These Kennewick School Board candidates will both do a great job, but one has an edge
Voters in one race for the Kennewick School Board have a choice between a Kennewick parent upset with how the board handled the COVID pandemic and a sharp educator who has a passion for science and technology.
Gabe Galbraith and Erin Steinert are running for the open seat left by longtime Kennewick School Board member Dawn Adams who decided not to seek another term.
Even though we don’t agree with some of Galbraith’s complaints against the school district, we believe he represents a voice that is needed on the board.
He is a parent with children in the school district, and right now there is only one incumbent board member who shares that unique perspective. For the sake of balance, we recommend Galbraith.
He is a human resources professional and father of three, and he had to watch his eldest child miss out on special senior year activities because the high schools did not meet in person until April of this year.
However necessary it was to protect the community from the spread of COVID, many parents were not happy with the board’s decision to offer only online classes for middle and high school students for most of the 2020-21 school year.
The school board should explore ways to better communicate with an obviously frustrated parent-community, and Galbraith probably could help with that.
Steinert, though, also comes off as someone who would be a good listener and conduit to the community.
She has done her research on issues facing education and went out of her way to contact current and retired school officials to learn more about how the school district operates. She even checked out training opportunities offered by the Washington State School Directors Association — showing her commitment to being prepared for the office should she get it.
While not a parent herself, Steinert is an educator, outreach specialist and current director of the planetarium and observatory at Columbia Basin College. She said she has “thousands of kids” who have come through her doors over the years and it is apparent she truly cares about making sure kids receive the best education possible.
She also notes that because she isn’t a parent, she won’t be looking out for the self-interests of her family. We believe Steinert would do her homework on tough issues, and would offer important comments during school board discussions.
She also has the backing the Washington State Teacher’s Association. In the voters’ pamphlet, she said she has “hosted, taught, and tutored thousands of children in the areas of science and arts,” and we’ve no doubt she truly wants to help kids in the community.
But so does Galbraith.
And when it comes to serving on the school board, there is no comparison to being a parent who sees daily the ups and downs and the challenges and disappointments of their own children.
When people have kids in school, they also tend to see other parents at school-related events, and that is a plus for a school board member. Also, Galbraith is married to a teacher in the district, so he will also have that perspective.
We disagree with him on certain issues — he believes masks should be optional and that parents will make the right decisions for their kids. He also wants to push against certain state requirements, but the truth is there is only so much a school board member can legally do.
But we like that he wants to see school board meetings recorded and the video made available to the public instead of waiting “six weeks for some CliffsNotes” about a meeting that lasted two hours.
He said he would like to see transparency improved and that he would push for that right away. On that point, we say go for it.
Steinert is an excellent candidate and if she is elected there is no doubt that Kennewick citizens will be well served.
But considering the makeup of the current board — and the frustration level of many parents — we believe Galbraith’s connection to other families and teachers will provide a voice that is needed in the district.
Micah Valentine is a Kennewick School Board candidate in another race with children in school, but we did not think he was prepared for the office and could not recommend him. Our editorial on that race can be found online.
Galbraith, however, has paid attention to school board meetings, has done his research and has reached out to people to find out their concerns. It’s his connection to the community that gives him the edge in this race.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Gabe Galbraith for Kennewick School Board, Director No. 2.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 13, 2021 at 5:00 AM.