Voters in the Northshore School District will have the opportunity in the Aug. 3 primary to re-elect three talented and experienced incumbents: Jacqueline McGourty, Sandy Hayes and Amy Cast. During their tenure, the NSD Board was recognized as a Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors Association for four consecutive years, and named Board of the Year in 2018.
They are being challenged by multiple candidates because of the board’s policy to follow public health guidelines during the pandemic in order to maximize the safety of students, teachers, staff, their families and the wider public. Before the vaccines, the only way to fight this deadly disease was to quarantine in our homes and use masks and social distancing for essential tasks. Schools were not equipped to quickly implement these mitigation measures and upgrade ventilation. Despite this, the NSD ensured students’ needs were met, everything from computers to food for families in need.
It is estimated that nationally, 856 school employees died of covid as of March 1 of this year (EducationWeek, 3/4/21). No doubt many of us know of a school employee who was stricken with covid. A teacher in my family in a state that opened schools too soon contracted covid, in spite of masking while teaching and when not, quarantining at home to keep her family safe.
Under the board’s leadership, Northshore schools will fully open this fall with improved ventilation and strong safety protocols. Re-elect proven leaders: McGourty, Hayes and Cast.
Nancy Dolan
Bothell
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