North Clark County has more than a dozen contested races for city council, school board and fire commissioner seats in this month’s general election. The Reflector reached out to candidates ahead of the vote to get their thoughts on the challenges of their respective jurisdictions.
In some cases only one candidate responded to the request for answers. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.
Battle Ground Public Schools, District 2 position
Debra Johnson
Current employment: Assistant manager, Columbia River Mental Health Services
Moved into district: 1988
Reason for running: I was encouraged to run, and based on many of the school district reports I read, I felt a desire to help.
Biggest issues: Safety, graduation rates, attendance, teacher support and education, parental involvement are the biggest issues. I have several ideas about increasing attendance and graduation rates. I believe we can make our schools safer and stop the bullying — a zero tolerance for bullying and behaviors that inspire violence. The district should strive to have a positive learning environment and reward those striving toward excellence. We should address and support families that are having difficulty and offer additional supportive measures during school hours. The district should offer incentives for those reaching and striving for a high-quality education. Teachers need more support in order to support students that have behavioral concerns. We need them to be teaching, not being behavioral specialists.
Skills for the job: I bring to the table my experience of teaching young children for 27 years. I have an associate’s degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s in science in human development; training in school psychology; and being a foster parent for five years and an adoptive parent of four fantastic young adults. I have had years of experiences with all kinds of kids from different cultures, social economic groups, languages. The people in my district will decide if I am the best candidate for the position.
With the aging buildings toward the south of the district, BGPS may put forth a construction bond to address inadequacies in its facilities. Do you believe this is a necessary ask of taxpayers? Why or why not? I believe if the district will listen to the voice of the people they will let the district know if they feel their young people are receiving the quality education they deserve. Taxpayers don’t mind paying for a high-quality product. But if they don’t feel the taxes already being collected are being managed well, it wouldn’t benefit them to pay more for an education that isn’t meeting their expectations.
Though COVID-19 restrictions on learning are in the rear-view mirror, do you feel making up for learning loss during the time of remote learning is still a district priority? If so, how do you think the district can work to fill the gap?
I believe it is the responsibility of the district to provide an excellent basic education. I believe there are many professional retirees that could assist in helping our students gain the losses from COVID. I think the district should do everything in its power to assist with the students in offering additional assistance to fill in the gap.
National conversations on K-12 education have veered into claims of “indoctrination” in school districts. Do you believe there’s any merit to these concerns? How would you address similar claims by parents or community members?
I am concerned about what is being taught in our district. I believe there may be some valid “indoctrination” happening. I would listen with an open mind to what parents and community members report and request an internal investigation to be completed. I believe parents are a child’s first teachers.
Andrew Lawhon, incumbent
Current employment: attorney, Clark County judge pro tem
Moved into district: 2021
Reason for running:
In February 2023, a vacancy occurred on the school board. After a rigorous application and interview process, I was selected and appointed. I am running to retain my seat because I believe in the work that we as a board are doing to improve educational outcomes and positively affect the community.
Biggest issues:
The first most prominent issue that faces our district is community involvement. Parents are the primary educators of their children, and without their input, the district is unable to fulfill our responsibilities to those children. Second is the need for safety in a constantly changing environment. I have advocated for security upgrades to all of our facilities, many of which were not designed to respond to these issues. Finally, the third most prominent issue is achievement for all of our students, especially the neurodivergent. Achievement means meeting children where they are and taking them further, and I will continue to fight for all of our students.
Skills for the role:
As a lawyer and pro tem judge for Clark County, I am always seeking the best outcome for my clients and the community as a whole. As a father of seven children, my wife and I have extensively studied education in its different forms: public, private and homeschooling over the years. As a result, I have sought to improve the education of all of our students in the district while in office, as well as maintaining transparency with our community members.
Construction bond:
I am well aware of the ongoing need for improving the facilities at a number of the schools in the district. Discussions between board members and district administration are privileged, so I am not at liberty to comment on the specifics. The most important thing about this process is the need for community involvement, primarily through the district’s Citizens Advisory Committee and attendance at board meetings.
COVID-19 learning loss:
Learning — and enrollment — loss because of the pandemic is a reality that the district and board are committed to addressing. Some of the ways that this can be accomplished is through the transitional kindergarten program, alternative high school programs such as Summit View or River Homelink and the new Battle Ground Virtual Academy. I am committed to giving parents the options for each and every child’s achievement.
