South Whidbey School District

South Whidbey School District, director, position 3

Brook Willeford bwilleford@gmail.com  https://www.facebook.com/WillefordForSchoolBoard/ https://brookwilleford.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Lze8UHuz4Z9XiKA64-c3x1QleqbrJpBOyKimP2zmjDs8Lz4JXEKcILDs

1.     Why are you running for this particular position? 

As a graduate of the South Whidbey School District (Class of '98), I want my 3-year-old daughter to be as proud of her South Whidbey education as I am of mine. I feel that the school district has lost its connection to the community it serves, and I want to help form a School Board that listens more intently to the input of its parents, teachers, classified staff, and members of its community.

2.     What do you hope to accomplish in this position?  

I have two key planks to my platform: Community and Communication.

I want to foster communities within each of the schools, in the schools themselves, and in the school district as a whole, and then I want to tie that community into our larger South Whidbey community. We have such a vibrant community, and when I was at school here, we did a great job bringing in volunteers, connecting with local businesses, and making sure that the schools were a part of the larger community. Not only can the feeling of community enrich education, but it can also make schools safer, more equitable places for our children to grow and learn.

To build that sense of community, we need to understand one another, and to know what is going on in a timely manner. There have been lapses in communication at the school district at every level. As a former advertising copywriter, I know that perception can sometimes be reality, and that failures in communication can really make a relationship tense. I want to make sure that we have a communications plan in place that gets necessary information – including current progress and next steps – out to those who need to know. After all, I’m going to have a front-row seat to parent-teacher communications in a couple of years.

My goal is to be part of a School Board that directs the superintendent to create community within the schools, tie the schools more closely to the South Whidbey community as a whole, and to improve frequency and transparency of communication within the school district and with the larger community – all while maintaining fiscal responsibility, of course.

3.     What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate? 

From my discussions with current parents, teachers, students, classified staff, and community members, and from my own observation of board meetings, it seems to me that there are significant concerns about safety and security of some students in the schools, about communication within the school and with parents and the community, about student engagement (particularly at the middle and high school levels), and about the relationship between staff and administration.

I'm not naive enough to believe that a single School Director can change all of that, but working with the rest of the School Board, I believe that I can work to improve each of these areas by directing priorities in budgeting and administration focus.

4.     What relevant experience do you have? 

As an advertising copywriter, I've worked on clear, transparent communications -- and on improving relationships between a service provider and its community. As the manager of a local, family-run business (The Clyde Theatre), I've learned the importance of a sense of community in making people feel safe, secure, and appreciated. As a game designer, playtest organizer, and volunteer coordinator for gaming companies, I've learned to take feedback from diverse sources and integrate it into complex situations. As a stay-at-home parent, I've learned that the children come first, but that the comfort and appreciation of those working directly with the children is important too. While I don't have direct experience with school districts beyond attending school board meetings over the last year-plus, my wife is a teacher at Coupeville Elementary School, and co-president of the Coupeville Education Association. I agree with her on many issues around education, but even when I don't agree, I absolutely listen to her experience and knowledge.

5.     What will be your operating philosophy in office? 

As every School Director will tell you, the primary philosophy has to be "the children come first," and that certainly holds true for me. Beyond that, I want to create communities within the schools where kids can feel safe and respected, and I want to work to repair the damage between the School District and the greater South Whidbey community by improved and more transparent communication.

6.     What message would you like to convey to voters? 

Most of all, I’m the type of candidate and want to be the type of board member who listens to the concerns and ideas of teachers, students, classified staff, administrators, parents, and other community members, and brings those concerns and ideas to the board. Because if we’re not listening the people in the school district, we aren't going to be able to provide the best possible education to our children.

Linda Racicot llracicot412@hotmail.com           racicotforschoolboard.com

1. 1. Why are you running for this particular position?

I have served for 8 years on the South Whidbey School Board and I’m committed to continue to support our schools and to ensure our district is responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of our community.

