From an article published at ClarkCountyToday.com Yacolt resident Mark Rose says here in Clark County, the disconnect between the district office and the classroom has officially hit a breaking point Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com You know that sinking feeling when you open your property tax bill? That specific mix of dread and frustration? Keep that feeling in mind the next time a local school district tells you they’re broke. Here in Clark County, the disconnect between the district office and the classroom has officially hit a breaking point. We’re … [Read more...]
Southwest Washington State School Board candidates Nov 2025
This post contains links to each of the school district races we covered in Southwest Washington State. Click the link for the race(s) you are interested in. Please reach out to the candidates and ask your own questions. Consider voting for candidates who share their views and opinions. Those who don't share raise a question...why don't they? You can email us with any updates you get at: swweducation at gmail dot com It's worth noting that two of the candidates running unopposed chose not to provide even the basic information: Elected Experience - No information submitted Other Professional Experience - No information submitted Education - No information … [Read more...]
Evergreen SD District 5 Bernard vs Gronwoldt
Both candidates were sent a list of 12 questions and offered the opportunity to respond over a 30 day period. Only Louis Bernard responded. Ms. Gronwoldt is the incumbent and must have felt it wasn’t necessary to respond. Consider that Mr. Bernard took the time and effort to share his views. If you think it’s time to install some new blood in the Evergreen district please consider him. If you reach out to either candidate and get responses please share them with us so we can update the article. The Evergreen district has massive shortfalls in the budget. Strikes. Multiple superintendents and transparency issues. Consider if it’s time to replace the incumbent and hire someone with new fresh … [Read more...]
Evergreen SD District 1 Smith vs Bocanegra
Both candidates were sent a list of 12 questions and offered the opportunity to respond over a 30 day period. Only Jacob Smith responded. Ms. Bocanegra is the incumbent and must have felt it wasn’t necessary to respond. Consider that Mr. Smith took the time and effort to share his views. If you think it’s time to install some new blood in the Evergreen district please consider him. If you reach out to either candidate and get responses please share them with us so we can update the article. Ms. Bocanegra’s history is relevant given the massive issues with the Evergreen School District. Multiple Superintendents. Massive loss in students. Massive budget deficits. When does the public say out … [Read more...]
Voting against the Evergreen Levys is a good decision – Updated Jan 27th
Update Jan 27th: This link will take you to the brochure that is being distributed by the NO team: Please Vote No On Proposition 7 and 8 (1)-1 - Adobe cloud storage Why would anyone vote against something that helps children? Why would anyone vote against extracurricular educational experiences that children get fulfillment from? Well, the answer is not simple. The educational system in the United States has been in decline for decades. But the fact is that most people turn their head and just do not want to admit it. The results of standardized test scores that help educators assess how students are performing have been surfacing in the news and in parent forums. Parents … [Read more...]
New Teachers contracts in Southwest Washington State: Update Sept 22, 2023
It's Friday morning September 22, 2023. We just got off the phone with the Evergreen School District HR; Evergreen Teachers Association Union office; Camas School District HR and Battle Ground HR. We contacted Evergreen and Camas to get copies of the newly approved teachers contracts. Neither contract is published and there is no target date for publication. Both districts said that once the teachers have approved the contract the district must then go through a review process to correct any wording and formatting. The proposed final document then goes back to the Union with any revisions and then back to the district, rinse and repeat until it's approved by both parties. In the case of … [Read more...]
Evergreen School District – Compensation history 2016 to 2022
Here's the snapshot of the earnings changes since McCleary for the Evergreen School District: Notice that they all are ahead of inflation by a wide margin? Have your earnings stayed ahead of inflation? … [Read more...]
Evergreen School District – Won’t take NO for an answer
The Evergreen school district went to the voters in February asking for a new Operations Levy to supplement the state money. It failed. But the district and school board don't agree with a NO vote so they come back again just 2 months later. Today we bring you an opinion piece by a local resident who thinks that NO means NO. The Evergreen School District is attempting another voter approved levy just 2 months after 57.2% of the voters rejected their last levy February 8th (by over 3,600 votes). They say it is not an increase and although the levy rate is the same as the current levy, that is disingenious thanks to the ever increasing property values (11% average increase this year) … [Read more...]
Evergreen School District Levy – February 2022
Voters are being asked to approve or deny the latest Evergreen levy. The following comes from a local resident who believes the vote should be "NO". Give it a read and see what you think: Opposed Statement to the Evergreen School District Levy: Per OSPI’s website, less than half of ESD (Evergreen School District) students met standards for English 49.7%, Math 39.3%, and Science 40.6% (10% below Washington’s state averages). Until focusing on academics, no more money is warranted as $15K per child is already State/Federally funded. This resolution increases the current levy from$1.72 to $2.12 (23% over 2 years). You’re ESD Superintendent and his $305K salary was terminated … [Read more...]
Southwest Washington School Board Races – November 2021
On November 2nd you will elect school board members across Southwest Washington State. These are four (4) year positions so the choices you make will have impact for years. There are a number of issues up for consideration during this election cycle. Where do the candidates stand on CRT? Common Core? CSE? Masks? Vaccination of children? Funding? These races are all non-partisan so political parties are not intended to be part of the discussion. However, there are some philosophical differences. Namely, are the candidates positions more liberal or conservative? Do they believe in the Feds/State telling parents what to do and how to do it or are they for local control and parental … [Read more...]