Thomas for School Board

To the editor:

As a life-long Poulsbo resident and a 1969 graduate of NK, I care deeply about the future of our schools and the leaders we choose to guide them. That’s why I am proud to support Leighton Thomas for North Kitsap School Board.

Leighton is an experienced, collaborative leader who, as a parent to elementary-aged students herself, is both personally invested in our schools and professionally qualified to do this work. Her education background is unmatched. With 15 years in public education and 5 years in organizational strategy, she brings both classroom knowledge and big-picture thinking.

She understands the daily challenges our teachers face, but I also know the board needs more than that. Leighton’s experience as a state education agency leader means that she has navigated how local districts connect with lawmakers and policy. Given all that is happening in our country, our district needs this broad experience more now than ever. Leighton also has a Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership; she not only has the experience, but also the training to make thoughtful decisions to benefit our schools.

Our district faces both challenges and opportunities. We need a leader with the experience, skill, and vision to ensure all students thrive and the personality to bring people together to make that happen. That leader is Leighton Thomas.

I encourage my neighbors to join me in voting for Leighton for North Kitsap School Board, District 400.

Margene Smaaladen

Poulsbo