A Strategic Imperative for Revitalizing Washington’s Public Schools

Washington’s 1.07 million public-school students brim with potential, showcasing diverse talents and intellectual abilities. As a parent and longtime community advocate, I feel the weight of
responsibility we all share in ensuring our schools are strong enough to nurture these young minds.
The world is changing rapidly, and our kids need more than just basic knowledge—they need skills
that will help them thrive. But right now, our public education system in Washington is facing
serious challenges—declining enrollment, legislative apathy, financial instability, and growing
dissatisfaction among families. We cannot afford to ignore these issues. The consequences could be
severe and long-lasting.

My decision to run for Superintendent of Public Instruction stems from years of firsthand
experience and deep conversations with parents, teachers, and students yearning for meaningful
change. The fact that 46,000 students have left public schools since 2019 isn’t just a
statistic—it’s a cry for help. This mass exodus, which equals the entire enrollment of Washington’s
second-largest school district, is a wake-up call that we must heed. We have good schools and
dedicated people, but they need help. I am committed to assisting struggling students and
schools—because the current system is failing them.

Elevating Academic Standards: The Cornerstone of Educational Excellence

In a world driven by rapid technological advancements and fierce global competition, our public
schools must set and maintain the highest academic standards. Despite a record $19,100 spent per
student, only 39% of our students are proficient in math, and just over half meet the standards in
English. These troubling numbers hit home during one of my visits to Spokane. A math teacher there confided in me about students’ daily struggles with even basic algebra concepts—issues rooted in inconsistent academic standards.

We can do better. Our students deserve a world-class education, and that starts with raising the
bar for academic achievement. We must ensure that every classroom in Washington is equipped with
the tools and support necessary to meet these high standards.

Nurturing High-Achieving and Struggling Students: A Dual Commitment to Excellence

Our public schools should be places where every student—whether excelling or struggling—finds the
support and challenges they need to succeed. High-achieving students require opportunities to
stretch their abilities. Yet, recent decisions—like dismantling Seattle Public Schools’ Highly
Capable Cohorts program
—are putting these opportunities at risk. Picture a student, eager to take
on advanced coursework, finding themselves with fewer and fewer options.

AP courses? They’re crucial. Without them, our students lose out on vital preparation for college
and the competitive global workforce. School districts should consider multiple HICAP models that
meet their unique needs.

At the same time, we must also support students who are struggling to meet academic standards. The
$124 million set aside for individualized tutoring in the state budget is a good start, but it’s
only that—a start. We need personalized and consistent support over time. Grade inflation is
another issue we can’t ignore—it hides the real struggles students face, leaving them unprepared
for post-secondary education and the workforce. Honest assessments and targeted support will better
prepare all students for the challenges ahead.

As Superintendent, I will commit to using my platform to advocate for the full funding of special
education programs – including full funding for general education para-educators! This will involve
working closely with legislators to develop and pass policies that address serious McCleary
shortfalls, ensuring our most vulnerable students receive the resources they need. Additionally, I
will push for early intervention programs that help students access services as soon as possible,
giving them the best chance for success.

Addressing Mental Health and Discipline: A Comprehensive and Holistic Approach

Student well-being is inseparable from academic performance. The growing crisis of anxiety and
depression among young people, as highlighted by Jonathan Haidt in The Anxious Generation, is
alarming. Excessive cell phone and social media use are harming adolescents’ mental health, and we
must act now. Schools that have limited cell phone use and banned social media during school
hours—like those in the Peninsula School District—have seen real improvements: better focus, fewer
behavioral issues, improved test scores, and a more positive atmosphere.

Imagine walking into a school where students are fully engaged in learning, their attention
undivided by social media, and their mental well-being a top priority. This is not just a vision
but a necessity for our future.

To achieve this, we must invest heavily in mental health resources, including counseling services
and wellness programs. By tackling the root causes of mental health challenges, we can create a
safer, more supportive learning environment that promotes both academic success and personal
growth.

I will work with educators, parents, and mental health professionals to develop clear, statewide
guidelines on cell phone use during school hours. These guidelines will minimize distractions and
promote a focus on learning while respecting students’ need for connectivity.

In collaboration with school districts, I will advocate for the expansion of programs like Positive
Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) that focus on promoting positive behavior rather than
relying solely on punitive measures. This approach will help create a more supportive school
environment where all students can thrive.

A Vision for the Future: Reinvigorating Public Education with Resolve and Rigor

Washington’s public schools are at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the future
of our education system. We are witnessing a potential train wreck in our schools. Are we going to
stand by and let it happen?

As Superintendent, I will call for a high-powered task force to detail the financial fixes needed
to address the Marysville, Moses Lake, Seattle, and Evergreen financial meltdowns. Instead of
watching families turn away from public schools, I’m committed to winning back their trust and
ensuring our schools become the first choice for every parent.

Together, we can transform Washington’s public schools into a model of educational excellence,
where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Let’s take this journey
together and create the future our children deserve.