike and the pertinent issues.
On Friday, I emailed all four candidates – Dexter Gordon, Scott Heinz, Karen Vialle and Kim Washington – asking for their thoughts on the strike. I told them their responses might be published, and to please be specific.
My note said that the editorial board isn't interested in generalities like “both sides need to commit to seriously negotiating and doing what’s best for Tacoma’s schoolchildren.” We wanted to know whether they think the district should spend some of its reserves on teacher pay and class size and whether they agree with the district that principals should be able to exercise more discretion over displacements/transfers. And should the teachers go back to work?
Three of the four candidates have responded (Washington did not).
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that they declined to say anything that might be too controversial. If they were to be seen as supportive of the strikers, they could alienate parents who want their kids in school. If they supported the district, they could find themselves facing campaign opposition from the teachers.
But I'll let them explain themselves. Here are their responses:
Heinze
Scott Heinze: I believe that it is inappropriate for candidates to comment on terms of ongoing negotiations because a candidate, who has not been elected by the voters, by commenting to the press on the terms, could influence public opinion in a way that does a disservice to both teachers, the district, and ultimately our kids.
Dexter Gordon: I have followed the Tacoma School District’s teachers strike since its beginning September 13. My position throughout has been that the representatives on both sides, Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) and Tacoma Education Association (TEA), should be encouraged to negotiate in good faith with no interference from outside parties, including candidates for the school board.
Since I am not interested in insinuating myself into an already difficult and volatile process I have resisted invitations to take a public stand on the negotiations and the strike.
There are good reasons to stay out of the deliberations and to encourage a fair and open process for both TEA and TPS. Mainly, as a candidate any public statement from me runs the risk of being made into a media side-show. This would be a distraction from the important process of breaking the impasse.
Gordon
Additionally, I do not have all the available information with which to make the best decision. My desire, of course, is to be helpful in the process thus my public silence on the issue. Still, it is critical to signal that I am both willing and able to take a public stand on difficult issues. Given all the limiting conditions above I am willing to make the following observations.
As I follow the proposals and counter-proposals posted on the TPS and on the TEA websites, I am convinced that on the outstanding issues such as teacher pay, class size, and principal discretion in issues of displacement the two sides are not far apart. In their proposals dated September 17, Tacoma Public Schools and Tacoma Education Association both advocate a process with multiple measures to include a role for seniority.
I encourage the development of a robust evaluation process guided by rubrics developed on the basis of established research and tested practice. Additionally, I urge that to best serve their primary role of educating our students, Tacoma teachers must receive from the District full support, fair wages, and generative contractual agreements.
I note Pierce County Superior Court Judge Bryan Chushcoff’s admonition to both parties that they make public their proposals and I share his hope that an agreement will be reached before September 27. A return to the bargaining table, which I am happy to see, is the necessary first step for the speedy resumption of regular school that all conscientious parties desire and that all Tacoma students and their families deserve.
The ongoing challenges of Tacoma School District are well documented and we need to get back to addressing those challenges on behalf of our 28,000 students. This is our public trust. Therefore, with the strike behind us the work of rebuilding will have to begin.
Rebuilding trust across the various elements of the Tacoma School District, especially between the administration and teachers, is one of the main assignments I expect to take on as a member of the board should I be elected. The ongoing strike and the breakdown of trust which has undermined the bargaining process have made this assignment more pressing and more difficult. Still, it is work that we must undertake and with some urgency.
Vialle
Karen Vialle: During my career in public office, I have never been known to dodge hard questions. However, in this instance, I do not feel that it is appropriate for school board candidates to interject themselves into the ongoing labor negotiations between TPS administration and the teachers union.
During my tenure as Mayor, the city had a strike in 1992 which proved to be very divisive. Healing the divisions was difficult at best. In a strike no one wins.
If I refrain from making comments that might be construed as taking sides, I will be a position, if I am elected, to help reestablish trust between teachers, the School Board, administration and, most importantly the citizens of Tacoma. Then we can move forward with the common goal of improving the quality of Tacoma Public Schools.
It has been 33 years since TPS had a strike. If I am elected I will ask for a thorough review of the bargaining process to determine what processes need to be changed. Actions need to be taken so as to minimize such situations in the future.
There is one area I will comment on: the lack of free or reduced lunches available to our most needy kids during the duration of the strike. The district has budgeted for the food and for the kitchen staff that normally provide these services. I would like to call upon the administration as soon as possible to set up school sites as is done in the summer
On Friday, I emailed all four candidates – Dexter Gordon, Scott Heinz, Karen Vialle and Kim Washington – asking for their thoughts on the strike. I told them their responses might be published, and to please be specific.
My note said that the editorial board isn't interested in generalities like “both sides need to commit to seriously negotiating and doing what’s best for Tacoma’s schoolchildren.” We wanted to know whether they think the district should spend some of its reserves on teacher pay and class size and whether they agree with the district that principals should be able to exercise more discretion over displacements/transfers. And should the teachers go back to work?
Three of the four candidates have responded (Washington did not).
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that they declined to say anything that might be too controversial. If they were to be seen as supportive of the strikers, they could alienate parents who want their kids in school. If they supported the district, they could find themselves facing campaign opposition from the teachers.
But I'll let them explain themselves. Here are their responses:
Heinze
Scott Heinze: I believe that it is inappropriate for candidates to comment on terms of ongoing negotiations because a candidate, who has not been elected by the voters, by commenting to the press on the terms, could influence public opinion in a way that does a disservice to both teachers, the district, and ultimately our kids.
Dexter Gordon: I have followed the Tacoma School District’s teachers strike since its beginning September 13. My position throughout has been that the representatives on both sides, Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) and Tacoma Education Association (TEA), should be encouraged to negotiate in good faith with no interference from outside parties, including candidates for the school board.
Since I am not interested in insinuating myself into an already difficult and volatile process I have resisted invitations to take a public stand on the negotiations and the strike.
There are good reasons to stay out of the deliberations and to encourage a fair and open process for both TEA and TPS. Mainly, as a candidate any public statement from me runs the risk of being made into a media side-show. This would be a distraction from the important process of breaking the impasse.
Gordon
Additionally, I do not have all the available information with which to make the best decision. My desire, of course, is to be helpful in the process thus my public silence on the issue. Still, it is critical to signal that I am both willing and able to take a public stand on difficult issues. Given all the limiting conditions above I am willing to make the following observations.
As I follow the proposals and counter-proposals posted on the TPS and on the TEA websites, I am convinced that on the outstanding issues such as teacher pay, class size, and principal discretion in issues of displacement the two sides are not far apart. In their proposals dated September 17, Tacoma Public Schools and Tacoma Education Association both advocate a process with multiple measures to include a role for seniority.
I encourage the development of a robust evaluation process guided by rubrics developed on the basis of established research and tested practice. Additionally, I urge that to best serve their primary role of educating our students, Tacoma teachers must receive from the District full support, fair wages, and generative contractual agreements.
I note Pierce County Superior Court Judge Bryan Chushcoff’s admonition to both parties that they make public their proposals and I share his hope that an agreement will be reached before September 27. A return to the bargaining table, which I am happy to see, is the necessary first step for the speedy resumption of regular school that all conscientious parties desire and that all Tacoma students and their families deserve.
The ongoing challenges of Tacoma School District are well documented and we need to get back to addressing those challenges on behalf of our 28,000 students. This is our public trust. Therefore, with the strike behind us the work of rebuilding will have to begin.
Rebuilding trust across the various elements of the Tacoma School District, especially between the administration and teachers, is one of the main assignments I expect to take on as a member of the board should I be elected. The ongoing strike and the breakdown of trust which has undermined the bargaining process have made this assignment more pressing and more difficult. Still, it is work that we must undertake and with some urgency.
Vialle
Karen Vialle: During my career in public office, I have never been known to dodge hard questions. However, in this instance, I do not feel that it is appropriate for school board candidates to interject themselves into the ongoing labor negotiations between TPS administration and the teachers union.
During my tenure as Mayor, the city had a strike in 1992 which proved to be very divisive. Healing the divisions was difficult at best. In a strike no one wins.
