Election 2023: Central Kitsap School Board incumbents face challenges
Three Central Kitsap School Board incumbents, including current board president Drayton Jackson, face opposition in the Nov. 7 general election.
Jackson, who in 2019 was elected director of District 3 and is the founder/executive director for the Kitsap-based nonprofit Foundation for Homeless and Poverty Management, picked up 41.4% of the vote during August's primary election. Challenger Jim Grose, who retiring this year from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in October after 36 years, finished close behind Jackson with 37.6% of the vote.
District 4 incumbent Meghan Hein, a human resources professional, dominated in the primary by collecting 69% of the vote. She's up against Navy facililty shop supervisor Jason Gilham, who took second in the primary with 15.1% of the vote.
The District 2 race, which wasn't contested in the primary, features incumbent Kristin Hay and challenger Breezy Mitchell. Hay, who has worked as a radiological engineer technician for the Navy, was appointed to her position after former director Rob MacDermid stepped down. Mitchell is owner/operator of Mitchell Lumber Company.
The Kitsap Sun asked candidates to submit answers to a three-part questionnaire regarding the general election.
Drayton Jackson (District 3)
Q: What do you feel you would bring to the school board if elected?
I firmly embrace pursuing educational excellence, rooted in the fundamental principles of student-centered decision-making, as outlined in the Central Kitsap school district's Strategic Plan. My dedication extends to fostering sound and efficient governance alongside an unwavering commitment to community engagement, and I pledge to maintain this focus. I am deeply committed to the ongoing advancement of policies and practices that enhance the operational efficiency of the district. My ultimate goal is to create an educational environment where every student excels academically and experiences a profound sense of belonging. I offer a perspective and a voice representing those experiencing poverty and homelessness and those who may feel underrepresented and unheard, individuals who may not see themselves reflected in leadership roles. A central focus of my mission is to guarantee that our esteemed educators and staff receive unwavering support and that their voices are heard and valued. Whether the task at hand involves securing increased funding for vital programs, championing greater diversity within our faculty and administrative teams to offer students relatable role models, or broadening access to enriching educational opportunities, my unwavering commitment remains steadfastly centered on meeting the unique needs of our student body.
Q: Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?
A: The primary source of my motivation to serve stems from our students. I am deeply moved by the students within the Central Kitsap School District and those across our state and country who require dedicated advocacy on their behalf within the school board but who have stood up for themselves and voiced their concerns and changes they want to see in our district. At the very essence of my role as an elected school director lies the concept of students first. This means that every decision made, each policy passed, and every action taken must authentically reflect the values and aspirations of our students. It is imperative to recognize that the fundamental purpose of a school board is to promote and safeguard student success and well-being. I am resolute in my commitment to ensure that our students receive the best possible educational experience and opportunities, all while prioritizing their unique needs and perspectives. In every action I take as a school director, I strive to advocate for our students, as they are the heart and soul of the future of this country.
Q: Central Kitsap’s “two genders” shirt controversy earlier this year revealed a sense of division regarding Pride Month. What is a board member’s priority when trying to balance personal beliefs – and/or those beliefs expressed by community members – with school policy?
A: As a board member, my foremost priority when addressing issues related to personal beliefs and community perspectives is to uphold the principles of equity, inclusion, and the welfare of all students. Recognizing that a school board exists to serve the community's best interests, including students of diverse backgrounds and identities, is critical to understanding that everyone has a voice. While personal beliefs should be respected, as a school board member, I must prioritize policies and actions that foster an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students in the district and uphold my oath to the Constitution of the United States. This means valuing diversity, respecting the rights and identities of LGBTQ+ students and staff, and actively working to create a school culture where everyone feels welcomed and respected, even if everyone does not agree. ... The ultimate goal should be to prioritize the well-being and inclusivity of all students, as it is the school board's responsibility to ensure that every student feels respected and supported, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. I commit to ensuring that every student feels valued, respected, and supported, even if we disagree, and I will continue to work diligently toward that powerful vision.
Jim Grose (District 3)
Q: What do you feel you would bring to the school board if elected?
A: I have a desire to see my community succeed, and it starts with our youth. I listen and I am thoughtful in my words and actions. I have decades of experience in leadership roles. I am empathetic, I like to research an issue and take in all "sides" as I make a decision. Through my lifelong journey in Central Kitsap and my 36 years at PSNS, I have a strong community base. I want to continue to build on the successes of Central Kitsap schools, and limit the distractions to student learning. My goal is to see the students succeed. I will do my best to see this achieved.
