Tahoma School Board Election 2023 - Voter Guide
The Tahoma School Board is in desperate need of capable leadership! Under the existing school board’s guidance, Tahoma has been plagued with staff-on-student sexual assault, financial waste, and degradation of academic standards. The existing school board continues to fail in holding district staff accountable for these egregious shortfalls. The community has the ability to hold the school board accountable by electing new, highly qualified leaders who will REFOCUS on academic excellence, REBUILD a safe environment, and RESTORE trust in the Tahoma School District this November.
Tahoma Parent’s recommends voting for the following school board candidates
Stephen Deutschman (Position 3)
Stephen Deutschman is a committed and experienced candidate who has been deeply ingrained in the Tahoma community for 46 years. As a devoted parent and grandparent, he understands the intricate needs of our students and their families. With pivotal decisions on bonds and levies looming, Deutschman's proven financial stewardship skills, honed through roles like his membership in the Greater Maple Valley Area Unincorporated Council, make him a dependable choice to guide Tahoma's educational future.
One of the most pressing concerns is the academic performance of our students. Deutschman's commitment to TSD subcommittees showcases his dedication to enhancing curriculum and improving learning outcomes. Additionally, his extensive background in facility operations ensures that he will prioritize the safety and security of our students, addressing the growing worries in this realm. Moreover, his history as President of multiple Maple Valley athletic leagues and his involvement in community initiatives like the Renton Police Foundation demonstrate his ability to collaborate effectively and engender positive change.
Note: Stephen Deutschman is running against Malia Hollowell who recently resigned her position amidst a growing controversy surrounding sexual assault and lack of accountability within the school district.
Vincent Powell (Position 4)
As a dedicated parent and community member, Vincent is committed to enhancing education, safety, and overall excellence in the Tahoma School District. With a strong belief in collaborative efforts, he aims to unite parents, students, teachers, staff, and the community to achieve ambitious goals together.
Vincent recognizes the need for change and improvement in our district. Acknowledging that around 40% of Tahoma students are not meeting grade level standards, he advocates for transparent communication about the district's shortcomings and prioritizing academic excellence. Safety is another crucial concern for Vincent. He understands the fear of school violence and is dedicated to implementing the findings of safety committees to ensure the security and peace of mind of students, teachers, and parents alike.
With his focus on budget and facilities, Vincent is preparing for the projected 10% student population growth over the next 8 years. By supporting district efforts to expand capacity and accommodate more students, he demonstrates his proactive approach to planning for the district's future. Vincent Powell's dedication to education, safety, and growth makes him an excellent choice for the school board, as he strives to provide a top-notch education and experience for all students in the Tahoma School District.
Note: Vincent Powell is running against board president Pete Miller. Miller was serving on the board during incidents of sexual assault and lack of accountability within the school district.
Patrick Peacock (Position 5)
Peacock's commitment to Partnering with Parents sets him apart, recognizing that parental involvement is crucial to a student's success. He emphasizes the importance of trust between schools and parents, advocating for transparent communication and full access to information to make informed decisions about their child's education.
Furthermore, Peacock's background in Safety and Security is invaluable in today's challenging school environment. With experience as a Senior Industrial Security Specialist and a former Army Counter-Intelligence Agent, he brings a unique skill set to address modern safety concerns, from degraded discipline to severe drug use and potential shootings. His dedication to creating a secure learning environment ensures that students, parents, staff, and teachers can work together without fear.
Peacock's Education Lens approach ensures that every decision made by policymakers aligns with the core mission of education. With a critical eye on achieving educational goals, he aims to refocus the district on its fundamental purpose and reverse the alarming statistics in math, science, and language arts achievement. His journey from concerned parent to deeply involved community member, combined with his comprehensive knowledge and active participation, demonstrates his commitment to effecting positive change in the Tahoma school district.
Note: Patrick Peacock is running against appointed director Matt Carreon. Carreon’s poor board attendance record has led to concern about his ability to fulfill his elected duties.
Vote Early!
Did you know that the safest way to ensure your vote counts, is by voting early? Submitting your ballot early allows ample time to monitor acceptance status and correct any issues with elections officials before voting ends. Moreover, casting your vote early frees up limited campaign resources. Mobilizing voters is a resource draining operation. By submitting your ballot early, you reduce the amount of likely voters that a campaign needs to contact, allowing a more effective utilization of the campaign’s resources.
Voters should begin receiving their ballots around mid-to-late October. Ballots must be cast no later than 8:00 PM on November 7th. More information on registering to vote can be found at: WA SOS - Register to Vote in Washington State