If I refrain from making comments that might be construed as taking sides, I will be a position, if I am elected, to help reestablish trust between teachers, the School Board, administration and, most importantly the citizens of Tacoma. Then we can move forward with the common goal of improving the quality of Tacoma Public Schools.
It has been 33 years since TPS had a strike. If I am elected I will ask for a thorough review of the bargaining process to determine what processes need to be changed. Actions need to be taken so as to minimize such situations in the future.
There is one area I will comment on: the lack of free or reduced lunches available to our most needy kids during the duration of the strike. The district has budgeted for the food and for the kitchen staff that normally provide these services. I would like to call upon the administration as soon as possible to set up school sites as is done in the summer
Golding headed out soon
A Tacoma School Board incumbent will leave office at the end of this year, as results from the Aug. 16 primary election were certified Wednesday and no automatic recount was triggered.
MATT MISTEREK AND SARA SCHILLING; Staff writers Published: 09/01/1112:05 am
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/09/01/1804451/golding-headed-out-soon.html#ixzz1Wo3uqaxb
45 votes separate No. 2 and 3 Tacoma School Board hopefuls
Two candidates for Tacoma School Board remain just inches apart following a count of additional ballots from Tuesday’s primary election
DEBBIE CAFAZZO; Staff writer Published: 08/17/11 6:49 pm | Updated: 08/18/11 6:33 am
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/17/1786367/45-votes-separate-no-2-and-3-tacoma.html#ixzz1VOmDqW2K
Two candidates for Tacoma School Board remain just inches apart following a count of additional ballots from Tuesday’s primary election.
On Wednesday, the Pierce County Auditor’s Office reported that in the race for Position 5, challenger Kim Washington remained ahead of incumbent Kim Golding by 45 votes.
Karen Vialle, a former Tacoma mayor and current substitute teacher in Tacoma, was the leader in that four-way race, with more than 51 percent of the votes cast.
Washington, an administrator at Clover Park Technical College, has 20.11 percent and Golding, a respiratory therapist running for her second six-year term on the board, has 19.92 percent.
The top two vote-getters will move on to the general election in November. More ballots will be counted Thursday afternoon. The auditor’s office estimates that about 600 ballots remain to be counted countywide, based on the number of ballots mailed out to voters.
Ballots must be postmarked no later than the Aug. 16 election day. Election results are scheduled to be certified Aug. 31.
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/17/1786367/45-votes-separate-no-2-and-3-tacoma.html#ixzz1VOmRApjX
On Wednesday, the Pierce County Auditor’s Office reported that in the race for Position 5, challenger Kim Washington remained ahead of incumbent Kim Golding by 45 votes.
Karen Vialle, a former Tacoma mayor and current substitute teacher in Tacoma, was the leader in that four-way race, with more than 51 percent of the votes cast.
Washington, an administrator at Clover Park Technical College, has 20.11 percent and Golding, a respiratory therapist running for her second six-year term on the board, has 19.92 percent.
The top two vote-getters will move on to the general election in November. More ballots will be counted Thursday afternoon. The auditor’s office estimates that about 600 ballots remain to be counted countywide, based on the number of ballots mailed out to voters.
Ballots must be postmarked no later than the Aug. 16 election day. Election results are scheduled to be certified Aug. 31.
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/17/1786367/45-votes-separate-no-2-and-3-tacoma.html#ixzz1VOmRApjX
One new voice or two on Tacoma board
At least one new voice – possibly two – will join the five-member Tacoma School Board as a result of Tuesday’s primary election.
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/17/1785244/one-new-voice-or-two-on-tacoma.html#ixzz1VOikIpqY
DEBBIE CAFAZZO; Staff writer Published: 08/17/1112:05 am | Updated: 08/17/1111:54 am
At least one new voice – possibly two – will join the five-member Tacoma School Board as a result of Tuesday’s primary election.
University of Puget Sound professor Dexter Gordon and Scott Heinze, a businessman active in the volunteer group Communities in Schools, will advance to the November general election, early returns indicate.
Both newcomers competed for the Position 3 seat to replace current board member Jim Dugan, who did not run.
In the contest for Position 5, incumbent Kim Golding, first elected to the board in 2005, and challenger Kim Washington, an administrator at Clover Park Technical College, were in a close race to see who would face Karen Vialle, a former Tacoma mayor and City Council member who works as a substitute teacher in Tacoma.
Vialle had a strong lead in early returns Tuesday, while Washington was running less than a percentage point ahead of Golding.
Golding must beat Washington in the primary to make it to the November ballot. If she doesn’t, Washington would face Vialle, guaranteeing the board will gain a second new member.
Tensions in the school district have been high over the past year as the board agreed to close two elementary schools to cope with state budget cuts.
Superintendent Art Jarvis, who faced public criticism during the school closure debate, announced that he will retire at the end of the upcoming school year. On Thursday, the board plans to evaluate in-house applicants for his job.
And the school district has called on a state mediator to intervene in contract talks with its teachers. The contract expires Aug. 31 – the day before the scheduled first day of the new school year. The teachers’ union has complained about the district’s use of an outside negotiator, and about the slow pace of negotiations.
Board candidates reached Tuesday night said they’re hoping for a quick resolution. Heinze said the clock is ticking and that there appear to be big issues still unresolved.
“My hope is that they would come together in the best interests of the students and the community and be able to start school Sept. 1,” he said.
Gordon said that, no matter how contract talks evolve, the next board must rebuild relationships between the district and its teachers.
“That, for me, will need to be a priority issue,” he said.
Vialle said she believes the outside negotiator “doesn’t have a stake in the process.” She said the board’s decision to hire that negotiator made her concerned that negotiations might hit an impasse.
“I am hoping beyond hope that we – the district and the teachers – are able to come up with a contract everybody can live with,” she said.
Washington and Golding did not return calls on deadline Tuesday.
SUBURBAN SCHOOLS
In perhaps the most confusing race on the primary ballot, voters in the Puyallup School District opted for a man who had earlier suspended his campaign, along with a woman who was a finalist for an appointment to the board in 2009.
Dane Looker, a former professional football player who volunteers as a high school sports coach, filed to run for the Position 2 seat in June. A month later he said he wanted to focus instead on a run for the state Legislature. Then last week, he said he would re-evaluate based on primary results.
Looker told The News Tribune he would serve on the School Board if he’s elected.
Therese Ngo Pasquier, development director for the Tacoma Philharmonic, has served on several community boards and on citizen committees for the school district, including a parent involvement task force.
She was slightly ahead of Looker on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, early returns showed voters in the Bethel School District favored longtime incumbent Joy Cook and her former challenger, David Hamwey, as their top choices to proceed to the November election.
Cook, a church office manager, said she wants to retain her seat on the board, even if she’s not sure how long she’ll hold it. Her husband has accepted a job out of state, and she has said she’ll stay in the school district for as long as it takes to sell her house and move.
Hamwey, a computer network manager, has run for school board before. He has cited his past career in teaching as one asset he would take to the board.
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/17/1785244/one-new-voice-or-two-on-tacoma.html#ixzz1VOjBMq50
At least one new voice – possibly two – will join the five-member Tacoma School Board as a result of Tuesday’s primary election.
University of Puget Sound professor Dexter Gordon and Scott Heinze, a businessman active in the volunteer group Communities in Schools, will advance to the November general election, early returns indicate.
Both newcomers competed for the Position 3 seat to replace current board member Jim Dugan, who did not run.
In the contest for Position 5, incumbent Kim Golding, first elected to the board in 2005, and challenger Kim Washington, an administrator at Clover Park Technical College, were in a close race to see who would face Karen Vialle, a former Tacoma mayor and City Council member who works as a substitute teacher in Tacoma.
Vialle had a strong lead in early returns Tuesday, while Washington was running less than a percentage point ahead of Golding.
Golding must beat Washington in the primary to make it to the November ballot. If she doesn’t, Washington would face Vialle, guaranteeing the board will gain a second new member.
Tensions in the school district have been high over the past year as the board agreed to close two elementary schools to cope with state budget cuts.
Superintendent Art Jarvis, who faced public criticism during the school closure debate, announced that he will retire at the end of the upcoming school year. On Thursday, the board plans to evaluate in-house applicants for his job.