Indoctrination concerns:
Parents are the primary educators of their children, and the district’s role is to assist them in that sacred duty. If parents have any concerns about the quality of their children’s education, especially with regard to “indoctrination” of any kind, the board needs to be made aware. The board is accountable to the community, but we cannot intervene when we aren’t aware of the issue.
La Center School District Board of Directors, District 2 position
Shannon Cluphf
Current employment: Y of Portland
Moved into district: 2019
Reason for running:
I decided to run for school board after learning of the lack of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within our board.
Biggest issues:
We have a long list of issues within our board. No. 1, I want to address and complete an overview on current policies and procedures in regard to diversity and inclusion. We currently have policies that negatively impact our LGBTQIA+ community within our schools. Secondly, I would ask that our board not only consider, but make it mandatory, to have student involvement with the board. There have been so many school board meetings that students have spoken at, asking the board for help and nothing comes from it. Third, I would suggest the board work more closely with the teacher and staff unions, working more closely to better the classroom environment based around teacher and staff needs and concerns. And finally, but surely not last, I would want to address safety concerns within our schools. I would write new policy and ask for a vote on implementing more mental health support for our students and staff by adding safe space areas at each school where mental health providers would be on hand to help students and staff with all their mental health needs. I would also ask to work with Clark County law enforcement to add security to make rounds at all three of our schools.
Skills for the role:
What I bring is a new perspective, diversity and someone who can represent the residents of La Center without being a "yes" man. I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy. I have served on several boards including DEI. I’m someone who will listen to the needs of the community, stand up against inequity, fight for equality and be a voice for those who have been silenced by those currently serving our board. It's time for a change, and I will be the one to make that change and create a more diverse and accepting board.
Like most districts in the state, La Center has to balance its budget based on what revenue it can generate from the state and local levies. Do you believe the district is currently prioritizing its budgeting correctly? What would you change?
I have sat at so many board meetings where teachers and students alike have expressed needs for the classrooms and the board has listened but never acted. Our district has prioritized infrastructure, trade classes and cut arts funding in the process. They have also let go seven teachers in the last year and upped the classroom sizes to an average of 30 to 35 students. They have also been audited for $35,000. With the budget provided to us by the state and the size of our district, there is most definitely room to hire more teachers, create more elective classes and support more after-school clubs. I would make sure our board not only listens to the needs of teachers, students and staff, but also provides the tools needed to make our classrooms better for all. Our special education classrooms also lost half their budget and are suffering in consequence. I would make sure that those classroom teachers get all the support needed and are treated with the equity they deserve.
COVID-19 learning loss:
I have personally spoken to many teachers and have asked them this very question, and every time the answer is an overwhelming "no." I would want to push the board to work closely with teachers and ask their opinions and ideas for how we can further support our children to fill the gap. COVID was hard and felt by everyone. It deeply impacted our education system. We need a board that will work directly with those on the front lines, boots on the ground,and do everything possible to support them. Our teachers are the experts and they know what our children need to become great. Listening to them and finding ways to support them at any cost is and should always be the priority of a school board.
Indoctrination concerns:
This word "indoctrination" has been thrown around in board meetings by a small group of citizens in our town. It is directed towards our LGBTQIA+ community within our schools. We currently have school board members who have openly attacked the trans community through neighboring social media. Frankly, no one is attempting to "indoctrinate" children into being gay, trans, queer or otherwise. What we are fighting for is inclusion and equity. Everyone deserves to be seen and heard, no matter their race, sexual orientation or gender identity. We all deserve to be treated equally, and there should be no exception for our school district. It is the fear of something "different," the LGBTQIA+ community, being introduced to our area, but those who are considered "different" have always been here; they just finally have a community that will speak up for them and support them. We just need a board who is willing to be there for them as well. We live in a diverse world and this town should be no different. The policies passed in recent years and board members hired stating they would find "loopholes" around supporting our trans youth shows that homophobia is still alive today, in 2023, and in our little town. I want to be someone who stands up to homophobia. I want teachers, staff, students and members of our community who are a part of or ally to the LGBTQIA+ community to see they have representation on our school board.
Amanda Miller, incumbent
Current employment: Escrow agent
Moved into district: Raised in La Center, moved back in 2005
Reason for running:
When there was a vacancy on the board back in May of this year, I applied and was selected to fill the position. My husband and I moved back to La Center in order for our children to attend La Center schools. Between our three children and our four nieces, I have a strong interest in the quality of education La Center offers. Beyond our own family, it is vital that schools are providing all students with the opportunity for a high-quality education, enabling them to become productive members of society.
