Like their neighbors in Arlington, Stanwood-Camano School District voters only have one race to decide upon since two of the three seats on the ballot are unopposed. In District 2, the race is between newcomer Arthur Buonamia and long-time educator Bill Garrison.
Both men are clearly interested in community involvement, but Garrison gets our nod for his educational background and connection to the community.
Garrison was appointed in January when board member Matt Keller stepped down. A graduate of Stanwood High School, Garrison pursued a career in education that spanned several decades and includes work as a teacher, vice principal, assistant superintendent, district building planner and more. With the possibility of more funding cuts from the states and the looming certificate of mastery and other educational programs demanding more from students and school districts, Garrison’s experience in the field should benefit the board and the district.
Buonamia, who moved to the area from Florida in June, is a political activist who says his main reason for running is to push for a second high school. The best bids are out there right now and if the district stalls on this project, Buonamia says, it will only cost more later on. He says he would look to the public and private sectors for additional money to offset future funding cuts and doesn’t believe the state’s testing system should be the sole criteria for determining student achievement.
Darlene Hartley and Ken Christoferson are running unopposed in Districts 4 and 5, respectively
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