NK school board could see big changes this election

Published 1:30 am Friday, July 14, 2023

Primary election ballots are expected to be mailed out July 14 in Kitsap County.

You should already have received your voters’ guide in the mail.

On the ballot are candidate races where each one will be whittled down to the top two for the general election in November.

You can register to vote or update your information online at www.VoteWA.gov

NORTH KITSAP

There are at least three candidates running for three four-year positions on the North Kitsap School District.

Mike Desmond, Natasha Fecteau Minger and Drew McDonald are running for District 2, while Beverly Godfrey, Adam Salazar, Terri Schumacher, Bill Longworth and Teresa Case are running for District 4 and Barbara Waggoner, Stacy Mills and Melanie Miller for District 5.

Desmond has served since 2019. If elected, he plans to focus next term on safety, fairness and modernization. Fecteau Minger is involved in numerous organizations, including the state Parent Advisory Group and Governor’s Early Learning Advisory Council. She wants to empower parents to advocate for their children so all “have a seat at the table.” McDonald has been involved in the community as a coach. He vows to work together and build relationships to solve problems and accomplish goals. He plans to listen and support every student.

Godfrey has been a teacher and held many other jobs in education, including being a union representative. Some of her priorities include: improving communication, increasing parent involvement and being an empathetic board member. Schumacher is a business owner, past president of the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association and has been very involved with schools in various ways. She’s also a supporter of more open communication. She said the district is polarized by political beliefs. Longworth has been involved in Scouts and children’s musical theater. He said his background in the nuclear Navy taught him transparency in operations and teamwork, with mutual accountability, leads to the best decision-making. Case is a retired nurse who was involved in training in her medical career. She said students need to feel valued, safe and supported to achieve their best. She said she will listen and make decisions that are student-centered and fiscally sound.

Waggoner is on the school board and is a business owner who also has experience teaching and in educational administration. She said her focus will continue to be safety, the post-COVID pandemic recovery and short- and long-range planning with financial stability. Mills has varied experience in tribal, state and federal agencies and now works at the Community Health Center. She is a board member at Kingston Cares. She wants the board to be diverse and transparent, being fiscally responsible in providing equity in education. Miller has a Navy background and has been a parent volunteer at NKSD for 13 years. She also vows to be open, transparent, listen, and trustworthy. She wants safe schools, diverse learning opportunities and everyone to work together.