Biggest issues:
I believe there is a disconnect and remnants of distrust between school district administrators, teachers, community members and parents. By improving communication between parties, encouraging involvement and ensuring transparency with policies and finances, we can address these issues and move forward.
Skills for the role:
I understand what the position of board director entails, what the expectations are and what the limitations are. I am an avid learner. The challenge of making educating children better is my goal. I believe reviewing the past allows us to understand what changes are necessary to make the future better. Accumulating information from others and connecting people will bring stronger ideas to the table. This is a strength I pride myself on. I am a listener. I am good at hearing what people are really saying and then repeating to confirm that my understanding is correct. I am intrigued by how well unique personalities can work together positively and productively. It is important to me that parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement, which is what I would strive for.
Budget priorities:
I approve of our current budget priorities. I am appreciative of what taxpayers are currently paying for schools and do not support asking them for additional funds beyond what they are currently contributing. If the state requires additional mandates above what they are currently funding, I believe it is reasonable to also expect them to establish funding priorities for those. Streamlining how the state funds public education would lend an air of transparency to a process that is currently quite complicated. I also appreciate our teachers and staff that search for additional funding sources, such as applying for grants and earning donations from community partners.
COVID-19 learning loss:
We are still recovering from the effects of at-home learning. The district needs to continue to identify students who are not at grade level, then establish plans with parents, teachers and students. Timelines are important. Each year our students are behind, it will become more difficult for them to catch up.
Indoctrination concerns:
Yes, parents should be concerned with what is being taught to their students. Individuals have biases — their own history, thoughts and opinions that influence how they teach. Schools have a responsibility to involve parents. But parents also have a responsibility to be involved in the schools. If parents are involved in their student’s education, asking questions and holding their schools accountable, their concerns will be alleviated.
Ridgefield School District Board of Directors, District 2 position
Rob Peterson
Current employment: Sales manager for construction subcontractor
Moved into district: 2016
Reason for running:
Education is so important to me, to my family and to a thriving community. As a father of five, ages 12 to 2, I've got a front-row seat to the world of education right here in Ridgefield. I empathize with the concerns and hopes of fellow parents. Education runs deep in my veins: Both my parents dedicated their lives to teaching, my wife is a teacher, and I pursued an advanced degree because I firmly believe in the transformative power of education. After years of attending Ridgefield School District board meetings, volunteering in our schools and serving the youth of Ridgefield, I'm all in for our community. The chance to contribute to the success and limitless potential of not only my own children, but every single Ridgefield student, is something that truly excites me. Together, we can create a brighter future for our kids and our community. We are at a crucial moment in our district, and I believe I am the right person to help us move forward.
I know that the school board is meant to be the voice of you, our community members. I am committed to being that voice in an open, transparent and accessible way. I am dedicated to listening and learning from you, ensuring that your concerns are not just heard but acted upon.
I am deeply passionate about fostering a school environment where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Our family moved to Ridgefield seeking a supportive community to raise our children, and I want every child in this town to have access to a world-class education that nurtures their individuality, creativity and curiosity.
Biggest issues:
Finding the right leader for our district by hiring a superintendent is paramount. With over a decade of experience recruiting, hiring and managing senior professionals in the corporate world, I am confident in my ability to assist the board in choosing an exceptional superintendent.
Passing a bond is also important. Strong schools help students thrive, but they also benefit the whole community. Uniting the community behind an effort to address overcrowded schools demands fresh perspectives, open communication and meticulous resource management. Through my previous business experience, I bring a strategic approach, founded in careful planning, gap analysis and creative thinking. I’ll carefully consider innovative strategies, expert advice, community involvement and transparent communication to secure a successful bond for our overcrowded schools.
We need to ensure a school environment where all our students can learn and develop the academic and practical skills which will prepare them for success throughout their lives. By reinforcing academic and skill-based achievements, and meeting students with resources catered to where they are, we can empower our students to make meaningful contributions to our community and society as a whole.
Collaboration is key to our success. By fostering understanding and collaboration among teachers, parents and the district, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every voice matters. Trust is built through honest communication, and I am committed to ensuring transparency and open dialogue so every member of our community feels heard and valued.
