Three candidates are technically vying for District 1 Director for the North Kitsap School Board this upcoming primary election Aug. 5, although one candidate has since withdrawn their name from consideration.

Facing off for the four-year term are Debra Strawhun, Leighton Thomas and Seth Hartmann. Hartmann has informed Kitsap News Group that he is taking himself out of the race, citing personal reasons. His name will still appear on the ballot as the deadline for candidates to withdraw has passed.

The seat is currently held by Edward Wright, who was appointed in May of 2024 but did not file for election. The top two vote-getters will move on to the general election in November.

Strawhun’s prior elected experience includes serving on the Bremerton Education Association executive board, and also a representative for the BEA Council from 2013-2021. She was also PTA president for Poulsbo Elementary from 1998-2000.

Her professional experience includes being a speech and language pathologist and special assignment teacher for the Bremerton School District since 2001. She was also an SLP for the North Kitsap School District from 1999-2001 and in California and Arizona from 1982-1997. Her honors include being named a National Board Certified Teacher in 2008 and 2018, and a BEST mentor in 2019 and 2020, per the voters pamphlet.

Strawhun’s educational background consists of having a Program Administrator Credential from Central Washington University in 2003, a Master of Science in Communication Sciences from Arizona State University in 1982 and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Sonoma State University in 1977. Her community service includes being co-chair of the Yes for NK Schools Committee in 2003 and previously on the NK Facility Committee from 1999-2003.

Thomas’ professional experience includes being an education consultant and chief strategy officer for the Wyoming Department of Education, as well as a middle school math teacher, management consultant and freelance writer.

She holds of Doctor of Education in education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Alma College, the voters pamphlet says.

Community service-wise, Thomas has been involved with the MOSAIC PTO, sponsorhip manager and videographer for Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra, facilitator of Kitsap Children’s Musical Theatre, a fundraiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and a grant writer, among other volunteer efforts.

The candidates were asked two questions to answer as part of this article.

What would be your top priorities as a school board director?

Strawhun: Support students with social/emotional/behavioral challenges. Increasingly, students are in crisis and/or have experienced trauma making it very difficult for them to learn. The creation of a safe supportive school environment, which would include having a counselor/interventionist at each site with a specialty in behavior management. Training for all staff in trauma-informed instruction so that triggers can be recognized and avoided. The introduction of a school-wide social emotional learning (SEL) program. As a school, develop a plan if/and when bullying occurs. What does bullying look like? Who do they go to? What do they do?

Expand the career and technical education pathways offerings. For college-bound students, it’s a good head start into a career. For those going directly into the workplace from high school, it provides valuable training. Growing the program and expanding to middle school would be beneficial to students. For some, CTE pathways make high school more relevant.

Provide resources that include safe, healthy, accessible facilities, including the long overdue replacement of Pearson Elementary. Exploring the feasibility of running a bond in 2026 to rebuild Pearson and to meet other facilities’ needs would be necessary. Other resources would include staff training to meet the needs of students academically, socially, and physically and adequate staffing to carry out programs for all students.

Thomas: Every decision our school board makes should begin with a single question: How does this serve students? I am committed to student-centered governance that gives every learner a strong foundation for their future, whether they are college-bound, entering a trade, or pursuing a unique path. I want to increase support, expand opportunity, and make North Kitsap a district that families choose with confidence.

We need to strengthen trust between the community and our school board. I’ve heard a consistent message: people want more transparency and more opportunities to be heard. I’m a connector by nature. If elected, I will work with fellow board members to create more meaningful opportunities for engagement, such as Q&As and community forums. I’ll host monthly listening sessions and stay rooted in community conversations as we shape the future of our schools, together.

Our district is also facing declining enrollment, and not just due to housing costs or birth rates. We need to stay curious about why some families are choosing other districts or leaving public education altogether. And then we must be creative and respond with meaningful action. This trend has major implications for our funding, staffing, and long-term planning. Every student who leaves takes resources with them, but every student we bring back brings funding, energy, and opportunity.

North Kitsap has incredible strengths: excellent educators, stable finances, and an invested community. We are small enough to be nimble and bold enough to lead with innovation. I want to help build a future where families are proud to choose North Kitsap—and excited to stay.

Why should voters choose you over your opponents?

Strawhun: I have real-world experience. I have worked in schools for many years and in multiple capacities. Most of my career has been as a speech language pathologist working with students PK-12th grade. I have also been a classroom teacher, a teacher on special assignment (TOSA), an early childhood coordinator, responsible for regulatory guidance and compliance with special education law, a representative on the executive board and representative council as well as on the bargaining team for the Bremerton Education Association.

I have parental experience. While my three sons attended North Kitsap schools, Poulsbo Elementary, Poulsbo Middle School and North Kitsap High School, I was the president of the PTA, on the Facilities Advisory Committee and co-chaired the citizens group to pass the 2001 bond to build Kingston High School.

I have the time. I retired in 2021 from the Bremerton School District and now contract part-time with that district to provide special education services. I have the time, knowledge and experience to make a positive impact on students, families, teachers and the community.

Thomas: I bring broad education experience, expertise, and a spirit of curiosity to the North Kitsap School Board. I care deeply about kids and have spent my career—and my free time—working to support them, whether through teaching, coaching youth running groups, or serving on local boards. I am a parent to two elementary-aged kids and plan to be part of our community for many years to come.

I began my career in human capital strategy, helping organizations design policies and systems to meet their current and future workforce needs. In 2009, I transitioned to public education and became a classroom teacher, where I taught elementary and middle school math. Since then, I’ve served in roles across the education system, including state-level leadership. I understand the complexities of public schools from multiple perspectives, and I bring empathy because I’ve lived those challenges.

I also bring academic expertise: I hold a doctorate in education policy and leadership and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. I’ve spent years both working in and alongside schools and studying how to make them better.

But just as important as my experience is my mindset: I approach this work with curiosity and a commitment to learning. I look forward to building strong, collaborative working relationships with fellow board members, district leadership, and our broader community. I believe in asking hard questions, engaging the community, and making decisions grounded in what’s best for all of our students.

Kitsap voters pamphlet courtesy photo Leighton Thomas