The Bethel School Board will select between five applicants to fill an open seat in the Spanaway area. The position represents Director District #1, which is the district’s northern-most section. It has been vacant since Ronald Morehouse announced his resignation in October. 

As of last Friday’s deadline, five applications had been submitted.  As part of the process candidates answered a prospective board member questionnaire. Here are a few things each of them had to say:

 

Rachel Bacon

Employment: Teacher at the Mini Skool Early Learning Center

Resident of Bethel: 4-1/2 years

Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board?

“To support and encourage new ideas and strategies that may help facilitate attaining higher education for those who desire it.”

Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about?

“I don’t know if same sex is taught in curriculum, but I am strongly opposed to such teaching.”

 

Jennifer Barnstein

Employment: Ballot Processing Floor Supervisor at the Pierce County Auditor’s Elections Division, Sales Assistant/Associate Buyer for Orting Floral, and a Kitchen Manager at Marlowe’s.  Barnstein has held leadership positions in the Naches Trail and Spanaway Jr. High PTAs.  She has also served as a co-chair of the Bethel Citizens Committee for School Support and is a FutureSchools Committee member.

Resident of Bethel: 18 years

Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board?

“I believe in our school district and our community. Our three children started and completed their educations in the Bethel School District and I would like the opportunity to give back what was given to our children.”

Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about?

“Ensuring that the Bethel School District continues with its high standards that I have been so proud to witness and be a part of these last 18 years, including its progressive and future focused efforts like the Pierce County Skills Center.”  

 

Deborah Jones

Employment: homemaker and pastor’s wife. Jones is a former PTA president and site council member. She also serves on the FutureSchools Committee.

Resident of Bethel: 22 years

Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board?

“I feel it will be a great opportunity for me to learn more about the school district, and also to help bring the community closer together in efforts that can benefit the families in our school district.”

Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about?

“We must not leave no children behind.”

 

Kristin Larson

Employment: homemaker. Larson has been involved with the Secondary Boundary Study and FutureSchools committees. Larson also volunteers with the Girls Scouts and is the Washington National Guard Family Support Coordinator. She holds a valid K-8 teaching certificate.

Resident of Bethel: 11 years

Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board?

“I like to say education is in my blood. My mother was a District 81 teacher for 30+ years.  My uncle is a retired High School History Teachers. My cousin is a teachers and my grandmother served on the school board in Blue Earth, MN. I became a teacher because teachers changed and shaped my life; they made me who I am today. I care about the district I reside in and my child attends.   

Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about?

“Bullying, Nutritious Lunches; Achievement (EOCS and MSP); changing the way our families and the public perception of our schools and district.”

 

Warren Smith

Employment: retiree and former member of the Bethel School Board, Washington State Board of Education, and the National Assessment Governing Board.

Resident of Bethel: 25 years

Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board?

“Bethel is my home district. I care about this district and community. I feel my years of work in ed. policy would serve as an asset for the board until 11/13.”

Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about?

“Equitable education for all students. Establish a district wide belief that ALL children are capable of learning and success. No exceptions. Support all efforts to maintain and increase ed. funding.”

 

The Board is scheduled to interview candidates and select a finalist later this month.

This is the third school board position to be appointed this year.  Stanley Chapin, District #3 and Michael Audas, District #4 were selected to fill vacancies this past spring.