Q: Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?
A: To better my community. There are many social and political agendas that are being injected into our schools. My aim is to keep those issues and pressures out of the classroom and off the campus. I want us to get back to focusing on the students learning. Our scores in mathmatics, reading, and writing have fallen drastically in the last number of years. We must do better by our students and parents to get the educational standards up to the level that allows our students to further themselves in society. We need to prepare our students to enter the job market, develop as skilled tradespersons, support professional careers, and/or pursue further education.
Q: Central Kitsap’s “two genders” shirt controversy earlier this year revealed a sense of division regarding Pride Month. What is a board member’s priority when trying to balance personal beliefs – and/or those beliefs expressed by community members – with school policy?
A: I would say that I support the people that would like to wear a "two genders" shirt just as much as I support the people that would like to wear a Pride shirt. I value a person's character of content much more than I value a symbol. I think that the controversy would be better focused on our students' access to a learning environment. I think that if we focused on our similarities and common goals instead of our differences, we could better serve our students. I am concerned with the amount of political and social turmoil and pressures that are being placed on our students. I would like to focus the energy of the school board and the school district to teaching the students how to think rather than what to think.
Meghan Hein (District 4)
Q: What do you feel you would bring to the school board if elected?A: In my time on the Central Kitsap School Board, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our students and schools. I have developed strong relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, and students. I have shown my commitment to student learning by volunteering at a variety of schools to read with elementary students who need a little extra help and by attending student presentations. I have a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely. Central Kitsap School District has endeavored to abide by their budget, and as a result, has not needed to lay off staff, unlike many of our neighboring districts. My top priority is ensuring that every child has a quality education that is equitable and inclusive, regardless of that child’s background. I believe that my experience, fiscal responsibility, and passion for supporting students make me the best candidate for school board director.Q: Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?A: I want to increase student engagement. As a board member, I hear disappointment and frustration from some members of our community: disappointment about pandemic learning loss and frustration that our schools don’t focus on academics. This is my position: our students will not recover from learning loss or improve their academic outcomes if they are not engaged, if they do not feel safe and welcomed at school, and if they do not believe they matter. I agree that academics are absolutely crucial. That’s why I volunteer to read with our elementary learners and I take the time to carefully review our curriculum selections. However, focusing on academics alone is not enough to improve outcomes for our students or prepare them for life in the 21st century. Our students deserve the opportunity to find the passion that drives them to learn, whether that is through academics, art, music, sports, or another of the myriad options offered by our district. Our students deserve to walk into our schools knowing they will be welcomed, accepted, and represented, not judged or rejected for who they are. This is the school community I want for our students, and what motivates me to serve.
Q: Central Kitsap’s “two genders” shirt controversy earlier this year revealed a sense of division regarding Pride Month. What is a board member’s priority when trying to balance personal beliefs – and/or those beliefs expressed by community members – with school policy?A: A board member has no singular power. Our responsibility is to work with our fellow members to reach a collective agreement about what is best for all stakeholders in the district and to abide by that agreement. As a board member, I took an oath of office to uphold the laws of Washington State, and I take that oath seriously. If there is ever conflict between my personal beliefs and the law, then my beliefs are subordinate. If I could not, in good conscience, carry out my oath of office, I would resign my position. Our school policies align with the laws of our state and are written to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all students. In a public school, students will encounter diverse personal beliefs, and they will be expected to respect the right to those beliefs and to treat others with civility. That is part of the educational process. Parents and community members do have rights; they are welcome to their personal beliefs, and to teach those beliefs to their children. However, personal beliefs that are in conflict with state laws that govern public education will not be included in our school policies.
Jason Gilham (District 4)
Q: What do you feel you would bring to the school board if elected?
A: I bring an even-tempered demeanor with experience leading and guiding opposing parties to common ground while steering the focus to the important issues at hand. For me, the important focus is the students, our children and grandchildren who are attending school in CKSD. Often, people get hung up on personal views or perceived injustices and lose focus on the core needs of those affected. I believe I can help balance this.
Q: Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?
A: The main reasons I chose to run are that too often, there are unopposed candidates on the ballot, which bothers me. If the people are unhappy with the way an incumbent performs, and there is no opposing candidate, what choice is there? I saw an opportunity where I heard there were issues, in a position that is often lacking options to vote. I found myself qualified and able to run, and a few friends and family members encouraged me to step up to the position, so I am now running and hope to bring peace and inclusion to school board meetings.