Having been a teacher for 35 years, I am a passionate, lifelong supporter of public education. My roots run deep in our schools. I taught full time at the middle school for 27 years; my husband, Mark, taught at the high school for 30 years; both of my children graduated from South Whidbey; and now my grandkids are thriving as students in our schools. We all share a deep commitment to this district and to the community.

After retiring from teaching in 2010, I turned my attention to volunteering in the schools and attending board meetings. It became important to me to have a voice regarding the issues current at the time and I was elected to the board in 2011. I have been dedicated and committed to this essential work since.

1. 2. What do you hope to accomplish in this position? If an incumbent, what have you accomplished?

I am running as an incumbent and am very proud of the work our board has accomplished. We are only successful as a board if we are able to work together to achieve our goals. No single individual can move an issue forward, and as board chair for the last 6 years I have focused on developing my own leadership skills and promoting positive board/superintendent relations. Our district website contains a complete record of our work and accomplishments and the District Facebook site can keep you current about student activities and successes, but here are some highlights:

Commitment to Academic Improvement

• Student test scores have improved impressively.

• SWHS test scores:

ELA (English Language Arts)

2016-17--- 55%

2018-19---82%

MATH

2016-17---33.7%

2018-19---61%

• Our SWHS graduation rate was recognized by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as among the very highest in the state at 90. 4% in 2018-19

• Attendance at the elementary school this past year was 93.34%

Improving and Maintaining Facilities

A few of the many projects the District has completed using our long-term facilities plan:

• New track at SW High School

• Tennis courts resurfaced

• Carpets upgraded in all buildings

• Enclosure of upper exposed hallway at the high school

• Major HVAC upgrades in several locations

• New outside reader board at SWHS

• Energy grant provided early upgrades to lighting and communications

• Keyless entry systems in all buildings for safety

Building Community Resources

In 2017 we had many community meetings regarding the closure of the iconic Langley Middle School, and when the decision was made to close it, we respectfully honored the history of the facility and those who worked and attended school there. Our vision was that it would become a community center with a focus on youth and youth services, and that has been fulfilled in a very profound way.

• Rent from the fully occupied building keeps the facility well-maintained. If the district should need it in the future, it is operational and available.

• South Whidbey students take enrichment classes at the Community Center.

• The Community Center is a hub of positive activity for the entire South Whidbey community.

Continuing Support for the School Garden

The school garden is an area we are also very proud of. SW School District was the first district in the nation to sell back their produce to Chartwells, our food service provider. The gardens provide not only hands-on experience to our students, but the work is tied into our science, math, and other curriculum. It is one of the most successful programs in the country and continues to expand.

Prioritizing Equity and Inclusion

The board has made equity and the social/emotional health of our students a priority for the district. Our school district is committed to becoming more inclusive of all persons regardless of race, religion, gender or income level.

• We work to specifically identify and support homeless/at-risk students. We currently have 133 homeless children/youth within district boundaries, 97 children/youth enrolled in SWSD schools.

• Provide assemblies, conversations, and activities on the topics of equity and inclusion.

• Continued staff training occurred this summer regarding these important topics.

Student Athletic Achievements

Our board and the community believe that athletics are a valuable component of a student’s education and our students participate at a very high level. For example, this year:

  o 2018-19, 13 of our 17 boys’ and girls’ athletic teams were recognized by the WIAA (State athletic governing body) for their team (GPA average) academic excellence.

  o SW had 6 conference team champions and 4 Coaches of the Year awards, including 3 District Champions, highlighted by a 2nd Place State finish for Boys Track.

  o We had 62 1st/2nd Team All-Conference performers.

  o Our students participated in District level post-season, including 7 teams and some individual students

participating at State level competition.

  o 3-sport athlete Kody Newman was recognized by the Everett Herald as the "Herald's Boy Athlete of the Year"

Improving Communication

The community asked us for a greater voice. Here are just a few of the actions we took in response:

