SWW School Board Races

By now, if you are following the election of School Board Directors in the ten (10) Southwest Washington School Districts, you know the outcomes. None of the elections (where there were 2 candidates) were close.  If you want to see the details you can click this link: https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/current/clark/   to take you to the Clark County Elections website.

We tried to get the candidates to respond to a series of questions on their views, plans and experiences to help you make an informed decision. We were not able to help much. Why? 90% of the candidates chose not to respond to inquiries and questions. We tried every candidate a minimum of five (5) times with different approaches and only managed to get a few to reply.

Why didn’t candidates reply?

1. In the case of single candidates without any competition there was simply no need. They knew that they would get some votes so explaining their views and positions was simply not necessary
2. In cases where there were two most didn’t respond either. We can’t speak to their why’s but are concerned that they simply didn’t have knowledge of the topics we asked about or were afraid that whatever they said might hurt them

Should candidates running unopposed get votes if they don’t share their views?

School Board Directors control not only a LOT of money but they control what textbooks, classes, education and facilities. They rarely respond to public input and make it challenging to access board meeting notes. Testifying and providing suggestions seems to mostly fall on deaf ears. These people control your children and are shaping the knowledge, philosophy and attitudes of your children. If you don’t participate and accept everything at face value you are abdicating parental responsibility.

In the future, please vote. If you like a candidate and know what their positions are on issues important to you support them. If you can’t get answers don’t vote for them. Write in a name (our favorite is NoTA for None of The Above).

Go to school board meetings. Review their meeting agenda’s and submit comments and questions. Demand responses. Only you can protect your children.