The Kennewick School Board has been deeply divided since the 2007 elections, and comments during this year's campaign season -- from both sides -- have driven the wedge even further.
On one side are two board members, Kathy White and Wendy London, who question the effectiveness and cost of the district's acclaimed reading program.
On the other side are two continuing board members, Lynn Fielding and Dawn Adams, who are firm supporters. Newcomer Heather Kintzley, Adams' niece, signed on to a joint campaign flier that puts her in this camp as well.
Both sides seem to care passionately about helping Kennewick students. They just disagree on the best way to accomplish the goal.
The best place to start is with the school board.
Focusing on campaign rhetoric and past fights is not in the district's best interests.
If school board members can't find a way to come together, mend fences and heal their rift, it's the students who will suffer.
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KSD must find a balance amid more of the same
KSD must find a balance amid more of the same
In sports it's good to have a team that works well together -- a team where the members are in sync with each other and can anticipate each other's movements.
We can also see value in an elected body working together for common goals.
In both cases, it's a great way to get the ball moving.
Kennewick schools: White, Creek
Kennewick schools: White, Creek
In the Kennewick School Board race my votes will go to Kathy White and Uby Creek. White is committed to developing a professional school board that will best serve the needs of Kennewick families. Her participation in training from the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) and encouragement for other board members to engage in improving their work as board members is essential for meeting the needs of all students.
By attending school board meetings the past five years, Creek has informed herself of school district business and the issues confronting our students, parents and staff. Creek has lived life in an immigrant family and has risen to success in education for herself and her children. She is an inspiration for all who aspire to a better life and is committed to working with Kennewick families to help them help their children be successful in school.
KATHY STALY, Kennewick
Kennewick School Board: Political veteran, appointee to vie for position
Kennewick School Board: Political veteran, appointee to vie for position
A veteran of Kennewick school politics and a recently appointed school board member are going to meet in the Nov. 8 election, according to preliminary results from Tuesday's primary election.
Uby Creek and Brian Brooks will face off in the general election for Position 4 on the Kennewick School Board. Brian Bradford did not garner enough votes to move into the next phase of the contest.
Creek, who has run for the school board twice before, received 42 percent, or 2,862 votes in Tuesday's tally. Brooks, who on Monday was appointed to fill board Position 5 through Nov. 30, received 38 percent, or 2,578 votes. Bradford came in just short of 20 percent.
Kennewick schools: Creek, White
Kennewick schools: Creek, White
Responding to the letter from Bonnie Taylor (Letters, Oct. 25) her conclusion that Brian Brooks' qualifications earned him the temporary appointment to the Kennewick School Board is not supported by the evidence. I attended the board meeting when candidates were interviewed. Brooks did not stand out as most qualified.
As the Herald correctly noted, the majority on this board vote as a bloc. Their interest is narrowly focused on a few favored district programs. Brooks made clear he will maintain this narrow focus. While this was certain to please the board majority, it is not in the best interests of students or our community.
Kennewick citizens wanting school board members who truly will work for the interests of all students should vote for Uby Creek and Kathy White. For many good reasons, Creek has been recommended by the Kennewick Education Association (KEA) and the Herald.
Kennewick schools: White
Kennewick schools: White
Kathy White is a strong leader who stands up for the school children of Kennewick, continually working to ensure that they have full access to the best education possible. An active member of the Kennewick School Board since 2008, she has been motivated only by student need when making board decisions.
Her dedication to student success and education in general is also demonstrated through other community activity. She is active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a group which promotes education. She is the local group's immediate past president, serving in the position I now hold from 2007-11, and she volunteers her time for its student related activities. These include an annual "Expanding Your Horizons" event that introduces middle school girls to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), its scholar recognition program for high school junior girls who have excelled in STEM studies, and raising funds for the group's annual scholarship for promising scholars at Columbia
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