Everett School Board seats up for grabs

The Everett School Board’s Position 2 seat, left open because long-time board member Roy Yates won’t run again, has stirred up some competition. Four candidates will compete for the seat in the primary election Aug. 21. The winners of that race will go on to face off in the Nov. 6 general election.

Incumbent Ed Petersen faces no competition for his seat.

Everett’s board positions aren’t restricted to specific areas of the district, so opponents can come from all neighborhoods in the district.

The Enterprise asked the candidates to write an introduction to themselves and describe their motivations for running.

Director Position 1

Ed Petersen, incumbent, is executive director of Housing Hope. His three daughters attended Whittier Elementary, North Middle School and Everett High School.

Experience: First, I have personal experience with schools in the Everett District. I am a graduate and have six family members who have high school diplomas from Everett schools. Second, I have served on the Everett School Board as an appointed member since March 2006. I have had briefings on all aspects of the district operations, attended national and state school board conventions and participated in dozens of meetings in support of school success. Third, I operate a nonprofit corporation that requires know-how on operating and capital budgets, personnel management, strategic planning and many other functions relevant to operating a successful school district.

Why running: I believe education is the key to a world in which the next generations can live in harmony across our earth. We live in a global economy in which our children must be prepared to compete. We live on a planet that is threatened by climatic and environmental challenges that must be solved. Current conditions present risks to the future quality of life for our children and grandchildren. Daily I hear the stories of hard-working families who struggle to make ends meet and parents who desire better for their children. Education is the gateway to better futures for all children. I am committed to providing quality opportunity for children of all ethnic, racial, social and religious backgrounds.

What I hope to see if elected: I will work for an education system that respects diversity, teaches fundamentals, generates critical thinkers and helps children find their passion for learning.

Director Position 2

Susan Kaftanski is a veterinarian and owner, chief cook and bottle washer of House Call Veterinary Service. Her two children both graduated from Everett High School in 2006.

Experience: I have volunteered in my children’s schools since preschool, and have continued to do so since they have graduated. From library volunteer to field-trip driver, career day in the classroom, book fairs, organizing and running Science Fair for four years, carnival booth volunteer, athletic team volunteer and booster, culminating exhibition panelist. I am also active politically, as well as in my church and community. My children are both successfully enrolled in college and doing well.

Why running: I have benefited from the time and wisdom of others and believe it is my responsibility and pleasure to carry the torch. I have built a wonderful network of friends, clients, co-business owners, government and school employees and would like to have the opportunity to work toward sharing resources: talent, experience, buildings, grounds, buses and finances. I believe that we can share these gifts and thereby cut some expenses while expanding some services without increasing the rates of taxation (at least not so quickly!).

What I hope to see if elected: I would like to gradually (Rome wasn’t built in a day) see more people smile and potential homeowners want to come to this area because of the school district. I would like to see students want to graduate from high school because they know that their education is valuable: not just as potential college students, but as technical employees, armed service employees, community citizens and future parents.

Court Carter has lived in southeast Everett for nine years, and has six grown children.

Experience:

• Over 10 years as board member and past president of Snohomish County CPA chapter

• Over six years as board member and treasurer for Silver Firs Homeowners Association

• Past president of Mill Creek Rotary

• 2006 Everett School District Levy Committee member

• Over 25 years as CPA firm owner (Carter &Company) with last 14 years in Mill Creek

• Six years U.S. Naval Aviation Line Officer

I have a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in accountancy, both from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Why running: I have often asked myself the past two weeks, “Why am I interested in being on the Everett School District Board? Why would I want to spend so much time serving the students and community in the later stage of my life?” Thinking back on my public school education, involving four different school districts, I realized that the quality of that education was due to dedicated individuals who gave of their talents as teachers, administrators and even school board members, to enable my growth to adulthood and preparing me for the career that I have chosen. It is now my opportunity to support this ongoing effort in our community.

Our Everett School District board, along with Superintendent Dr. Carol Whitehead, is meeting the challenges of the new century in guiding and developing the district’s technology resources, school buildings and facilities, and instructional capabilities to meet the WASL standards and to raise the district’s high school student graduation percentage. They are outstanding and dedicated individuals, and I look forward to being able to serve with them. I am dedicated to making every effort to give our district students the best quality education possible.

Carol Andrews is a CPA in the Everett office of Moss Adams LLP. Her children are graduates of Everett and Jackson High Schools and her youngest attends Heatherwood Middle School.

Experience: My ability to provide responsible board governance is based in my financial background as a CPA and my practical experience as a parent. As a practicing CPA, I am able to understand and analyze budgets and financial statements and have a working knowledge of the requirements of operating a sustainable business. As a parent, I have been a volunteer in my children’s schools for more than a decade. I have also served as Treasurer of the Citizens Levy Committee for the past eight years. This position has given me the opportunity to work with district personnel and community members in support of several levy and bond ballot issues, and has broadened my knowledge of the fiscal and operational requirements of running a school district.

Why running: I support public education. I am a graduate and beneficiary of the Everett Public Schools and would like to give back to the district and community by serving on the board. I believe the success of our public education system determines the quality of our community.

What I hope to see if elected: As a resident of the rapidly expanding south end of the district, I would work towards better communication between the district and the growing community. I would also continue the district’s existing focus on increasing student achievement and improving the graduation rate.

Fredrick Bletson, Jr.

Experience: Master’s in religious studies at United Theological Seminary and Bible College in Seattle. Snohomish County Office of Children’s Affairs’ Children’s Commission; Diversion Counselor for Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney; and Project Manager, Economic Development Department Snohomish County. Twenty-five years working with parents and youth with barriers to life. Currently teaching values clarification class for at-risk youth at Mariner High School. Member of Everett Community College Diversity Advisory Committee. Marysville Multicultural Advisory Committee. Coordinator for “Violence Can’t Live Here” community summit.

Why running: As a 23-year resident of Snohomish County and Everett and a parent of three children actively involved in their education, my candidacy has long been vested in our city’s educational system. I believe our children must be successful academically, emotionally and socially. Their success is predicated on a system that provides prudent management of our educational resources and one that focuses on their learning, critical analysis and decision making. I will apply my skills, training and experience to enhance what has already been done towards these efforts. I am strongly committed to assisting our children prepare to become contributors to the communities’ efforts to compete in the global economy.