Challengers raise concerns in Pasco school election. Here’s our take on the races
Three Pasco School Board seats are up for election this year, and two of those are contested.
In the races where voters have a choice, the match-up is between longtime incumbents and worthy opponents.
Both Steve Christensen and Amy Phillips have served on the Pasco School Board for eight years and, although their challengers both bring up valid and important concerns, we think the school district is still on the right track.
We recommend voters return Christensen and Phillips to elected office so they can continue the progress that’s been made under their watch.
Steve Christensen v Cynthia Ledesma
In the race between Steve Christensen and Cynthia Ledesma we were impressed that Ledesma used her lunch break to meet with us.
She works for the Benton-Franklin Health District with the COVID care coordination team, aiding families who test positive for the virus and need assistance in order to stay quarantined.
It is noble work, and this experience of helping needy families in the school district would bring a valuable perspective to the school board if she were elected.
Ledesma and her colleagues help with anything from fresh food orders to financial assistance, and they also educate people on the importance of vaccination and the effects of COVID.
When we met with her, she said her job had been extended and that she was so busy it has been challenging to run a campaign. However, she plans on studying to become a school teacher beginning in January when the new school board term begins, and at that point she would have plenty of time to devote to her elected duties.
She is a native of the area, and first generation Mexican American. As a parent, she is not been satisfied with Pasco schools after experiencing how other communities manage education in Fort Worth, Texas and Rochester, New York. She has returned to Pasco and wants to bring her ideas for improvement to the school board.
Christensen said he welcomes Ledesma to the race and is glad she is running. He appeared genuinely interested in her concerns. We encourage Ledesma to sit down with the school superintendent, as Christensen suggested, and explain her improvement ideas.
Christensen’s willingness to listen is an important trait. He said he wants to find a way to bring the community together before it asks voters to support a bond for another high school. He noted that Pasco has the two biggest high schools in the state.
How the district manages its exploding growth likely will be a primary focus of the school board and Christensen’s experience will be invaluable in that arena.
Amy Phillips v Michelle Andres
The last time Amy Phillips ran as an incumbent for the Pasco School Board she was just finishing her first term and we said she was just hitting her stride and wanted to see her continue for another four years.
We could not have guessed back then that all the progress being made in the school district would be interrupted by a pandemic.
Her opponent, Michelle Andres, is rightly concerned about learning gaps and below average test scores and wants the district to do better.
She also wants to see a boost in parental involvement in the district, and is concerned about how requirements at the state level like sex education will be implemented.
Andres has the time to devote her energy fully to school board duties and said she would visit every school in the district. She is clearly on a mission to help and we have no doubt she would be a force for positive change if elected.
But Phillips is no slacker.
Four years ago we called her the Energizer Bunny on the school board and that name still applies.
Phillips seemed to have an answer to everything. On sex education, she noted that parents not only have the ability to opt out their children from the program, but that they are expected to opt them in as well.
On race relations, Phillips said that Critical Race Theory is not taught in the schools, but that diversity, equity and inclusion are.
She probably had the best explanation of what that means.
Phillips said, “Equity is making sure every child gets what they need. Diversity is embracing differences between us and respecting those differences. Inclusion is wrapping your arms around these kids and making sure every kid feels like they belong.”
Since she and Christensen have been on the school board, the district has increased graduation rates from 70% to 81% and started a trimester system that gives students more chances to retake classes and master them.
Phillips also said the school district “is just beginning to move the needle in the way that we want it to be moved.”
We recommend that readers watch both recorded interviews on our website to get a full picture of what these all candidates have to offer.
The Pasco School District is 70% low income and it is growing at a rapid rate. Experience will be needed to help guide the district on.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Steve Christensen and Amy Phillips to the Pasco School Board.
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.