My name is Angela Marshall. I am running for Vashon School Board Director Position #3 because the health of our schools reflect the health of our community.

In this moment of significant inherited problems, we need a board willing to challenge the administration when warranted, and to lead a shift away from the framework that has failed our kids, parents, and educators. That new framework needs to be inclusive and transparent.

I am a mother of two children in the Vashon School District. I was raised in a family of teachers and public servants who instilled the values of honesty, respect, fairness, and integrity. I believe we need to restore accountability at the district level by increasing transparency and oversight.

I am committed to reestablishing a deliberative process open to the public. I will ask questions, seek timely information and data, and will encourage healthy discussion, and debate when needed, in the public view.

I bring practical leadership experience needed to take on the task of re-envisioning new structures within the school system to keep kids safe.

My professional experience includes running a public agency, handling complicated labor relations issues and legal disputes, and managing employees, budgets, and politically sensitive matters.

I currently serve as Deputy Director in the Office of Labor Relations at King County. I oversee a team of professionals who negotiate and advise on 80 collective bargaining agreements, ensuring proper legal and policy administration for all represented King County employees.

The District should properly ensure that investments in budget, policies, and curriculum decisions are properly aligned with the established mission and strategic plan. Where they are not, updates must be made.

District decisions and action must fully reflect the stated mission which promises that “every student is welcomed, known, and treasured, and graduates confident and competent to thrive in a future they imagine.”

The decision to sign settlement agreements with John Rees and Kara Sears, which included economic compensation and allowed them to resign while maintaining their certification, was entirely in conflict with this mission.

Students and staff deserve a safe place to learn and teach. We owe it to them to recommit to a prioritization of safety and security. Protocols must be instituted which require that the board be immediately made aware of safety concerns and investigatory matters. The Board must be directly involved in community driven decisions for appropriate resolution.

I am eager to take on the hard work of overseeing the island’s largest and most important taxing district. I intend to serve in a manner that restores community trust in the district while also tackling financial pressures that threaten the district’s ability to fund programs.

I am committed to decision making that will be focused on ensuring the highest quality education, while also recommitting to the prioritization of safety and security through increased transparency and oversight.

I look forward to serving in this role. I am ready to take on complex issues, to listen carefully and ask hard questions, and to be accountable to our community.

Angela Marshall is a candidate for Vashon School Board Director Position #3.