Skills for the role:
I bring more than a decade of hands-on experience identifying, hiring and managing senior-level professionals at national and multinational corporations. Selecting the right superintendent is key to our district's success. It demands someone who understands the complexities of education and effective leadership. My commitment to excellence and my ability to make well-informed decisions make me the ideal candidate for this critical task.
I have a master’s degree in business administration, with 10-plus years in senior or director-level roles. I have long-term experience navigating complex financial situations and being responsible for large budget decisions.
I have served on national and regional boards representing thousands of members. In my professional life, I often work in teams alongside people who have differing interests, needs, goals and expectations. I believe “listening is learning.” I will proactively engage parents and all other stakeholders within the school system to ensure the best outcomes for all our students.
Notably, I firmly uphold the value of independence in decision-making. I believe school board directors should impartially serve all stakeholders. My campaign is free from any influence by special interest groups or political party. Every dollar comes exclusively from private donors right here in Ridgefield, ensuring that I can remain a genuine advocate for the entire school community.
Ridgefield has attempted to run construction bonds to address overcrowding unsuccessfully several times in the past few years. Do you believe the district should try again next year? Why or why not?
Yes, passing a bond isn't just a want — it's a necessity. Addressing overcrowding in a growing community demands fresh perspectives and meticulous resource management. I bring a strategic approach, founded in careful planning, gap analysis and innovative thinking beyond what the district has already done. I am committed to exploring innovative ideas, seeking expert advice, listening to community feedback, ensuring transparent communication and utilizing my business expertise to ensure the success of the bond, benefiting our schools and our children.
COVID-19 learning loss:
Yes, this is definitely still a district priority. In the most recent school board meeting, the district shared student achievement data covering the last several years. Learning loss during the period of remote learning was apparent from the data. This gap was noted by the district and board representatives and was discussed for several minutes during the meeting. The district is working to address these gaps by providing “what I need” time in each student’s schedule. This is time dedicated to helping students in whatever area they might need. The district can also continue to hire and retain the best teachers who work hard to identify learning gaps in their students and mobilize appropriate resources to address those gaps.
Indoctrination concerns:
Now more than ever, parents are invested in what their children are learning and experiencing at school. I believe that any concern raised by a parent or community member is based in sincerity and is valid to them and, therefore, has merit and is worth considering. I am committed to listening to concerns from all parents and community members. I would address these concerns head on, through listening and creating a safe space for open dialogue.
Amber Baker
Current employment: Owner and operator, Red Truck Farm
Moved into district: 2011
Reason for running:
Since joining this community over a decade ago, I’ve watched as we’ve grown and changed, and I’ve seen the monumental effect growth has had on our schools. Some of the impact has been hugely positive — new, friendly faces in our community, more opportunities for extracurricular enrichment, a growth of business and thus opportunities for community partnerships with our schools.
But, of course, with growth come the inevitable growing pains. There have been some tough times over the last few years in Ridgefield schools, culminating in a series of failed bonds, strikes and disunity. I love this town, and it has pained me to see such discord in the educational institutions that define so much of what makes Ridgefield great. After the difficulties of the last few years, and many discussions with people from all over our community, it became clear to me that our community needed to heal and that I could help foster that process as a member of the Ridgefield School Board of Directors.
The leaders on our school board don’t always have the easiest job, and they have a lot of weight on their shoulders: They’ll be responsible for hiring our new superintendent. They help set and approve a budget that requires attentive stewardship, and they provide guidance for goals and policies that will ensure the success and support of our students.
These are the kind of challenges that I think my professional and personal experience is uniquely suited to, and I look forward to working with our community to take them on.
Biggest issues:
I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few years listening to people in our community — parents, educators, administrators, students and residents with no direct connection to our schools. There are so many things that people think Ridgefield School District does well. Most people share a deep appreciation for educators, office staff and administrators at our school buildings.
But many of these same people have very real concerns about how our school district is not meeting the mark. Some feel there is a lack of trust, transparency and communication between Ridgefield School District and the families and students whom they serve. We’ve seen bonds fail and teachers strike, and it all seems to come back to the same conversation: Why does this keep happening? I think the first step we need to take to rebuild trust in our school district is to foster respect and transparency and open up communication. As a board member, I would explore options for citizen advisory groups for our budgeting and strategic planning processes as a district. I would work with the rest of the board to share more information about why and how decisions are being made during board meetings. Finally, I will continue to make myself available to meet with community members on a regular basis through structured coffee hours, or walks at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, and continued participation in school events, understanding that not everyone is able to make time for an extra meeting beyond work and family activities.
