Has not yet submitted a response.

Why are you running for the Tahoma School board?
I have a deep rooted belief that successful education helps unlock a lifetime of opportunities for students. 

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I am a National Board Certified elementary teacher by training. Eleven years ago, I transitioned from being a classroom teacher to building a successful online company that supports teachers around the world. Because of my career, I am deeply knowledgeable about what is working in today’s classrooms and am proud to have shared my expertise with our community as a school board director for the past four years.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
For the last four years, I served as the school board director for district three. Prior to that term, I was the president of the Shadow Lake PTA and focused my term on strengthening our family-school partnerships.

What is the role of schools in teaching children about topics such as: Sex education, cyber-safety, wellness, and bullying?
Tahoma must provide a well rounded education including sexual health, cyber-safety, wellness, and anti-bullying initiatives because the goal of schools is to prepare students for lifelong success and becoming a healthy, thriving human requires more than knowing how to read and calculate math facts. 

Do you consider yourself to be an ally of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities? What does that look like to you? 
Yes, I unequivocally support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. EVERY student deserves the right to come to school knowing that they are valued and celebrated for who they truly are. As a board director, I was proud to have supported the district’s new equity policy and intentionally asked questions about the impact our decisions would have on marginalized groups.

What do you think Tahoma does well?
Our schools have so much to celebrate including phenomenal faculty and staff who care deeply about students; cutting-edge Career and Technical Education programs that prepare students for success after graduation; and an invested community that is eager to partner on students’ success.

What do you think Tahoma needs to change or improve?
While there are many things to celebrate, there is important work remaining and we must lean into much needed updates including aligning our curriculums with current research-based practices and optimizing our internal systems and procedures to ensure the district is healthy and strong.

Do you support the upcoming EP&O and Technology levies? Would you support a bond for additional building space in the district?
Yes, I would support both the levies and bonds because they are investments in our students’ success.

If necessary, where would you look to make budget cuts? Are there any areas you would not consider cutting?
My first priority would be to increase the student growth we achieved with the dollars we spend. For instance, providing additional research-based literacy training so that every hour of instruction we provided delivered an increase in students’ learning.

Have you received any donations from any group? If so, which group(s)?
I received the endorsement from our Tahoma teachers’ Tahoma Education Association and its parent organization the Washington Education Association but I declined their offer for a monetary donation.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
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Has not yet submitted a response.

Why are you running for the Tahoma School board?
I am running for re-election to the Tahoma school board because I care deeply about the success and growth of every child in Tahoma schools and supporting the amazing teachers and staff that partner with families for student success. My wife and I have seen first-hand the impact that unique supports can have on the success and growth of students. Every student deserves to have the unique support and resources they need to be successful and I am here to advocate for every student.

The district has a lot to celebrate, but we also have big decisions ahead and areas that need improvement (details to follow). I have proven skills and involvement to help the district bring these important things to the community and look forward to this work.

As I said, I care deeply about the success of every student in our system. Their success and safety are important to me and that is why I am running for this position.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
Several come to mind. I am currently serving on the Tahoma School Board and so have a unique understanding of the strengths and challenges in our school system. I know what is required of this position and am committed to continue to invest my time to help the district grow, improve, and excel.

One of the key inputs to this role has been connection with the community. Throughout my term I have engaged with the public to understand their celebrations and concerns in the school district. I enjoy the opportunity to connect with our community and listen intently so that I can effectively advocate for support and change to help students reach their full potential. This has been and continues to be a priority of mine and I look forward to engaging with our community going forward.

I am a parent of two students in our school system; a son who is in 12th grade, and a daughter who is in 8th grade. I care deeply about their success and the success of all students in our school system. Both of our children have needed extra supports throughout their time in Tahoma (e.g., my son is on a 504 plan and my daughter has an IEP). These supports have been transformative for them. Every student deserves to have the unique resources they need to be successful and reach their full potential. Every decision I make has students at the heart. Does this decision support positive student outcomes? Who benefits from this decision? Who doesn’t?

