Introductory statements from unopposed school board candidates Phillips and White

Published 9:09 am Thursday, September 3, 2015

Edmonds School Board incumbent Diana White and former board member Susan Phillips both are running unopposed in the Nov. 3 general election.

White is running for a second four-year term representing director district 5. Phillips is running for the last two years of the term representing director district 4 that she won in 2013 but left in 2014, citing family reasons. She now seeks to return to the position after appointed board member April Nowak withdrew for family reasons of her own.

The positions are two of four Edmonds School Board positions on the November ballot. The School District includes Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Woodway, nearby unincorporated areas and part of Brier. Voters throughout the school district vote for each position, but candidates must live in the director districts they wish to represent.

White, the current board president, represents director district 5 in the northwest part of the school district, including the Meadowdale area and the northwest part of the city of Edmonds.

Phillips, a former board president, is running to represent director district 4, in the central part of the school district, including Lynnwood west of Interstate 5 and the northeast part of the city of Edmonds.

Two other Edmonds School Board positions also are on the November ballot.

Phillips and White recently sent statements introducing themselves to voters. Here are their statements:

Edmonds School Director District 4 (2-year unexpired term)

Susan Phillips: My name is Susan Phillips, and I am a candidate for Edmonds School District, Director District #4. My children have attended schools of Edmonds School District and I am committed to giving back to the community, which has provided a quality education for my children. I recently served on Edmonds School Board for seven years and was re-elected in 2013. I resigned last year due to a family emergency; it was a difficult decision, as serving on the board is a responsibility I take seriously and have a passion for.

I have been involved with Edmonds School District for more than 16 years, volunteering in classrooms, on field trips, with PTA, Parent Clubs, and Booster Clubs. This keeps me connected to the community and enables me to wisely make decisions in the interest of students. I have worked diligently to be a voice for all students.

I will support teachers and staff, and strengthen relationships between school, community and home. I consider the educational research, proven practices and community input when making decisions. I bring a well-rounded and open perspective. I am committed to Edmonds School District and I ask for your vote. I am fortunate to live in such an involved and caring community, and with your support I will continue my service as a school board member.

Edmonds School Director District 5 (4-year term)

Diana White: I have served on the Edmonds School board since 2011, including serving as President since December 2013 after an unexpected change in board leadership. I have been involved on the Health and Wellness committee and continue to raise awareness about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the need for more AED’s in our district. I proudly serve on the Equity of Opportunity committee whose goal is to bring equity to all students regardless of race, orientation or income level.

My volunteer work includes chairperson of the MHS Sports booster auction, after-school math tutoring programs and algebra club at two local elementary schools, Native American Education projects, and weekly volunteering to serve the disabled and homebound. My most challenging role was fundraising and building the new playground and walking track for Edmonds Elementary, where I worked with district and city personnel to oversee the project to completion.

Our youngest son attends Meadowdale Middle School. Our three older children graduated and now attend college. I also serve on the Board of Hazel Miller Foundation, a local philanthropic foundation based in Edmonds. My degree in finance from WSU and commercial insurance background has provided a solid background to analyze the difficult issues facing public education.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.