Beyond improvements in communication, our community also continues to grow rapidly, and Ridgefield schools are facing serious overcrowding. Despite this, we have not been able to pass a bond for the last several years. The way we have addressed running bonds has not reached our community the way we had hoped that it would, and we need to be willing to explore additional strategies. As a district leader, I would encourage multiple approaches to get us across the finish line on passing a bond. I believe we need to reach out specifically to those who traditionally have voted against a bond and hear their reasoning as to why. That portion of our community should have their concerns heard so that we can begin to work together to address them. We should also increase outreach and education regarding the senior tax deferral program, reach out to our newest residents with information about the need for a bond, engage more community members in the bond design process, and strongly consider the hiring of a professional campaign manager to lead the process.
Skills for the role:
With over a decade of experience working in the non-profit sector and 15 years as a small-business owner, I am highly qualified for this role. I have hands-on experience with budgeting and fiscal management from my time working in both nonprofits and the farm business. I know how to manage budgets with tight margins.
I have served as a board member for multiple nonprofits in the region and worked as the program director for Village Gardens, a community food initiative. During my tenure at Village Gardens, I supported high school-aged students to expand their neighborhood market garden project to a farm-scale business and developed youth leadership and employment training programs. I also supported other food-based micro-enterprise development and facilitated a two-year community-based business planning process to launch what became a national model non-profit healthy corner store in a community with few grocery options.
These initiatives helped me build my skills in community engagement, facilitation, group strategic planning, business planning and creating relationships with people from all walks of life. Through these projects I had the opportunity to build collaborative partnerships with local governments, private businesses and land-owners, farmers, grocery consultants, public housing community leaders, other nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, youth leaders and their families, public health leaders, housing officials and universities. While working at Village Gardens, I also completed a 16-month leadership fellowship created in partnership between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Center for Creative Leadership focused on bringing Fortune 500 executive leadership training to the nonprofit sector.
Most importantly, I am an active and enthusiastic member of our Ridgefield community. I run a local business, I volunteer in our schools, I’ve coached youth soccer (go Thunder Sisters) and taught kids how to plant food in their backyards. I love Ridgefield, and I love what we have the potential to become when we all work together to help each other to succeed. I want to help lead us there.
Ridgefield construction bond:
Of course, it is essential to pass a bond to build more schools for our growing community. However, deciding when to ask again for a bond requires collaborative decision-making among the board, district staff, the new superintendent when they are hired and the residents of our community. Before we decide to run a bond, we need to work together to figure out why we haven’t had success in passing the last few. The school board and the district office need to lead an effort to reach out to people who traditionally do not support bonds and get to the root of what we need to do to win their support. As a school board member, I will make it my highest priority to help facilitate those conversations.
COVID-19 learning loss:
Our families, students, educators and administrators have been working tirelessly for the last few years to recover from the learning loss and the social and emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are not challenges that can be overcome quickly or with simple solutions.
As we continue to see our students and schools heal from such difficult times, we must still strive to support them in whatever way we can.
The district can support this recovery by continuing to seek resources and funding for school counselors and psychologists, by finding new ways to support academic intervention for students needing to make up for learning losses — the district has recently contracted with “Paper,” a free tutoring service that can provide homework help and study tools for our students — and by seeking frequent feedback from our educators in classrooms as to what can best help them give our students what they need to get back on track. Recent school improvement plan reports shared at a school board meeting by building administrative teams also highlighted the correlation between attendance and test scores. As a school district we need to look at why some students are missing more school than others. We need to make sure that our educational environments are safe and welcoming places for everyone and that our families have the support they need.
Indoctrination concerns:
What I have seen, heard and experienced in the Ridgefield School District is that educators and administrators alike are committed to maintaining a learning environment where students are encouraged to become critical thinkers and supported to learn how to approach their core subjects with exposure to multiple perspectives. Teachers are expected to — and do — adhere to district-approved curriculum.
I am eager to hear from parents and community members on all sides, whatever the issue or need. As a district, we need to develop some format where listening and collaboration are possible, valued and occur regularly. It takes a village, and Ridgefield is, and will continue to be small enough for everyone to feel connected, engaged and respected. I would like to help build a community where we achieve this goal.
