Far from the acrimony of four years ago, this year’s Marysville School Board elections take place against a backdrop of a well-run district focused on academic achievement for all its students.
In 2003, three incumbent school board members were thrown out by voters on the heels of the 49-day strike by teachers. Emotions were running high, neighbors were turning against each other and the controversial superintendent was pressured to leave.
Now, with Superintendent Larry Nyland at the helm, a major bond issue finally approved and new schools under construction, the tone has changed dramatically. The district is healing, the foundation for success has been laid, and the current school board incumbents — all parent volunteers — should stay.
District 2: Despite a quality challenge from Donald Wlazlak, we endorse the re-election of Cindy Erickson. Erickson, who was appointed to the seat last year after moving from District 5, which she had previously represented on the board, is a smart and dedicated member who does her homework before making decisions. She’s a longtime parent volunteer who has a particular interest in special education.
Erickson says that while the atmosphere has improved, school board members must keep building trust with all the district’s stakeholders by keeping in touch with how staff, students and parents are feeling about the issues that affect them. She’s been actively involved on numerous district boards over the years, giving her insight that provides context on important issues.
Wlazlak, who was considered for this appointment last year along with Erickson, has followed district issues closely and could serve capably if elected. He understands bureaucracies, having served as an aide to the Snohomish County Council and Snohomish County Superior Court before retiring in 1999. Wlazlak’s decision to contribute is commendable, and if he doesn’t win the seat, we’re sure he’ll continue to be a positive voice in the district. We just think the district is already well-served with Erickson in the seat.
District 3: Darci Becker is doing a credible job. She’s a strong advocate for children with learning disabilities, and will help keep them high on the district’s agenda. She’s also a strong supporter of the district’s new high-school learning academies. Her challenger, Steve King, didn’t respond to requests to be interviewed by the editorial board.
District 5: Sherri Crenshaw, a former teacher and mother of four, brings a thoughtful, knowledgable approach to the board. She says the district must work to improve the relationship between teachers and parents, noting that such close bonds have a direct impact on student success. Crenshaw hesitated to run, and announced her withdrawal before the primary. It was too late to take her name off the primary ballot, though, and she finished first in a three-way race. Her hesitancy was related to campaigning, not serving. She’s doing that well. Former Marysville City Council member Lisa Vares, who finished second in the primary, also declined to be interviewed.
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