Q: Central Kitsap’s “two genders” shirt controversy earlier this year revealed a sense of division regarding Pride Month. What is a board member’s priority when trying to balance personal beliefs – and/or those beliefs expressed by community members – with school policy?
A: The two gender t-shirt issue has gotten a lot of attention. I believe it comes down to respect. If the students wear a shirt that expresses an opinion or belief in a respectful manner and not in a bullying or disrespectful manner, then any shirts, slogans, etc. should be permitted. If, however, these things are being used disrespectfully, or to demean or degrade other students, then this cannot be allowed. I would hope that students can continue to respect each other while representing their individual beliefs and values, because the alternative would be to not allow any of it, thereby reducing individualism. I do not believe students or parents want restrictive dress codes, or uniform type requirements in our schools. As a school board member, my duties would be to shape policy in accordance with laws and governing regulations, and to work to resolve any issues caused by these policies.
Kristin Hay (District 2)
Q: What do you feel you would bring to the school board if elected?
A: I have been serving on the Central Kitsap School Board since I was appointed in March of 2023. During this time, I have advocated for community members; I hear what they are saying and I am supporting them with my voice and my actions. I ask questions that I know the community wants answers for. As a school board director, it is my responsibility to represent the community. Having direct discussions with them is the greatest way to do this. I make myself available to community members and families and I meet with them when they reach out to me. I also have maintained my focus on student achievement. The current student success rate is far below where it should be. Our families deserve a better education for their kids and the students deserve the best education possible.
Q: Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?
A: My actions and decision to run for election are driven by a need to improve academic success for the students of this community. They deserve an educational environment where they are safe from unwanted or disruptive behavior and where they can grow in learning and understanding.
Q: Central Kitsap’s “two genders” shirt controversy earlier this year revealed a sense of division regarding Pride Month. What is a board member’s priority when trying to balance personal beliefs – and/or those beliefs expressed by community members – with school policy?
A: Earlier this year there was much discord and division amongst the community around a particular recognized month. This division has continued into the current school year with many families and community members voicing their opinions, many times in opposition to each other. As a school board director, laws and policies exist in order to maintain neutrality. This becomes very difficult when opinions are so drastically different. Board directors must always keep the best interests of the students at the forefront, ensuring they have a safe, welcoming, and nurturing learning environment. I encourage voters to recognize the issues that are most important to them, educate yourselves on these issues and the positions of the candidates, and vote for the candidate that most accurately aligns with your viewpoints.
Breezy Mitchell (District 2)
Q: What do you feel you would bring to the school board if elected?
A: As a parent to a high school, middle school, and a 3rd-grade student who actively volunteers in the schools, I am very dedicated to the success of our school district. My background as charge nurse in critical care and as business owner has given me experiences that will serve me well on the school board. I have an understanding of writing policy and procedures that affect many people. In my career and volunteer work I have been exposed to extensive budgetary work. Listening, understanding, and collaboration are my priorities. I believe in creative problem-solving and innovation. I was born in South Korea and have lived in Kitsap County most of my life. I have deep empathy for children who face marginalization and who have reduced circumstances. If elected I will work tirelessly for the betterment of our school district and community.
Q: Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?
A: An obstacle that schools are still facing is the post-pandemic learning and behavioral loss. The pandemic was a source of traumatic stress and it magnified the imbalances between students. I believe that we need to rebuild the school community that was lost during those years. Creating and maintaining a safe school community is an ongoing effort and requires collaboration among students, parents, educators, administrators, and the community. When students feel safe physically and emotionally in their educational environment they are more likely to succeed academically and thrive personally.
Q: Central Kitsap’s “two genders” shirt controversy earlier this year revealed a sense of division regarding Pride Month. What is a board member’s priority when trying to balance personal beliefs – and/or those beliefs expressed by community members – with school policy?
A: Public schools are for everyone, all children deserve access to a quality education. The board’s primary focus should always be the well-being and the education of students. Decisions should provide a safe learning environment that promotes student success. Board members should listen and engage with the community to understand diverse perspectives and concerns. Legal and ethical obligations may take precedence over personal and community beliefs. Ultimately, the priority is to make decisions that put the students first while respecting the diversity of beliefs from the community. This may not always be easy, but the welfare of all students should remain paramount
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Election 2023: Central Kitsap School Board incumbents face challenges
