Educators face off for NK School Board seat

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Editor’s note: Since this race was covered before the primary election, Kitsap News Group is running candidate statements from the voters pamphlet rather than asking them the same questions as before.

Two candidates are going head-to-head for District 1 Director of the North Kitsap School Board this upcoming general election Nov. 4.

Facing off for the four-year term are Debra Strawhun and Leighton Thomas. The seat is currently held by Edward Wright, who was appointed in May of 2024 but did not file for election.

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 a 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.

Below are each candidate’s statement from the voters pamphlet.

Strawhun: I’ve worked with students, families and teachers for a long time and watched over the years as the needs of students have changed and school systems are struggling to keep up. Based on my experience, these are the areas in which change could make a difference.

Mental health support: Many kids are stressed, anxious and emotionally challenged. Let’s provide them resources.

Personalized learning: Students have unique needs, let’s build in flexibility.

CTE: Not all students are college-bound. Let’s have some viable alternatives.

Family and community outreach: Partnerships with families and the community strengthens schools. Let’s reach out.

Teacher support and training: Educators need quality resources, training and small class sizes. Let’s make sure they have what they need.

My husband, Bill Reedy and I raised three sons who graduated from North Kitsap High School. They participated in sports, TSA and AP classes that provided fantastic life-changing experiences with great coaches, teachers and mentors. North Kitsap prepared them well for life.

I now have the time to use what I’ve learned working in schools and raising children to give back to this community. Every district has strengths and weaknesses. Let’s make NK even better than it is today.

Thomas: As a parent and your neighbor, I know the success of our community is directly tied to the success of our schools. The military brought my family to Kitsap; the people and mountains (and orcas) made us stay.

Making schools better for kids is what keeps me up at night. As I lean on my experience in the classroom, the boardroom, and with my own elementary-aged children, I’m positioned to share my expertise and hold empathy for the challenges our teachers and students face.

I am committed to working with district leadership and fellow boardmembers to provide robust educational opportunities and supports for all children. I want to see options in my home district that fit the needs of not only my children, but the varied needs of all our families – from essential services to enrichment programs and more. Centering student and family needs is one way we make North Kitsap the preferred provider of K-12 education and keep student dollars in our district.

I am committed to learning from you and collaborating to address your priorities through listening, curiosity, and honest communication. I am here to serve and, with your vote, I am ready to work.