And the school district has called on a state mediator to intervene in contract talks with its teachers. The contract expires Aug. 31 – the day before the scheduled first day of the new school year. The teachers’ union has complained about the district’s use of an outside negotiator, and about the slow pace of negotiations.
Board candidates reached Tuesday night said they’re hoping for a quick resolution. Heinze said the clock is ticking and that there appear to be big issues still unresolved.
“My hope is that they would come together in the best interests of the students and the community and be able to start school Sept. 1,” he said.
Gordon said that, no matter how contract talks evolve, the next board must rebuild relationships between the district and its teachers.
“That, for me, will need to be a priority issue,” he said.
Vialle said she believes the outside negotiator “doesn’t have a stake in the process.” She said the board’s decision to hire that negotiator made her concerned that negotiations might hit an impasse.
“I am hoping beyond hope that we – the district and the teachers – are able to come up with a contract everybody can live with,” she said.
Washington and Golding did not return calls on deadline Tuesday.
SUBURBAN SCHOOLS
In perhaps the most confusing race on the primary ballot, voters in the Puyallup School District opted for a man who had earlier suspended his campaign, along with a woman who was a finalist for an appointment to the board in 2009.
Dane Looker, a former professional football player who volunteers as a high school sports coach, filed to run for the Position 2 seat in June. A month later he said he wanted to focus instead on a run for the state Legislature. Then last week, he said he would re-evaluate based on primary results.
Looker told The News Tribune he would serve on the School Board if he’s elected.
Therese Ngo Pasquier, development director for the Tacoma Philharmonic, has served on several community boards and on citizen committees for the school district, including a parent involvement task force.
She was slightly ahead of Looker on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, early returns showed voters in the Bethel School District favored longtime incumbent Joy Cook and her former challenger, David Hamwey, as their top choices to proceed to the November election.
Cook, a church office manager, said she wants to retain her seat on the board, even if she’s not sure how long she’ll hold it. Her husband has accepted a job out of state, and she has said she’ll stay in the school district for as long as it takes to sell her house and move.
Hamwey, a computer network manager, has run for school board before. He has cited his past career in teaching as one asset he would take to the board.
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/17/1785244/one-new-voice-or-two-on-tacoma.html#ixzz1VOjBMq50
Fresh faces will vote for new Tacoma school superintendent
This year, the Tacoma School Board is poised to make one of the most important decisions school boards make: hiring a new superintendent. Art Jarvis plans to retire at the end of the school year that starts Sept. 1.
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/03/1769252/fresh-faces-will-vote-for-new.html#ixzz1VOjSDIjf
DEBBIE CAFAZZO; Staff writer Published: 08/03/1112:05 am | Updated: 08/05/1110:45 am
This This year, the Tacoma School Board is poised to make one of the most important decisions school boards make: hiring a new superintendent. Art Jarvis plans to retire at the end of the school year that starts Sept. 1.
Two of the five people who will make that decision will be determined by elections in the next few months. Each of the district’s two school board races has drawn four candidates in the Aug. 16 primary election, combining for the busiest races on this month’s ballot in Pierce County:
• For Position 3, a seat being vacated by incumbent Jim Dugan, who has chosen not to run again, the candidates are Dexter Gordon, Betsy Elgar, Andrew K. Milton and Scott Heinze.
• For Position 5, the candidates are Kim Washington, Karen Vialle, Joseph Devlin and incumbent Kim Golding.
The races have attracted considerable cash, with Gordon and Vialle both raising more than $10,000 as of Tuesday and Heinze drawing more than $8,000, according to records filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission. The two top fundraisers, Gordon and Vialle, have also earned an endorsement from the political action committee of the Tacoma Education Association, the teachers union. They both also list endorsements from the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective and education advocacy group Stand for Children.
A few candidates – Washington, Elgar and Devlin – said they avoided seeking campaign donations and endorsements; they prefer that voters focus on candidates’ individual views.
Incumbent Golding lists among her endorsements several former school board members, local state legislators, city and county council members, and the district’s paraeducators union.
Heinze supporters include city, county and state elected officials, his former employer U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, and the Pierce County Central Labor Council.
Milton, a teacher, runs a Facebook page soliciting support from fellow teachers.
WHO THEY ARE
Gordon grew up in Jamaica, one of 14 children, the son of a fisherman. The college professor has sent his kids to public schools. He credits his fifth-grade public school teacher with encouraging his aspirations.
“I want to be part of a system that ensures every single one of the 28,000 students in our charge now have that opportunity,” he said.
Gordon is passionate about addressing the achievement gap for minority and poor students. It took too long for Tacoma to acknowledge the problem, he said, and there’s still resistance to addressing it.
If elected, he said, the call for change “is going to be issued again and again and again, until we get it.”
Elgar, the daughter of parents born in the Phillippines, grew up on the East Coast and in California. She says she’s running because of the issues of discrimination and racism; she’s also concerned about school safety and child care.
Milton, who publishes an online blog about education issues, said he’s listening to families and faith-based groups in the city to find out what they want in their schools.
“I’m not very politically savvy,” he said. But as a classroom teacher in another district, he said he understands the concerns of teachers on issues such as testing.
Heinze, who works with a group that offers services in some of the city’s struggling schools, said he’s committed to public education for his children.
But he said other parents are leaving for neighboring districts or private schools. He wants to restore public confidence in Tacoma schools, starting with a 10-year plan.
Washington wants to encourage more cooperation between K-12 and college education, especially when it comes to preparing students for education after high school. She has worked on racial-, ethnic- and disability-related diversity issues in higher education. But she said she’s running to “bring another perspective, a fresh eye.”
Vialle said her experience as a substitute teacher has led her to conclude that the school district could benefit from her past political experience.
“I have the ability to build coalitions,” she said.
She wants more autonomy for principals, schools and teachers to tailor education to each school’s needs. She said there’s solid research that proves children in poverty often lack social and academic skills when they start school.
“Those kids, if given the right tools, are going to excel,” she said.
Devlin, a Foss High School graduate, said he was inspired to run after an encounter with a young fast-food worker who didn’t know how to make correct change.
“Where did basic education go?” he asked. He said kids are not taught how to learn, but how to take tests.
Golding said she wants to finish the work she’s started on the board, including using data to improve teaching, meeting goals the board has already set and putting the district’s Achievement Gap Committee plan into action.
She said being on the board has taught her that change doesn’t always come quickly. There are many behind-the-scenes improvements the public doesn’t hear about, she said.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Here’s how candidates responded to questions in interviews with a News Tribune reporter.
What will you look for in a new superintendent?
Gordon: Competency, courage, the ability to improve student performance, creativity, innovation, someone interested in creating an inviting environment for parents.
Elgar: “I would like him to listen to parents.”
Milton: “A commitment to servant leadership … people in leadership ought to be serving the people at the bottom so they can succeed.”
Heinze: Someone who can “set a community expectation for a high-performance district, where all children succeed.” Someone who recognizes the needs of a diverse population dealing with poverty and who has experience serving a district the size of Tacoma.
Washington: Look within Tacoma schools first: “I want to know who’s in the system who is ready to take responsibility. We need our own people.”
Vialle: Someone with a previous leadership position in a “large, diverse, urban school district with a record of increasing student achievement.”
Devlin: A leader with a “thick skin,” willing to make tough decisions, who puts kids first and wants to interact with families.
Golding: Someone who inspires, mentors and “works hard at continuous improvement.” A leader who understands Tacoma.
This year, the school board closed two elementary schools to deal with budget cuts. What other budget ideas do you have?
Gordon: Save money on recruiting by hiring teachers from within the substitute pool. Do a better job representing Tacoma schools’ interests in Olympia, where funding decisions are made.
Elgar: “There are teachers who are homeless.” Teachers and paraeducators should receive a living wage. Use federal grants.
Milton: Before schools are closed, the district should develop a “rubric” to guide closures and let the community discuss it. Control administrative spending and cut the number of tests to save money.
Heinze: Work better with federal and state lawmakers who determine funding. Look at which programs are working and “right-size our inventory.” Get ahead of and plan for future changes.
Washington: Create more partnerships with higher education, share common courses online.
Vialle: Require informal bids on low-budget projects. Have a master plan that governs school closures, if they are necessary due to enrollment declines. Involve the wider community, including parents, businesses and others in budget decisions.
