Small Town News

Two vie for school board seat in Nov. 3 election

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Two candidates -- Marnie Maraldo and Wright Noel -- are running for Issaquah School Board Director District No. 2.

It is the first time in 16 years the seat has been open; longtime board member Connie Fletcher isn't seeking re-election.

The candidates are largely new to district wide service, but both are active at their children's schools and in the greater community.

Marnie Maraldo

Education: Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics, Liberty University, Va.

Occupation: Formerly a project manager at Cisco Systems; is a stay-at-home mother of two, Andrew, 10, and Madeline, 6, and part-time employee of Janie and Jack, a children's clothing store

Volunteer work: 2009-10 Newcastle Elementary School Parents, Teachers and

Students Association co-president; 2008-09 Newcastle Elementary PTSA secretary and legislative representative; Stand For Children team leader; Committee Chair for Cub Scout Pack 738; volunteer for a kindergarten class at City Church m Kirkland

Wants to be a board member because: "I believe education is the key for future growth of our community. I really want to see change, and as an advocate at the state level, I can help change come into our district. Some of the items in the bill signed last year for education reform won't go into effect until 2018. I would like to see us get some of those reforms in our district as soon as possible."

What is your view of the role of public education in our society?

"To provide an equitable education for all students. It is the responsibility of the state, because the state benefits. If we are going to compete globally in future generations, we have to fix what we are doing now. If we don't have children graduating from high school that can help our society succeed, those children fall into the people we have to support later."

What do you believe the school board's role is within the school district?

"To provide processes and policies to the school district and basically act as the entity that holds it accountable to its goals."

How do you believe your leadership and qualifications will be an asset to the district?

"I come in already knowing a lot about the district because of my volunteer work. I know about our goals for all of our students, how we have been underfunded for a long time and how we are financed by levies and need levy equalization. But I am also a quick learner."

What experience in your background has prepared you for this position and how will you use it if elected?

"I would definitely pinpoint my advocacy work. It shows I have a passion for education. I also have experience in leadership and managing experience in innovative industries. I not only see the problems, but I can develop solutions."

Wright Noel

Education: Associate degree, Ricks College (now Bngham Young University), Idaho; Bachelor of Science managerial economics, Brigham Young University, Utah; juris doctorate, University of Washington

Volunteer work: Former Renton bishop and current Issaquah youth leader for The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints; SCORE soccer coach; 5 Star baseball coach; Liberty High School wrestling coach; assistant district commissioner for Boy Scouts; member of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and the state bar association

Wants to be a board member because:

"I believe in public education, the good it can do and the importance of it to our society. Because of public education someone can wake up and decide they want to be a CEO or a politician. That is vital to our society and I want to live in that society, so I want to help maintain that."

What is your view of the role of public education in our society?

"We are a democratic society and we rely on people to make rational and educated decisions for it to work. The most important things for our kids to learn in today's complex society are to learn to gather information and weed through it."

What do you believe the school board's role is within the school district?

"One, it reflects and provides information about schools, so the school district can reflect the goals, attributes and desires of the community.

"Two, it should be evaluating how well the school district is doing according to its goals and determining whether those goals are appropriate ones. Three, by law, it does other things, like approve curriculum and evaluates and hires the superintendent."

How do you believe your leadership and qualifications will be an asset to the district?

"I have kids from kindergarten to a senior in high school, so I have a perspective that spans the entire education system and how it effects people. I also bring the attribute of being a critical thinker, being a litigation attorney.

"I would use those skills to evaluate information presented by the school district, and look at it critically and see whether they are accomplishing what they say they are accomplishing."

What experience in your background has prepared you for this position and how will you use it if elected?

"I have sat on boards and commissions. I understand how to work within them and understand the collaborative process that needs to take place."

Also up for election is Issaquah School Board member Chad Magendanz for District Director No. 4 representative. He is running unopposed.



Copyright 2009 Sammamish Review, Sammamish, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Sammamish Review Sammamish, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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