• Provided opportunities for dialogue

o Forums on specific important areas (i.e. budget, etc.)

o Workshops, seminars.

o Expanded events and discussions on drugs, bullying, depression/anxiety, and more.

o Offered “Coffee and Conversations” with the superintendent

o Our district website has a complete record of board decisions and work.

o Regularly send a district newsletter

o District Facebook page.

o Principals schedule events to encourage parents to get to know them and the buildings.

o Our superintendent is in the buildings on a regular basis, meeting with both staff and students

• Created community advisory teams:

Special Education, Facilities, Social/Emotional Learning, Special Education, Code of Conduct, Discipline and Restorative Justice, Communication and Publicity, Facilities and Bond Planning, Food Service, Culture and Equity, and Enrichment.

In 2016 the South Whidbey School Board was recognized as a recipient of the “Board of Distinction” award by the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA).

1. 3. What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?

State funding is always an issue.

Increasing cost of staff benefits without an increase in revenue.

Ongoing maintenance and capital projects

1. 4. What relevant experience do you have?

35 years of teaching experience

8 years of board experience

8 Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) conferences

1 National School Board Association (NSBA) conference

1. 5. What will be your operating philosophy in office?

I believe that developing strong, trusting board relationships creates an effective and high-functioning school board. When that dynamic is in place a school board can do its job most effectively, which is to provide our students with the highest quality education possible while also maintaining our fiscal responsibilities to the public. As board chair for the last 6 of my 8 years on the board I have gained valuable hands-on experience and leadership skills that have contributed to building strong relationships among board members. School board members are problem-solvers and policy decision-makers, but we can only make decisions as a group, not as individuals. Being a team player is an essential requirement,

and my experience shows that I am a team player.

1. 6. What message would you like to convey to voters?

I bring 35-years of educational experience to this job combined with 8 years of board leadership. Serving on the board can be challenging but it is always rewarding, and I am proud to be a part of it. I want every student here to experience the joy of learning and leave South Whidbey well prepared for the career of his/her choosing, as my own children did, and as my grandchildren are currently doing.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

This is the sort of problem that on the one hand I love and on the other hand I find terribly frustrating. Here we are presented with two outstandingly qualified candidates for the same position. I do dearly wish they had run for separate positions so that both of them would be on the school board.  I am not involved with the school district so don’t know the specifics of management and operations. I am relying on the statements of the two candidates and what I have seen of them in the community over the years.

As I said, I would really like to see both of them on the board. Since I have to make a choice, I’m going to be a bit arbitrary and vote for Brook, mostly on the basis of wanting to see some new blood on the board. I will be voting for Brook Willeford.
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UPDATE.   Here is what I consider a very pertinent response from a thoughtful reader whose opinion I respect.

I don’t know why Brook decided to run against Linda for her position on the School Board when he could have run for two other open seats.

But he did, so there we are.

Linda is deeply experienced both as an educator and as a critical leader on the S. Whidbey School Board for several years.  I do know a bit about the Board and about the struggles they continue to face.  And I have to say, that hands-down she is the most experienced of the two.  AND she has not done anything particularly outrageous or controversial on the Board except struggle with declining enrollment, teacher salaries, declining budgets, and delayed State funding.  

Brook has strong opinions about education, which is admirable.  However he has no experience with education at all, except that he was a student in the District at one point, and his wife is a teacher.  I’m afraid that doesn’t make him qualified: it might make him have strong feeling and opinions (which is perfectly great), but it doesn’t mean he understands the depth and complexity of the issues the Board faces. 

I strongly believe that this is not one of those times when “new blood” is a good thing: the issues are way too complex, the funding is diminishing rapidly, and having someone who is knowledgeable is critical.  Brook is a nice man, from a nice family; he is well respected and deeply well intentioned.  But in this instance I wish he’d gone after an uncontested seat on the Board with some humbleness of knowing he has a lot to learn…and then tackled the issues rather than tackling the Board. 

My two cents worth.