Choose 2 school directors who will help Richland move on from the recall | Opinion
Richland School District voters have a chance to close the book on a tumultuous couple of years. Things came to a head in August when voters ousted three directors who had put hot-headed social warfare over serving students. They broke the law and had to go. So voters ousted them.
Now voters will elect three of the school board’s five directors. Two of the seats are open after the recall, and one has an incumbent running. The third recall seat will be up at a future date.
Richland needs smart, temperate leaders who will restore stability so that students can excel and taxpayers can trust that their investment in public education is managed well.
Pandemic education losses hit students in Richland schools just like everywhere else. Students fell behind previous cohorts, and they are struggling to catch up.
Though Richland fares well compared to the state a whole on the state education report card, the numbers still cause concern. Fewer than half of Richland students meet math and science standards, and only a little more than half meet English language arts standards.
Richland School Board races are nonpartisan and school board members are elected at-large, meaning that all voters in the district vote for all directors.
The Tri-City Herald Editorial Board interviewed candidates and reviewed their records and qualifications in deciding whom to recommend in each race.
We commend all of the candidates for stepping up to run. Competitive elections elevate the public discourse and give voters a choice, which is a cornerstone of democracy.
Voters can view our interviews online at tri-cityherald.com.
Director No. 3: Chelsie Beck
Voters face a stark choice in this race. Both Chelsie Beck and Nino Kapitula are intelligent parents who care about education and would work hard. Their differences are ideological.
Beck is diplomatic and thoughtful. She has kids in Richland schools and wants to refocus the district on fostering an environment in which students can excel, not divisive social issues. She has managed large budgets. We are optimistic that she can be part of new leadership that mends divisions in the community.
Kapitula is out of step with the community, having aligned herself with the recently recalled school board faction. She would reignite fruitless cultural battles. Voters also should question her commitment to public education. She sends her own children to private school, not Richland public schools.
Director No. 4: Katrina Waters
Voters rejected Kari Williams’ brand of leadership when they recalled her in August. Despite being recalled, Williams is trying to get back on the board. We recommend voters move on and choose Katrina Waters.
Waters is an excellent candidate. She’s clearly very knowledgeable about the issues in the district. She also will be better able to work collaboratively and respectfully with the board at a time when healing is necessary. She has three children who graduated from district schools and has served in a variety of volunteer community leadership roles.
Williams would like voters to forget about the recall, but she continues to highlight the pandemic issues that caused all the divisiveness in the first place. Richland schools can do better.
Director No. 5: Jill Oldson
With three new directors after the August recall, the Richland School Board could use some continuity. Voters can provide it by reelecting Jill Oldson, the current board vice president. She has a solid grasp on the challenges facing the district and the limitations of what a single school director can do within the bounds of the law. She has served through some tough times. Richland should give her a chance now to shine during relatively calm times.
Oldson’s opponent, Gene Nemeth, comes in with big ideas but without clear proposals on how to accomplish them. His vision hews toward the sort of ideals that the recalled directors had.
Nemeth clearly cares about student achievement, but we are skeptical that he can work with the rest of the school board collaboratively.
