Incumbent Denise Tracy is facing off against newcomer Robin Martin for the Central Kitsap School District Director of District 1 seat.
The seat is a four-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Tracy is a stay-at-home mom of four children and has lived in Kitsap County for 17 years. She is a substitute paraeducator in a nearby district and has spent more than a decade volunteering in classrooms. Her background also includes two years on the Washington State School Directors Association Legislative Committee as well as working for the PTSA at the local, council and state levels. She’s served on the CK School Board since 2021.
Martin and his family moved to Kitsap County from Fort Worth, Texas in 2011. He works in the medical field and served for a time as a clinical educator at the Harrison Medical Center. Their son graduated from Olympic High School in 2016 and since then, Martin has spoken at a number of school board meetings, as well as working through other public initiatives.
Both candidates were asked two questions to respond to.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
Tracy: If re-elected, my top priority will be to continue to make decisions that put students first and help all of our students feel welcome in our schools. When students feel like they belong, not only are they happier, but they also perform better academically.
One way to put students first is to keep them engaged in school by continuing to provide a variety of courses and extracurricular activities. Recently, CKSD has expanded the number of dual credit opportunities in the high schools, which has led to almost four times as many students receiving college credit while they are in high school.
Another priority of mine is to advocate for funding for public schools. I understand the importance of being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, and in order to continue and expand programs that engage our students, the school district needs funding. I have advocated tirelessly in both Olympia and Washington, D.C. for our students. I have built relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and I will continue to advocate for our students.
When I was elected 4 years ago, I made it a priority to visit all 19 schools regularly. I have visited classrooms over 150 times. Frequently being in classrooms helps me make better decisions in the boardroom, and visiting schools continues to be a priority of mine. I love visiting classrooms, learning with students, and building relationships with students, educators, and administrators across the district.
Martin: If elected, I will be committed to the following:
A. Fiscal accountability and transparency.
B. Being a voice for the parents of our district to know the curriculum and programs, and their rights concerning these.
C. Holding the school board and superintendent accountable to provide a safe, harassment-free environment for students and teachers.
D. Improving the educational outcomes of our students. Currently, one high school averages 55% proficiency in math while another averages 49% proficiency in science. None of our district math proficiencies are above 64.8%
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Tracy: I bring experience, proven leadership, and the belief in the great potential of every student.
In addition to serving on the school board for four years, I have over a decade of experience as a classroom volunteer, have held several PTA leadership positions, and am a parent of four children who attend CK schools.
I have served as board president, vice president, and legislative representative. I was actively involved in the development of CKSD’s 2023-2026 strategic plan, which includes our vision, “a vibrant and inclusive learning community where every student finds their passion and achieves their dreams.” For 2 ½ years, I responded to emails on behalf of the board. Prior to this, community members expressed disappointment in the board not responding to their emails. Those concerns ended as I diligently replied to emails. In another effort to increase the board’s community engagement, I proposed and organized coffee chats and walk and talks with community members. Representing CKSD, I have presented at state and national conferences, and I have assisted in orienting 4 new board members.
I believe every student has incredible potential. I am proud to be part of a school district that provides a variety of pathways for student success. With CTE courses, drama and music programs, a multitude of clubs, and a variety of sports, students can pursue their varied interests. I value each of our students, and I believe the diversity of interests, experiences, and viewpoints of our students is an asset to our school district.
Martin: I appreciate that my opponent is involved in school activities and believes that students are important. I believe the responsibilities of a school board Director demand a level of accountability we have not seen from this board. Parental concerns seem to go unheard, and community concerns about the direction of student education are ignored.
The CKSD spends approximately $20,000 per student, depletes the tax dollars they are given, then asks for more through levies! Our students’ test scores do not reflect this level of investment, and I am committed to both being transparent and ensuring the school board and superintendent are held accountable for increasing scores.
Parents of our district are likely unaware of what SB 5462 and HB 1296 actually require and how OSPI and WSSDA are implementing these mandates. I will ensure parents are aware of their rights regarding these and other legislative actions.
One of the things I hear from safety reports at school board meetings, to word of mouth, is that teachers are disrespected, up to and including assault. Students are harassed for their opinions and beliefs. I will hold the school board and superintendent accountable and ensure a harassment-free environment for education.
I am also committed to holding our teachers to a higher standard. Our children are our future, not a social experiment.