Devlin: Comb the budget line-by-line. Ask employees for ideas on what to cut. Look long term in making budget plans, and be transparent with the public.
Golding: “We know we need to downsize if we don’t have revenue coming in.” But she sees positives in the closure discussions. It has prompted changes at schools such as Foss, where new programs may boost enrollment that had been lagging. Zero in, she says, on what is important in professional development for teachers and others.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/03/1769252/fresh-faces-will-vote-for-new.html#ixzz1VOk57lDvear, the Tacoma School Board is poised to make one of the most important decisions school boards make: hiring a new superintendent. Art Jarvis plans to retire at the end of the school year that starts Sept. 1.
Two of the five people who will make that decision will be determined by elections in the next few months. Each of the district’s two school board races has drawn four candidates in the Aug. 16 primary election, combining for the busiest races on this month’s ballot in Pierce County:
• For Position 3, a seat being vacated by incumbent Jim Dugan, who has chosen not to run again, the candidates are Dexter Gordon, Betsy Elgar, Andrew K. Milton and Scott Heinze.
• For Position 5, the candidates are Kim Washington, Karen Vialle, Joseph Devlin and incumbent Kim Golding.
The races have attracted considerable cash, with Gordon and Vialle both raising more than $10,000 as of Tuesday and Heinze drawing more than $8,000, according to records filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission. The two top fundraisers, Gordon and Vialle, have also earned an endorsement from the political action committee of the Tacoma Education Association, the teachers union. They both also list endorsements from the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective and education advocacy group Stand for Children.
A few candidates – Washington, Elgar and Devlin – said they avoided seeking campaign donations and endorsements; they prefer that voters focus on candidates’ individual views.
Incumbent Golding lists among her endorsements several former school board members, local state legislators, city and county council members, and the district’s paraeducators union.
Heinze supporters include city, county and state elected officials, his former employer U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, and the Pierce County Central Labor Council.
Milton, a teacher, runs a Facebook page soliciting support from fellow teachers.
WHO THEY ARE
Gordon grew up in Jamaica, one of 14 children, the son of a fisherman. The college professor has sent his kids to public schools. He credits his fifth-grade public school teacher with encouraging his aspirations.
“I want to be part of a system that ensures every single one of the 28,000 students in our charge now have that opportunity,” he said.
Gordon is passionate about addressing the achievement gap for minority and poor students. It took too long for Tacoma to acknowledge the problem, he said, and there’s still resistance to addressing it.
If elected, he said, the call for change “is going to be issued again and again and again, until we get it.”
Elgar, the daughter of parents born in the Phillippines, grew up on the East Coast and in California. She says she’s running because of the issues of discrimination and racism; she’s also concerned about school safety and child care.
Milton, who publishes an online blog about education issues, said he’s listening to families and faith-based groups in the city to find out what they want in their schools.
“I’m not very politically savvy,” he said. But as a classroom teacher in another district, he said he understands the concerns of teachers on issues such as testing.
Heinze, who works with a group that offers services in some of the city’s struggling schools, said he’s committed to public education for his children.
But he said other parents are leaving for neighboring districts or private schools. He wants to restore public confidence in Tacoma schools, starting with a 10-year plan.
Washington wants to encourage more cooperation between K-12 and college education, especially when it comes to preparing students for education after high school. She has worked on racial-, ethnic- and disability-related diversity issues in higher education. But she said she’s running to “bring another perspective, a fresh eye.”
Vialle said her experience as a substitute teacher has led her to conclude that the school district could benefit from her past political experience.
“I have the ability to build coalitions,” she said.
She wants more autonomy for principals, schools and teachers to tailor education to each school’s needs. She said there’s solid research that proves children in poverty often lack social and academic skills when they start school.
“Those kids, if given the right tools, are going to excel,” she said.
Devlin, a Foss High School graduate, said he was inspired to run after an encounter with a young fast-food worker who didn’t know how to make correct change.
“Where did basic education go?” he asked. He said kids are not taught how to learn, but how to take tests.
Golding said she wants to finish the work she’s started on the board, including using data to improve teaching, meeting goals the board has already set and putting the district’s Achievement Gap Committee plan into action.
She said being on the board has taught her that change doesn’t always come quickly. There are many behind-the-scenes improvements the public doesn’t hear about, she said.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Here’s how candidates responded to questions in interviews with a News Tribune reporter.
What will you look for in a new superintendent?
Gordon: Competency, courage, the ability to improve student performance, creativity, innovation, someone interested in creating an inviting environment for parents.
Elgar: “I would like him to listen to parents.”
Milton: “A commitment to servant leadership … people in leadership ought to be serving the people at the bottom so they can succeed.”
Heinze: Someone who can “set a community expectation for a high-performance district, where all children succeed.” Someone who recognizes the needs of a diverse population dealing with poverty and who has experience serving a district the size of Tacoma.
Washington: Look within Tacoma schools first: “I want to know who’s in the system who is ready to take responsibility. We need our own people.”
Vialle: Someone with a previous leadership position in a “large, diverse, urban school district with a record of increasing student achievement.”
Devlin: A leader with a “thick skin,” willing to make tough decisions, who puts kids first and wants to interact with families.
Golding: Someone who inspires, mentors and “works hard at continuous improvement.” A leader who understands Tacoma.
This year, the school board closed two elementary schools to deal with budget cuts. What other budget ideas do you have?
Gordon: Save money on recruiting by hiring teachers from within the substitute pool. Do a better job representing Tacoma schools’ interests in Olympia, where funding decisions are made.
Elgar: “There are teachers who are homeless.” Teachers and paraeducators should receive a living wage. Use federal grants.
Milton: Before schools are closed, the district should develop a “rubric” to guide closures and let the community discuss it. Control administrative spending and cut the number of tests to save money.
Heinze: Work better with federal and state lawmakers who determine funding. Look at which programs are working and “right-size our inventory.” Get ahead of and plan for future changes.
Washington: Create more partnerships with higher education, share common courses online.
Vialle: Require informal bids on low-budget projects. Have a master plan that governs school closures, if they are necessary due to enrollment declines. Involve the wider community, including parents, businesses and others in budget decisions.
Devlin: Comb the budget line-by-line. Ask employees for ideas on what to cut. Look long term in making budget plans, and be transparent with the public.
Golding: “We know we need to downsize if we don’t have revenue coming in.” But she sees positives in the closure discussions. It has prompted changes at schools such as Foss, where new programs may boost enrollment that had been lagging. Zero in, she says, on what is important in professional development for teachers and others.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/03/1769252/fresh-faces-will-vote-for-new.html#ixzz1VOk57lDv
Two of the five people who will make that decision will be determined by elections in the next few months. Each of the district’s two school board races has drawn four candidates in the Aug. 16 primary election, combining for the busiest races on this month’s ballot in Pierce County:
• For Position 3, a seat being vacated by incumbent Jim Dugan, who has chosen not to run again, the candidates are Dexter Gordon, Betsy Elgar, Andrew K. Milton and Scott Heinze.
• For Position 5, the candidates are Kim Washington, Karen Vialle, Joseph Devlin and incumbent Kim Golding.
The races have attracted considerable cash, with Gordon and Vialle both raising more than $10,000 as of Tuesday and Heinze drawing more than $8,000, according to records filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission. The two top fundraisers, Gordon and Vialle, have also earned an endorsement from the political action committee of the Tacoma Education Association, the teachers union. They both also list endorsements from the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective and education advocacy group Stand for Children.
A few candidates – Washington, Elgar and Devlin – said they avoided seeking campaign donations and endorsements; they prefer that voters focus on candidates’ individual views.
Incumbent Golding lists among her endorsements several former school board members, local state legislators, city and county council members, and the district’s paraeducators union.
Heinze supporters include city, county and state elected officials, his former employer U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, and the Pierce County Central Labor Council.
Milton, a teacher, runs a Facebook page soliciting support from fellow teachers.
WHO THEY ARE
Gordon grew up in Jamaica, one of 14 children, the son of a fisherman. The college professor has sent his kids to public schools. He credits his fifth-grade public school teacher with encouraging his aspirations.
“I want to be part of a system that ensures every single one of the 28,000 students in our charge now have that opportunity,” he said.
