Voters elect WEA members to serve on local school boards around the state

Along with dozens of other pro-student, pro-union candidates, several WEA members were elected to their local school boards this week.

“I am very thankful that my community has clearly recognized the importance of having the perspective of an educator on our school board,” said Port Angeles Education Association President Eric Pickens, who won a seat on the Sequim School Board. “I am excited to continue advocating for children in this new role. I am committed to providing excellent educational opportunities for our students and supporting the dedicated teachers and staff of the Sequim School District.”

Highline College faculty members Jennifer Jones (pictured) and Luckisha Phillips won their races for Federal Way School Board. Both were appointed to the board previously and were running to keep their seats.

“Thank you for your support, most importantly thank you for supporting the students of Federal Way,” Phillips said. “I have so many things to say, but thank you stands out the most. Every meet and greet, sign waving, phone call and social media post mattered. Fighting for equity and inclusion is a team sport and we did that (with this election). “

Tumwater Education Association member Justin McKaughan won a seat on the Olympia School Board.

Evergreen Education Association member Tracie Barrows appears to have won a position on the Vancouver School Board. Kennewick School District voters elected WEA-Retired member Diane Sundvik to serve on their school board.

In another notable race, local business owner Mandi McDougall is defeating incumbent Centralia School Board member Jami Lund, an anti-union lobbyist who works for the Freedom Foundation and voted against competitive compensation for Centralia teachers last year.

WEA-PAC endorsed and supported all these candidates, along with many other successful candidates on the Nov. 5 ballot.