By Ray Stephanson and Paul Roberts / For The Herald
The Everett School District has a strong and successful history of providing excellent, high-quality public education since 1891, currently serving more than 20,000 students.
Jackson High School has an award winning robotics program for its students. In 2023 the High School received a complaint from the family of a student in the program regarding the fairness of the program. Consistent with district policy, an independent investigation was initiated and completed in 2024. Numerous attempts to include the complaining family in the investigation were unsuccessful. Interviews with school administrators, coaches, mentors and students on the team were conducted and no evidence of misconduct was found.
Most recently the matter has entered the Everett School Board elections this fall. Unbelievably, the first political hit piece by the complaining family attacked Anna Marie Jackson Laurence who was appointed to the School Board in May 2025, well after the complaint occurred and the investigation was completed. The political hit pieces continue as of this writing against Laurence as well as other incumbent board members.
The purpose of this writing is two-fold. First, to strongly support the Everett School District’s action to conduct an independent, fact-based investigation regarding the complaint. That investigation found no wrongdoing in the Jackson High School robotics program in 2023. Second, to ensure the public understands that the responsibility of school board members is to set policy, not administer daily district operations.
As former elected public officials, we strongly believe in open, transparent and fair government. The Everett School District has a long and distinguished history in providing honest, high-quality and cost-effective public education.
Please join us in strongly supporting students, families, teachers, school board members and administrators who are successfully preparing the next generation for the future.
Ray Stephanson is the former mayor of the City of Everett. Paul Roberts is a former member of the Everett School Board and Everett City Council.
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