Gordon is passionate about addressing the achievement gap for minority and poor students. It took too long for Tacoma to acknowledge the problem, he said, and there’s still resistance to addressing it.
If elected, he said, the call for change “is going to be issued again and again and again, until we get it.”
Elgar, the daughter of parents born in the Phillippines, grew up on the East Coast and in California. She says she’s running because of the issues of discrimination and racism; she’s also concerned about school safety and child care.
Milton, who publishes an online blog about education issues, said he’s listening to families and faith-based groups in the city to find out what they want in their schools.
“I’m not very politically savvy,” he said. But as a classroom teacher in another district, he said he understands the concerns of teachers on issues such as testing.
Heinze, who works with a group that offers services in some of the city’s struggling schools, said he’s committed to public education for his children.
But he said other parents are leaving for neighboring districts or private schools. He wants to restore public confidence in Tacoma schools, starting with a 10-year plan.
Washington wants to encourage more cooperation between K-12 and college education, especially when it comes to preparing students for education after high school. She has worked on racial-, ethnic- and disability-related diversity issues in higher education. But she said she’s running to “bring another perspective, a fresh eye.”
Vialle said her experience as a substitute teacher has led her to conclude that the school district could benefit from her past political experience.
“I have the ability to build coalitions,” she said.
She wants more autonomy for principals, schools and teachers to tailor education to each school’s needs. She said there’s solid research that proves children in poverty often lack social and academic skills when they start school.
“Those kids, if given the right tools, are going to excel,” she said.
Devlin, a Foss High School graduate, said he was inspired to run after an encounter with a young fast-food worker who didn’t know how to make correct change.
“Where did basic education go?” he asked. He said kids are not taught how to learn, but how to take tests.
Golding said she wants to finish the work she’s started on the board, including using data to improve teaching, meeting goals the board has already set and putting the district’s Achievement Gap Committee plan into action.
She said being on the board has taught her that change doesn’t always come quickly. There are many behind-the-scenes improvements the public doesn’t hear about, she said.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Here’s how candidates responded to questions in interviews with a News Tribune reporter.
What will you look for in a new superintendent?
Gordon: Competency, courage, the ability to improve student performance, creativity, innovation, someone interested in creating an inviting environment for parents.
Elgar: “I would like him to listen to parents.”
Milton: “A commitment to servant leadership … people in leadership ought to be serving the people at the bottom so they can succeed.”
Heinze: Someone who can “set a community expectation for a high-performance district, where all children succeed.” Someone who recognizes the needs of a diverse population dealing with poverty and who has experience serving a district the size of Tacoma.
Washington: Look within Tacoma schools first: “I want to know who’s in the system who is ready to take responsibility. We need our own people.”
Vialle: Someone with a previous leadership position in a “large, diverse, urban school district with a record of increasing student achievement.”
Devlin: A leader with a “thick skin,” willing to make tough decisions, who puts kids first and wants to interact with families.
Golding: Someone who inspires, mentors and “works hard at continuous improvement.” A leader who understands Tacoma.
This year, the school board closed two elementary schools to deal with budget cuts. What other budget ideas do you have?
Gordon: Save money on recruiting by hiring teachers from within the substitute pool. Do a better job representing Tacoma schools’ interests in Olympia, where funding decisions are made.
Elgar: “There are teachers who are homeless.” Teachers and paraeducators should receive a living wage. Use federal grants.
Milton: Before schools are closed, the district should develop a “rubric” to guide closures and let the community discuss it. Control administrative spending and cut the number of tests to save money.
Heinze: Work better with federal and state lawmakers who determine funding. Look at which programs are working and “right-size our inventory.” Get ahead of and plan for future changes.
Washington: Create more partnerships with higher education, share common courses online.
Vialle: Require informal bids on low-budget projects. Have a master plan that governs school closures, if they are necessary due to enrollment declines. Involve the wider community, including parents, businesses and others in budget decisions.
Devlin: Comb the budget line-by-line. Ask employees for ideas on what to cut. Look long term in making budget plans, and be transparent with the public.
Golding: “We know we need to downsize if we don’t have revenue coming in.” But she sees positives in the closure discussions. It has prompted changes at schools such as Foss, where new programs may boost enrollment that had been lagging. Zero in, she says, on what is important in professional development for teachers and others.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/03/1769252/fresh-faces-will-vote-for-new.html#ixzz1VOk57lDvear, the Tacoma School Board is poised to make one of the most important decisions school boards make: hiring a new superintendent. Art Jarvis plans to retire at the end of the school year that starts Sept. 1.
Two of the five people who will make that decision will be determined by elections in the next few months. Each of the district’s two school board races has drawn four candidates in the Aug. 16 primary election, combining for the busiest races on this month’s ballot in Pierce County:
• For Position 3, a seat being vacated by incumbent Jim Dugan, who has chosen not to run again, the candidates are Dexter Gordon, Betsy Elgar, Andrew K. Milton and Scott Heinze.
• For Position 5, the candidates are Kim Washington, Karen Vialle, Joseph Devlin and incumbent Kim Golding.
The races have attracted considerable cash, with Gordon and Vialle both raising more than $10,000 as of Tuesday and Heinze drawing more than $8,000, according to records filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission. The two top fundraisers, Gordon and Vialle, have also earned an endorsement from the political action committee of the Tacoma Education Association, the teachers union. They both also list endorsements from the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective and education advocacy group Stand for Children.
A few candidates – Washington, Elgar and Devlin – said they avoided seeking campaign donations and endorsements; they prefer that voters focus on candidates’ individual views.
Incumbent Golding lists among her endorsements several former school board members, local state legislators, city and county council members, and the district’s paraeducators union.
Heinze supporters include city, county and state elected officials, his former employer U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, and the Pierce County Central Labor Council.
Milton, a teacher, runs a Facebook page soliciting support from fellow teachers.
WHO THEY ARE
Gordon grew up in Jamaica, one of 14 children, the son of a fisherman. The college professor has sent his kids to public schools. He credits his fifth-grade public school teacher with encouraging his aspirations.
“I want to be part of a system that ensures every single one of the 28,000 students in our charge now have that opportunity,” he said.
Gordon is passionate about addressing the achievement gap for minority and poor students. It took too long for Tacoma to acknowledge the problem, he said, and there’s still resistance to addressing it.
If elected, he said, the call for change “is going to be issued again and again and again, until we get it.”
Elgar, the daughter of parents born in the Phillippines, grew up on the East Coast and in California. She says she’s running because of the issues of discrimination and racism; she’s also concerned about school safety and child care.
Milton, who publishes an online blog about education issues, said he’s listening to families and faith-based groups in the city to find out what they want in their schools.
“I’m not very politically savvy,” he said. But as a classroom teacher in another district, he said he understands the concerns of teachers on issues such as testing.
Heinze, who works with a group that offers services in some of the city’s struggling schools, said he’s committed to public education for his children.
But he said other parents are leaving for neighboring districts or private schools. He wants to restore public confidence in Tacoma schools, starting with a 10-year plan.
Washington wants to encourage more cooperation between K-12 and college education, especially when it comes to preparing students for education after high school. She has worked on racial-, ethnic- and disability-related diversity issues in higher education. But she said she’s running to “bring another perspective, a fresh eye.”
Vialle said her experience as a substitute teacher has led her to conclude that the school district could benefit from her past political experience.
“I have the ability to build coalitions,” she said.
She wants more autonomy for principals, schools and teachers to tailor education to each school’s needs. She said there’s solid research that proves children in poverty often lack social and academic skills when they start school.
“Those kids, if given the right tools, are going to excel,” she said.
Devlin, a Foss High School graduate, said he was inspired to run after an encounter with a young fast-food worker who didn’t know how to make correct change.
“Where did basic education go?” he asked. He said kids are not taught how to learn, but how to take tests.
Golding said she wants to finish the work she’s started on the board, including using data to improve teaching, meeting goals the board has already set and putting the district’s Achievement Gap Committee plan into action.
She said being on the board has taught her that change doesn’t always come quickly. There are many behind-the-scenes improvements the public doesn’t hear about, she said.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Here’s how candidates responded to questions in interviews with a News Tribune reporter.
What will you look for in a new superintendent?
