DARRINGTON — Money is tight in the Darrington School District, and deciding how best to spend and save is a major factor shaping the race for school board.
The candidates are caregiver Jentry Wright, Aron Harris, the assistant housing director for the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, and timber cutter Douglas Lenker.
Wright and Harris are political newcomers running for office for the first time. Both have children attending school in Darrington.
Harris graduated from high school and spent 10 years in the military. He said he spent five years as a Marine Corps helicopter hydraulics mechanic and five as a Spanish linguist for the Army.
He has three kids currently attending school in Darrington. His oldest son died during his senior year.
“The school’s done a lot for me and my family, and I just felt like it was my turn to give back and help with some of the difficult decisions that need to be made,” he said.
Harris isn’t sure what he would cut or fight to save on the district’s budget, but he said he’d make sure all available resources are used for the kids. He’d also like to start a program to recognize exceptional teachers and staff members, to let them know they are appreciated.
“People should vote for me because I’m a good level-headed person,” he said. “I take time to think things through. Instead of just rushing into a decision, I consider all the pros and cons.”
Wright wants to bring a fresh perspective to the district’s budget problems. She said she would cut the salaries of the superintendant and office staff, before trimming teachers and band classes.
“Even having a small budget, I still think you can keep really important programs,” she said. “There’s different ways to look at it.”
Wright earned a bachelor’s of arts and social sciences degree from Washington State University in 2005. She sometimes works as a substitute teacher in Darrington schools and says, if elected, she’d address the concerns of school staff and parents.
“I’ve heard tons of complaints from parents and families just from gossip going around, but a lot of those complaints don’t get to the school district,” Wright said. “There’s a block there. The information just stops. … I’m friendly and I’m approachable if you have a concern.”
Lenker could not be reached. His wife, Delane Lenker, said he was too busy with work to be interviewed.
Darrington School Board members earn $50 for each meeting they attend.
Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292, kmanry@heraldnet.com.
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