Community Apathy: A Losing Recipe
The results from the first ballot drop are in, and it seems that the status quo will prevail. While the Peacock/Carreon race is still undecided with thousands of votes yet to be counted, the likelihood of witnessing a significant change in the Tahoma School Board is minimal. The leadership style that has led to the degradation of our district appears to be here to stay.
During the 2021 school board election, over 14,000 votes were cast, with parental advocacy candidate Kyle Meyers securing 46% of the vote (6,272 votes). Had these voters simply voted again in 2023, the Tahoma candidates seeking change would likely have won in a landslide victory. Unfortunately, turnout projections indicate a 26% reduction compared to the 2021 election night counts.
Given the serious issues our district currently faces, many are asking why so many people seem disinterested. The reality is that this election lacks the high-profile federal election, media-driven issues, or contested ballot measures that typically drive turnout. School board elections, in reality, often fall by the wayside for voters. This mindset needs to change, as local elections have the most personal impact on our community.
They impact our children!
The Tahoma Parents team invested everything we had in this election to boost turnout and raise awareness. We are disappointed that our efforts fell short. In the coming weeks, we will reflect on the results, learn from our experiences, and reevaluate our purpose to determine how we can have the greatest positive impact on our Tahoma Schools moving forward.
We appreciate the support given to us over the last 2 years, and will continue to be a voice for the voiceless in the Tahoma community.