Gordon: Competency, courage, the ability to improve student performance, creativity, innovation, someone interested in creating an inviting environment for parents.
Elgar: “I would like him to listen to parents.”
Milton: “A commitment to servant leadership … people in leadership ought to be serving the people at the bottom so they can succeed.”
Heinze: Someone who can “set a community expectation for a high-performance district, where all children succeed.” Someone who recognizes the needs of a diverse population dealing with poverty and who has experience serving a district the size of Tacoma.
Washington: Look within Tacoma schools first: “I want to know who’s in the system who is ready to take responsibility. We need our own people.”
Vialle: Someone with a previous leadership position in a “large, diverse, urban school district with a record of increasing student achievement.”
Devlin: A leader with a “thick skin,” willing to make tough decisions, who puts kids first and wants to interact with families.
Golding: Someone who inspires, mentors and “works hard at continuous improvement.” A leader who understands Tacoma.
This year, the school board closed two elementary schools to deal with budget cuts. What other budget ideas do you have?
Gordon: Save money on recruiting by hiring teachers from within the substitute pool. Do a better job representing Tacoma schools’ interests in Olympia, where funding decisions are made.
Elgar: “There are teachers who are homeless.” Teachers and paraeducators should receive a living wage. Use federal grants.
Milton: Before schools are closed, the district should develop a “rubric” to guide closures and let the community discuss it. Control administrative spending and cut the number of tests to save money.
Heinze: Work better with federal and state lawmakers who determine funding. Look at which programs are working and “right-size our inventory.” Get ahead of and plan for future changes.
Washington: Create more partnerships with higher education, share common courses online.
Vialle: Require informal bids on low-budget projects. Have a master plan that governs school closures, if they are necessary due to enrollment declines. Involve the wider community, including parents, businesses and others in budget decisions.
Devlin: Comb the budget line-by-line. Ask employees for ideas on what to cut. Look long term in making budget plans, and be transparent with the public.
Golding: “We know we need to downsize if we don’t have revenue coming in.” But she sees positives in the closure discussions. It has prompted changes at schools such as Foss, where new programs may boost enrollment that had been lagging. Zero in, she says, on what is important in professional development for teachers and others.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/03/1769252/fresh-faces-will-vote-for-new.html#ixzz1VOk57lDv
School Board Candidate Interviews
conducted by Deb Blakeslee, Tacoma Council PTA Legislative Chair
Tacoma Council PTA is proud to share our electronic candidate forum for Tacoma School District # 10 director positions # 3 and # 5.
Tacoma Council PTA turned 100 years old this year. Washington State Parent-Teacher Association (WSPTA) began as an advocacy organization 106 years ago. PTA's motto is Every child – One voice. As that one voice for every child, PTA is open to parents, teachers, students, and community members.
PTA does not endorse candidates - we do inform our community about education issues.
We focused on several aspects of the education opportunity gap also known as the achievement gap as well as other names. On July 7th we sent four questions with links to education stories to all eight candidates. On July 23rd we audio-recorded candidates' answers. We gave each candidate one minute with a 15 second grace period. Responses were cut off at one minute and 20 seconds (in order to be fair to all candidates).
We need your informed help to choose the best leaders to provide us with the best education of all our children. These questions are just a start. We encourage you to contact the candidates with any additional questions you may have.
The four questions are listed below followed by candidates' answers. Candidate order is as they will appear on ballots. Questions # 1 and # 3 contain background information.
After each question, is a link to stories of parents, students, and community members within Tacoma (except those names followed by an asterisk* indicating stories important and relevant to Tacoma).
QUESTIONS
Question # 1: Regarding parent engagement, let me start with you as a candidate and potential elected leader for Tacoma School District. Once elected, how do you plan to represent voices of parents and students who may not have voted for school board members?
Background: One symptom of the Education Opportunity Gap is (lack of) parent engagement. Advisors to candidates tell candidates to knock on doors of people who voted three of the last four elections. Most frequent voters are 60 years old and older – few are parents and, well, no one under 18, the real consumers of our tax-funded public education. Candidate advisors also tell candidates not to spend more than 30 seconds with any potential voter. Most frequent voters live in higher income areas, not next door to struggling schools and Tacoma does not elect by location with the majority of school board members living in higher income locations. In 2009 only 20% of Tacoma's 100,000 registered voters voted for a school board member in the primary and 38% in the November general election.
Alicia Clapp http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/05/09/what-can-i-do-podcast-alicia-clapp/
Vicki Sobacek http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/21/what-can-i-do-podcast-vicki-scobacek/
Renee Harris http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/04/11/what-can-i-do-podcast-renee-harris/
Question # 2: At this time of focus on the Education Opportunity Gap, as an elected leader, how will you foster a culture / system to believe all kids can succeed?
Mt. Tahoma High School students http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/22/podcast-mount-tahoma-students/
Dennis Turner http://www.educationvoters.org/?s=dennis+turner
Wally Endicott* http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/22/what-can-i-do-podcast-wally-endicott/
Question # 3: What can we do as a district to get students who are behind in literacy up to grade level?
Background: Washington State PTA's #3 legislative priority for 2011 is literacy instruction. Tacoma's 2009-2010 MSP reading scores indicate between 46.9% and 65.7% of our students are proficient. http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/summary.aspx?schoolId=188&Org&reportLevel=District&year=2009-10
Velma Wright http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/21/what-can-i-do-podcast-velma-wright/
Felicia Reeves http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/04/04/what-can-i-do-podcast-felicia-reeves-followup/
Lynn Gilliland http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/21/what-can-i-do-podcast-lynn-gilliland/
Alison Meryweather http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/22/what-can-i-alison-meryweather/
~
Question # 4: What policies would you introduce, change, or promote to ensure our kids in lower income families succeed in education?
Jessica Hatley http://www.educationvoters.org/?s=jessica+hatleyy
Ed Loftin http://www.educationvoters.org/?s=ed+loftin
Solomon Simmons http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/04/18/what-can-i-do-podcastsolomon-simmons/
Tacoma Council PTA turned 100 years old this year. Washington State Parent-Teacher Association (WSPTA) began as an advocacy organization 106 years ago. PTA's motto is Every child – One voice. As that one voice for every child, PTA is open to parents, teachers, students, and community members.
PTA does not endorse candidates - we do inform our community about education issues.
We focused on several aspects of the education opportunity gap also known as the achievement gap as well as other names. On July 7th we sent four questions with links to education stories to all eight candidates. On July 23rd we audio-recorded candidates' answers. We gave each candidate one minute with a 15 second grace period. Responses were cut off at one minute and 20 seconds (in order to be fair to all candidates).
We need your informed help to choose the best leaders to provide us with the best education of all our children. These questions are just a start. We encourage you to contact the candidates with any additional questions you may have.
The four questions are listed below followed by candidates' answers. Candidate order is as they will appear on ballots. Questions # 1 and # 3 contain background information.
After each question, is a link to stories of parents, students, and community members within Tacoma (except those names followed by an asterisk* indicating stories important and relevant to Tacoma).
QUESTIONS
Question # 1: Regarding parent engagement, let me start with you as a candidate and potential elected leader for Tacoma School District. Once elected, how do you plan to represent voices of parents and students who may not have voted for school board members?
Background: One symptom of the Education Opportunity Gap is (lack of) parent engagement. Advisors to candidates tell candidates to knock on doors of people who voted three of the last four elections. Most frequent voters are 60 years old and older – few are parents and, well, no one under 18, the real consumers of our tax-funded public education. Candidate advisors also tell candidates not to spend more than 30 seconds with any potential voter. Most frequent voters live in higher income areas, not next door to struggling schools and Tacoma does not elect by location with the majority of school board members living in higher income locations. In 2009 only 20% of Tacoma's 100,000 registered voters voted for a school board member in the primary and 38% in the November general election.
Alicia Clapp http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/05/09/what-can-i-do-podcast-alicia-clapp/
Vicki Sobacek http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/21/what-can-i-do-podcast-vicki-scobacek/
Renee Harris http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/04/11/what-can-i-do-podcast-renee-harris/
Question # 2: At this time of focus on the Education Opportunity Gap, as an elected leader, how will you foster a culture / system to believe all kids can succeed?
