Primary Election 2023: Toledo School District Director District 2

Jul. 28—Three candidates are vying for the District 2 director position on the school board for the Toledo School Board. The position is a four-year term on a five-person board overseeing the Toledo School District.

The top two vote-getters in the Aug. 1 primary election will advance to the general election in November.

Information on the candidates from the Lewis County Voters Guide is printed below. Because incumbent Monique Norberg did not submit information to the voter's guide, a Chronicle reporter contacted her to obtain a written statement.

The candidates appear in the order they are listed in the voter's guide.

The full voters guide can be accessed online at https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov/current-election/.

Monique Norberg (incumbent)

Norberg has served on the Toledo School Board for the past eight years and is seeking election to a third term.

She attended Toledo schools from kindergarten through her high school graduation in 1998, continuing her education at Centralia College and Pierce College, ultimately becoming a dental hygienist. She married a fellow Toledo High School graduate and has four children who attend Toledo schools.

"I believe that our community has always focused on the development of the whole child, helping all students experience success and become productive citizens," Norberg said in a written statement. "In the climate of increased accountability and assessment, I think it is important for our community to maintain our focus on providing a complete educational experience for our children that is relevant to the ever changing world around us and celebrates the learning accomplishments of each child."

In addition to her service on the school board, Norberg is a board member for the Toledo Youth Soccer program and the Toledo Girls Softball Association.

"Our family attends community activities year round and value teaching our children the importance of being an active member in society," she said.

Norberg can be contacted at mnorberg264@gmail.com.

Heather Garman

Garman was raised and educated in Toledo and currently serves as treasurer of the Toledo Neighbors Program and the secretary for Soroptimist International. She works as a senior customer service representative for Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

"I'm actively engaged in various community projects, dedicating my time and energy to make a positive impact in our community. I am excited to extend that same level of service to our schools," she said in a written statement. "Throughout my career, I have developed a diverse skill set that has equipped me to collaborate effectively, find innovative solutions, and navigate challenging situations."

If elected, Garman said she "I will bring an open mind, attentive listening, effective communication skills and the ability to make well-informed decisions. Using my experience, I will work with students, teachers, school leaders, parents and the community to develop strategies that genuinely benefit our students, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are given top priority."

Garman added, "I recognize the importance of an engaged, accessible and responsive school board. I am committed to fostering an environment where collaboration thrives and where our collective efforts have a meaningful impact."

Garman can be contacted at 360-348-1667 or heathermgarman@gmail.com.

Adam Hutchinson Sr.

Hutchinson and his family moved to Toledo in 2020, choosing the area "as our long-term home because of its country living, community atmosphere, fiber internet access and small school district," Hutchinson stated.

Since moving to Toledo, Hutchinson has been involved in community meetings to discuss the Toledo track expansion, superintendent community forums and has served on the citizen's advisory group to address school population growth.

"I am committed to serving our community and ensuring our schools provide the best education and growth opportunities," he said.

As executive director of the Northwest Masonry Association and a former structural project engineer for Integrus Architecture, Hutchinson said, "I bring experience in project management and design, including elementary school renovations and institutional projects."

Hutchinson holds a bachelors of science in civil engineering from Gonzaga University, as well as an associates in applied science in computer-aided drafting and design from ITT Technical Institute and a leadership development degree from the Kansas Leadership Center.

If elected, Hutchinson said, "I will work to support students, parents and teachers. With my experience, understanding of community needs, and dedication, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on the Toledo School Board."

Hutchinson can be contacted at hutchinson_a@hotmail.com.