Woodland Public Schools Board of Directors, District 1
Katie Nichols
Current employment: Small-business owner
Moved into district: 2005
Reason for running:
When our school levy had a double failure, I started getting involved and paying more attention since it’s so unusual for a levy to fail. I started to feel that there was a disconnect from our board, administration and our community.
Biggest issues:
I feel that our school budget has been a big topic and that brings other issues we have, which are our current curriculum, safety protocols, the lack of communication between the district and our community. I would stand my ground to help get the change that is needed instead of not voicing any input at all and make sure that there is a curriculum committee in place and continue to find and make sure our schools are operating with safety as a top priority.
Skills for the role:
I feel being a business owner and a parent of three Woodland students gives me a great advantage. I understand how money should operate in a business, and I know what’s important to parents and community members. It’s impossible for everyone to be happy when big decisions are being made, but every voice should be heard and addressed. Running a business, I’ve learned that there are hard decisions that need to be made to be able to keep the business operating. I’m not a politician, so what you see and hear is what you get. I’m not going to make a statement that isn’t true. I love my little town and really want the best for all the kids in our district.
With the double failure of this year’s levy renewal, how do you feel the district should approach the reality of a budget without the extra support? Is going out for another vote in 2024 necessary, or do you believe WPS can manage without it?
I believe that the district does need a levy, but right now understanding that times are hard for everyone, that needs to be a factor when revising a new budget. The district has already made several cuts, and it’s able to sustain but it definitely can’t sustain forever without levy money. I believe we need to look into what is truly needed.
Not offering sports in middle school and limiting it to just junior varsity and varsity for high school is taking too much away from these students who strive to do well in school to play sports. Not being able to offer vocational opportunities for kids that aren’t looking for college as their next step really is a bummer. We need to look at getting our schools back to the way a school is meant to be, and that is teaching students a general education and preparing them for adulthood. School is for teachers to teach a solid and strong education to students, and home is where parents should be talking with their kids about personal values.
COVID-19 learning loss:
The board makes goals for the superintendent to implement among his staff. So while the board makes the goals and monitors progress, it is up to the team of staff/teachers to implement and get results. While I believe the ultimate responsibility does lie upon the board, state laws and mandates can affect reaching these goals. Discipline is an essential part of helping students stay focused but I've seen a lack of discipline in our schools and that directive comes from the top, the state legislature. We are seeing the consequences of no discipline when one disruptive student can hold up an entire class. I also believe in weekly tutoring sessions that take place during the school day. There is strong evidence that when tutoring is delivered frequently, in a group of no more than four to five students, it can lead to significant learning gains. Did we use all of our federal COVID-19 funding? This funding can be used for this. Coherent learning approach. Grade level core instruction focusing on both knowledge and skill for all students. Additional foundational skill instructions for students performing below benchmark. Intervention opportunities for students who continue to struggle even after additional foundational skill instructions.
This is not fair to the other students, so when I get elected, I will work within the Washington State School Directors Association and the Legislature to address these problems.
Indoctrination concerns:
Yes, I do believe there is merit in these claims, as I've witnessed it myself in our district just recently. The job of public schools is to academically educate students so they can be productive members of society and be successful in life after high school. We are seeing an influx of teachers and staff who are bringing their personal ideologies into the classroom that have nothing to do with reading, math or science. Since when do preferred pronouns help students to graduate? To get a good job? Not only in the K-12 setting, but in the state Legislature, they are making laws that undermine and hide information from parents. Kids can literally live double lives in school wearing different clothes, using different names, gender and pronouns, and, by law, teachers are to affirm and play along, all while keeping it a secret from the parents with the assumption parents will react violently. This is just absurd, and if that's not considered indoctrinating kids, I don't know what is. The very definition of indoctrinate is to instruct in a body of doctrine or principles, which we are seeing across the country in classrooms also with the LGBTQ issues. Now we have a social contagion in our schools that wouldn't be there if the government and activist teachers didn't bring it to the table. These issues are conversations that need to be within the families, not by anyone in the K-12 settings where students should be academically educated.
The way I would address this is to prohibit any teacher or staff from asking or requiring students for preferred pronouns, keeping them within the academic boundaries, and I would require that all ideological or political paraphernalia is kept out of our schools. The only flag we should see is the American flag. I would also include parents in all conversations that have to do with their child and never, ever keep secrets from them.
— Incumbent board member Sarah Stuart did not respond to The Reflector’s questionnaire request