Mt. Tahoma High School students http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/22/podcast-mount-tahoma-students/
Dennis Turner http://www.educationvoters.org/?s=dennis+turner
Wally Endicott* http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/22/what-can-i-do-podcast-wally-endicott/
Question # 3: What can we do as a district to get students who are behind in literacy up to grade level?
Background: Washington State PTA's #3 legislative priority for 2011 is literacy instruction. Tacoma's 2009-2010 MSP reading scores indicate between 46.9% and 65.7% of our students are proficient. http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/summary.aspx?schoolId=188&Org&reportLevel=District&year=2009-10
Velma Wright http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/21/what-can-i-do-podcast-velma-wright/
Felicia Reeves http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/04/04/what-can-i-do-podcast-felicia-reeves-followup/
Lynn Gilliland http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/21/what-can-i-do-podcast-lynn-gilliland/
Alison Meryweather http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/03/22/what-can-i-alison-meryweather/
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Question # 4: What policies would you introduce, change, or promote to ensure our kids in lower income families succeed in education?
Jessica Hatley http://www.educationvoters.org/?s=jessica+hatleyy
Ed Loftin http://www.educationvoters.org/?s=ed+loftin
Solomon Simmons http://www.educationvoters.org/2011/04/18/what-can-i-do-podcastsolomon-simmons/
Dexter Gordon Position #3
636 S Jackson Ave Tacoma WA 98465 (253) 678-3927 electdextergordon@gmail.com
www.electdextergordon.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/electdextergordon
www.electdextergordon.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/electdextergordon
Betsy Elgar Position #3
PO Box 474 Tacoma WA 98401 (253) 273-3278 georgecatpink98@yahoo.com
Andrew K. Milton Position #3
5601 N 14th St Tacoma WA 98406 (253) 223-7767 amilton1000@gmail.com
http://speakingofeducation.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002473513103
http://speakingofeducation.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002473513103
Scott Heinze Position #3
PO Box 6931 Tacoma WA 98417 (253) 459-0328 electscottheinze@gmail.comwww.electscottheinze.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/scott.heinze
http://www.facebook.com/#!/scott.heinze
Karen Vialle Position #5
952 S Fairview Dr Tacoma WA 98465 (253) 651-8208
krviall@comcast.net
www.electkarenvialle.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/kvialle1
krviall@comcast.net
www.electkarenvialle.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/kvialle1
Kim Golding Position #5
PO Box 7758 Tacoma WA 98417 (253) 906-8827
kg@nventure.comwww.votekimgolding.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Re-Elect-Kim-Golding/186543601397435
kg@nventure.comwww.votekimgolding.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Re-Elect-Kim-Golding/186543601397435
Joseph Devlin Position #5
Kim Washington Position #5
Election Primaries: Tuesday August 16, 2011
Ballots mailed out July 29
Be an Informed Voter
Every Voice Counts
School Board positions are Nonpartisan, 6 year terms
Voters' Pamphlet pdf
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/xml/abtus/ourorg/aud/elections/archives/pri11/2011primaryweb.pdf
Register to Vote:
http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/osos/en/voterinformation/Pages/RegistertoVote.aspx
Tacoma News Tribune Article 8/2/11
Fresh faces will vote for new Tacoma school superintendent
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/08/03/1769252/fresh-faces-will-vote-for-new.html#ixzz1U09DCRXc
This year, the Tacoma School Board is poised to make one of the most important decisions school boards make: hiring a new superintendent. Art Jarvis plans to retire at the end of the school year that starts Sept. 1.
See Local Area Candidates on TV 12
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?nid=715
Follow the link for schedule of TV 12 Candidate Interviews available on television and on-line.
Washington State PTA Nonpartisan Policy
According to Washington State PTA Bylaws and National PTA policies, PTAs may "not participate in or intervene in, directly or indirectly, any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office."
This includes every elected office, including school boards. This affects every local PTA unit in this association; every PTA council; and the State PTA itself.
Officers and directors of the association must exercise caution in this area. By virtue of holding an elected PTA position, the PTA can be jeopardized by inappropriate actions in the political area.
Any violation of this political campaign rule/law may result in fines, penalties, and/or revocation of the PTA’s tax-exempt status. Moreover, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will seriously consider complaints from the public that a charitable, educational, or social welfare organization is engaged in improper or illegal political campaign activity. Consequently, PTAs and their officers, directors, and volunteers must scrupulously avoid any appearance of political campaign activity on the part of PTA. The IRS is intent on closely monitoring the political arena for any indication that charitable, educational, and social welfare organizations, such as PTAs, have engaged in improper or illegal political campaign activities.
It is recognized that some PTA officers, directors, and volunteers may choose to participate on their own in the political process. PTA officers must separate his/her identity with PTA when personally participating in any partisan campaigning. This includes not mentioning/including a PTA title or affiliation in any campaign activities.
The following guidelines summarize the legal requirements governing political campaign activities by PTAs and are intended to assist the officers, directors, and volunteers in understanding those requirements in order to maintain their respective PTA’s tax exemption. The guideline is a brief abstract of those rules and a statement of PTA’s philosophy.
PTA represents parents and others concerned with the welfare of children and youth.
PTA has been advocating for children’s health, safety, education, protection, and general welfare for over a century.
PTA representatives should conform to the requirements of the law, both in service to PTA and in their personal affairs. They should observe high standards of conduct so that the integrity, independence, and tax exemption of PTA may be preserved.
When campaign activities are involved, these rules should be observed:
A. An officer, director, or volunteer of any PTA, acting solely in his or her individual capacity, may participate freely in the political process.
B. However, in one’s official capacity as an officer, director, or volunteer, an individual may not:(a) Act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization;(b) Make speeches for a political organization or candidate or publicly endorse a candidate for public office.(c) Submit funds for or pay an assessment or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate, attend political gatherings, or purchase tickets for political functions
Political Campaign Activities: Guidelines and Restrictions
Washington State PTA General Principles
Endorsements: PTAs may not make any statement (written or oral) supporting or opposing any candidate for public office. Thus, they cannot encourage votes for or against any candidate for public office, for example, via a speech or bulletin, or through an editorial position in a PTA newsletter. In addition, PTAs should avoid statements that indirectly support or oppose a particular candidate – for example, labeling a candidate as ‘pro-education’, using a + or – sign to evaluate candidates, or using biased voter education materials.
Financial and Other Support: A PTA may not provide financial support to any candidate or political action committee (PAC) or political party. In addition, it may not provide other forms of candidate support, such as volunteers, facilities, equipment, or mailing lists.
Partisan Campaign Literature: A PTA may not distribute campaign literature that supports or opposes a particular candidate or political party. In addition, the distribution of campaign literature on the premises of a PTA meeting should be avoided. Third party distribution of campaign material on public property (outside the building during a PTA event) should not be viewed as a PTA activity since the PTA lacks authority to control access to public property. If the PTA invites or suggests such distribution, however, complaints could be raised about political campaign activity.
Voter Education: Voter education activity consists of distribution during an election campaign of newsletters, pamphlets or other materials that include candidates’ statements or voting records, or the results of candidate polls or questionnaires. Whether such distribution constitutes political activity depends upon the format and content of the publications and the manner of their distribution. All polls, questionnaires, voter guides, and voting records should be very carefully reviewed prior to publication or distribution.
Voting records: The IRS has indicated that, during an election campaign a PTA may distribute the voting records of all members of the legislature on a wide range of subjects, only if the structure and content of the materials avoids bias. Materials would likely be considered biased if it indicates or implies that a legislator agrees or disagrees with the organization’s position, or that the organization agrees or disagrees with the legislator’s vote.
Candidate Questionnaires: Polling or submitting questionnaires to candidates concerning their positions on issues is considered a neutral activity. It is only when the results of the polls or questionnaires are disseminated during a campaign that issue of political activity arises. Results may be distributed to the general public as a voter guide during an election campaign provided the poll does not pose questions designed to make the candidate appear acceptable or unacceptable to the organization; the poll or questionnaire covers a wide range of issues selected on the basis of importance to the electorate as a whole; and the results of the poll/questionnaire are reported in an accurate, unbiased manner.
