Smith, Norton for school board seats

Published 5:48 pm Thursday, July 16, 2015

On opposite ends of the county, the Lakewood and Edmonds school districts face many of the same issues that all school districts are facing, including residential growth in their districts, a new controversial testing regimen and looming changes in how the state funds basic education and what that means for school levies.

Each district has one school board race in the Aug. 4 primary election.

In Lakewood, voters have a choice between two district parents. Jahna Smith, whose youngest son recently graduated from Lakewood High, is an account manager for Aetna. Amy Williams, who has four children in Lakewood schools, is part owner of a small business in Stanwood. Smith was selected by the school board in May to complete the term of David Kiefer after he resigned. Voters will determine who completes the two years of the unexpired term. A third candidate’s name will appear on the ballot, but Karl Fitterer has announced that he has dropped from the race.

Both women have been active volunteers for the district; Williams as a classroom volunteer for 12 years, and Smith in the PTA and most recently in the successful bond election campaign for the new Lakewood High School.

Nor is their much disagreement between the two candidates on issues. Each is supportive of the district and its current leadership. Each also has concerns about the new Smarter Balanced Assessments. Both showed concern for the amount of classroom time consumed by preparation and in giving the tests, hoping some adjustments can be made. What shouldn’t happen, Smith said, would be the replacement of the test with yet another testing system. Both also are concerned about local districts giving up too much control to the state as to how their school levy revenue is used.

Both Smith and Williams were considered by the board when it selected Kiefer’s replacement. After interviews, the board selected Smith, 4-0. With candidates as equally matched, well-spoken and level-headed, we leave it to the board to break the tie and endorse Smith, with the hope that Williams will be considered in the future by voters or the board for a future vacancy.

In Edmonds, voters will choose among current board member Gary Noble, Mark Norton and Mary Murphy. Noble, a Lynnwood resident and retired Boeing engineer, is seeking his fourth term on the board. Norton, a Lynnwood resident is the transit security manager for Metro in King County. Murphy, also a Lynnwood resident, works part time for an area church. Murphy did not participate in an interview with the editorial board.

Again, little separates Norton and Noble on the issues or in their knowledge of the district and the issues it faces. Both say their children are what first drew their interest to the district.

While appreciative of the additional funding provided in the recently concluded legislative session, neither is convinced lawmakers will have satisfied the state Supreme Court mandate to show adequate progress in amply funding basic education. Without the Legislature committing to additional revenue for schools, neither believes the mandate has been met.

Regarding the state’s Smarter Balanced Assessment, both are generally supportive of it. Noble believes its worth is in directing learning in the classroom and less as a method of evaluating individual teachers. Norton believes the tests should have some role in teacher evaluation.

Each makes points that recommend them. Noble says it was a difficult duty during the recession to make cuts to district programs and now believes he has the background to know where to restore programs. Norton’s background in security has informed his thinking on how schools must now approach some sobering discussions on how we protect the children in our schools.

Either would serve the district very well, but with appreciation for Noble’s years of service, we endorse Norton for his drive and critical thinking.

Primary election Aug. 4

Ballots for eligible voters in Aug. 4 primary election have been mailed by the Snohomish County Auditor. Ballots must be mailed or returned to ballot drop boxes stationed throughout the county by Aug. 4. For a list of ballot drop boxes, go to tinyurl.com/SnoCoVoteBallotBox.