Nonpartisan Voter Registration Drives: Both the IRS and the Federal Elections Committee (FEC) permit a charitable, educational, or social welfare organization to sponsor voter registration drives and encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote, provided no bias for or against any candidate or political party is evident. The FEC requires all materials prepared for distribution to the general public in connection with the drive to include the full names of all drive sponsors.
Nonpartisan Public Forums, Debates, Lectures: A charitable, educational, or social welfare organization may sponsor an unbiased public forum, debate, or lecture in which candidates explain their views to the public. The sponsoring organization may not indicate its views on the issues being discussed, comment on candidates’ responses, or in any way indicate bias for or against any candidate.
Individual Political Action: Officers, directors, and members of any PTA, acting in their individual capacity, may participate freely in the political process. However, given the absolute prohibition on political campaign activities by PTAs, care should be taken to insure that no misunderstanding arises that individuals are acting as representatives of any PTA. For example, if a PTA official speaks at a campaign event supporting a particular candidate, they should not be introduced in their official capacity. Likewise, any written materials in which an individual’s name appears should not contain any mention of PTA or a PTA position held by the speaker.
Penalties: Because the political campaign activity prohibition is absolute, PTA must take the prohibition seriously. Any violation of the restriction may result in revocation of exempt status. Moreover, there are additional financial penalties for violation of the political campaign activity restriction which may be imposed on both the organization and on organization officers and directors. Conclusion
During an election campaign, PTAs remain free to address issues of concern to the organization and its membership, even when the issues are relevant to a campaign. However, such discussion must focus on issues, not candidates.
PTAs must remain extremely careful that their actions not drift into the prohibited campaign arena. In addition, PTAs must pay special regard to appearance, particularly since the IRS will consider complaints by citizens (including candidates) and other groups, including political parties, that an exempt organization is engaged in improper or illegal political campaign activity.
These guidelines are designed to serve as a resource for Washington State PTA local units and councils. If there are questions or concerns please contact the WSPTA office.
This includes every elected office, including school boards. This affects every local PTA unit in this association; every PTA council; and the State PTA itself.
Officers and directors of the association must exercise caution in this area. By virtue of holding an elected PTA position, the PTA can be jeopardized by inappropriate actions in the political area.
Any violation of this political campaign rule/law may result in fines, penalties, and/or revocation of the PTA’s tax-exempt status. Moreover, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will seriously consider complaints from the public that a charitable, educational, or social welfare organization is engaged in improper or illegal political campaign activity. Consequently, PTAs and their officers, directors, and volunteers must scrupulously avoid any appearance of political campaign activity on the part of PTA. The IRS is intent on closely monitoring the political arena for any indication that charitable, educational, and social welfare organizations, such as PTAs, have engaged in improper or illegal political campaign activities.
It is recognized that some PTA officers, directors, and volunteers may choose to participate on their own in the political process. PTA officers must separate his/her identity with PTA when personally participating in any partisan campaigning. This includes not mentioning/including a PTA title or affiliation in any campaign activities.
The following guidelines summarize the legal requirements governing political campaign activities by PTAs and are intended to assist the officers, directors, and volunteers in understanding those requirements in order to maintain their respective PTA’s tax exemption. The guideline is a brief abstract of those rules and a statement of PTA’s philosophy.
PTA represents parents and others concerned with the welfare of children and youth.
PTA has been advocating for children’s health, safety, education, protection, and general welfare for over a century.
PTA representatives should conform to the requirements of the law, both in service to PTA and in their personal affairs. They should observe high standards of conduct so that the integrity, independence, and tax exemption of PTA may be preserved.
When campaign activities are involved, these rules should be observed:
A. An officer, director, or volunteer of any PTA, acting solely in his or her individual capacity, may participate freely in the political process.
B. However, in one’s official capacity as an officer, director, or volunteer, an individual may not:(a) Act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization;(b) Make speeches for a political organization or candidate or publicly endorse a candidate for public office.(c) Submit funds for or pay an assessment or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate, attend political gatherings, or purchase tickets for political functions
Political Campaign Activities: Guidelines and Restrictions
Washington State PTA General Principles
Endorsements: PTAs may not make any statement (written or oral) supporting or opposing any candidate for public office. Thus, they cannot encourage votes for or against any candidate for public office, for example, via a speech or bulletin, or through an editorial position in a PTA newsletter. In addition, PTAs should avoid statements that indirectly support or oppose a particular candidate – for example, labeling a candidate as ‘pro-education’, using a + or – sign to evaluate candidates, or using biased voter education materials.
Financial and Other Support: A PTA may not provide financial support to any candidate or political action committee (PAC) or political party. In addition, it may not provide other forms of candidate support, such as volunteers, facilities, equipment, or mailing lists.
Partisan Campaign Literature: A PTA may not distribute campaign literature that supports or opposes a particular candidate or political party. In addition, the distribution of campaign literature on the premises of a PTA meeting should be avoided. Third party distribution of campaign material on public property (outside the building during a PTA event) should not be viewed as a PTA activity since the PTA lacks authority to control access to public property. If the PTA invites or suggests such distribution, however, complaints could be raised about political campaign activity.
Voter Education: Voter education activity consists of distribution during an election campaign of newsletters, pamphlets or other materials that include candidates’ statements or voting records, or the results of candidate polls or questionnaires. Whether such distribution constitutes political activity depends upon the format and content of the publications and the manner of their distribution. All polls, questionnaires, voter guides, and voting records should be very carefully reviewed prior to publication or distribution.
Voting records: The IRS has indicated that, during an election campaign a PTA may distribute the voting records of all members of the legislature on a wide range of subjects, only if the structure and content of the materials avoids bias. Materials would likely be considered biased if it indicates or implies that a legislator agrees or disagrees with the organization’s position, or that the organization agrees or disagrees with the legislator’s vote.
Candidate Questionnaires: Polling or submitting questionnaires to candidates concerning their positions on issues is considered a neutral activity. It is only when the results of the polls or questionnaires are disseminated during a campaign that issue of political activity arises. Results may be distributed to the general public as a voter guide during an election campaign provided the poll does not pose questions designed to make the candidate appear acceptable or unacceptable to the organization; the poll or questionnaire covers a wide range of issues selected on the basis of importance to the electorate as a whole; and the results of the poll/questionnaire are reported in an accurate, unbiased manner.
Nonpartisan Voter Registration Drives: Both the IRS and the Federal Elections Committee (FEC) permit a charitable, educational, or social welfare organization to sponsor voter registration drives and encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote, provided no bias for or against any candidate or political party is evident. The FEC requires all materials prepared for distribution to the general public in connection with the drive to include the full names of all drive sponsors.
Nonpartisan Public Forums, Debates, Lectures: A charitable, educational, or social welfare organization may sponsor an unbiased public forum, debate, or lecture in which candidates explain their views to the public. The sponsoring organization may not indicate its views on the issues being discussed, comment on candidates’ responses, or in any way indicate bias for or against any candidate.
Individual Political Action: Officers, directors, and members of any PTA, acting in their individual capacity, may participate freely in the political process. However, given the absolute prohibition on political campaign activities by PTAs, care should be taken to insure that no misunderstanding arises that individuals are acting as representatives of any PTA. For example, if a PTA official speaks at a campaign event supporting a particular candidate, they should not be introduced in their official capacity. Likewise, any written materials in which an individual’s name appears should not contain any mention of PTA or a PTA position held by the speaker.
Penalties: Because the political campaign activity prohibition is absolute, PTA must take the prohibition seriously. Any violation of the restriction may result in revocation of exempt status. Moreover, there are additional financial penalties for violation of the political campaign activity restriction which may be imposed on both the organization and on organization officers and directors. Conclusion
During an election campaign, PTAs remain free to address issues of concern to the organization and its membership, even when the issues are relevant to a campaign. However, such discussion must focus on issues, not candidates.
PTAs must remain extremely careful that their actions not drift into the prohibited campaign arena. In addition, PTAs must pay special regard to appearance, particularly since the IRS will consider complaints by citizens (including candidates) and other groups, including political parties, that an exempt organization is engaged in improper or illegal political campaign activity.
These guidelines are designed to serve as a resource for Washington State PTA local units and councils. If there are questions or concerns please contact the WSPTA office.