Serving my community is a deeply rooted value of mine. I have served on the boards of a variety of non-profit organizations over the 12 years prior to joining the Tahoma school board. My work with non-profits has focused on leading them through strategic planning and visioning efforts to propel them into bigger and better things, and to prepare them to serve their respective communities in new and necessary ways. My heart for this work and my leadership experience led me to run for the Tahoma school board 4 years ago. I will continue to help the school system create a vision that will serve future generations of students, and then help bring that vision to life with new and necessary programs and student experiences.

Finally, in my career, I have been a practicing CPA (Certified Public Accountant) for 23 years, including the past 18 as a Certified Fraud Examiner, which is a credential for a professional forensic accountant. In my role as a forensic accountant, I investigate occupational fraud – which is when someone uses their job to commit a fraud – and also help businesses settle disputes. As a CPA, I am an auditor of private businesses and also help my clients with fiscal planning and advice. School districts are stewards of the community’s investment. My experience is valuable to the school district as we navigate a period of need in sustainable and responsible budgeting.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
School board – I have served on the Tahoma school board for the last 4 years, which has involved serving in many different roles over that time, which include: President, Vice President, Finance representative, Legislative representative, Tahoma Schools Foundation representative, and the City of Maple Valley liaison.

Tahoma Behavioral Health Collective – TBHC is a community organization made up of representatives from mental health organizations, local practitioners, the City of Maple Valley and the Tahoma School District. Through partnerships, the goal of this group is to bring awareness to the greater Tahoma/Maple Valley community about mental health and addiction issues through events. I served on this board as the representative for Tahoma, coordinating efforts with Liz Thibert (Wellness Coordinator for TSD) and offering my own time to support events.

Robotics – My son has been involved in robotics for many years, at the middle school and high school. My wife and I volunteer to support the activities of his team.

Drama – My daughter has been involved in the junior drama program at the middle school. My wife and I volunteer to support activities for their performances.

What is the role of schools in teaching children about topics such as: Sex education, cyber-safety, wellness, and bullying?
Schools should absolutely have a role in teaching children about each of these topics. Schools are expected to help students learn social skills and develop appropriate relationships with their peers. Sexual education, as a part of a broader, age-appropriate Health & Fitness curriculum, is an extension of that same learning. Like other topics, partnering with parents is important and that is true of sexual education as well. Mental, emotional, and physical safety are vitally important for a healthy and thriving school experience. Teaching children about wellness and bullying is essential for them to be successful. If they are experiencing bullying or are in a period of poor mental health, they will not be able to engage in their learning. Teaching students how to identify issues, report them, and seek help is important for students to access other learning. Teaching safety in using the internet is essential too, just like any other tool that we use in the classroom. Imagine taking a shop class or any other class where heavy equipment is used and not starting that process with lessons about safe and responsible usage. The same concept applies here.

Do you consider yourself to be an ally of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities? What does that look like to you? 
Yes I do. First, I am learning about my biases, reading books, listening to podcasts, and watching documentaries on these topics. Being able to support starts here. Second, my employer has a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative which includes a variety of activities and additional learning. I am investing significant time there as well. Thirdly, during my term on the school board I have worked with Tahoma district leaders to shape our goals in this area and bring them to life. I was involved in the committee that developed the district’s first Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Policy which was passed in June of 2022. Being an ally of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities means leaning in, getting involved, and making a meaningful contribution.

What do you think Tahoma does well?
There are a lot of things to celebrate in Tahoma. People move here because of the schools, including my family. A few reasons for this come to mind. Tahoma is able to attract and retain exceptional teachers and staff because of the resources and support provided. I have been pleased to see the progress the district has made to create educational environments where students and parents feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Tahoma also provides a diverse set of offerings to meet the interests and needs of our students. Different graduation pathways (e.g., college/university, vocational and technical, military, trades, etc.) are available and promoted. Countless clubs and activities are available, especially at the HS and MS levels.  These activities and pathways keep kids more connected to their education and their future.

What do you think Tahoma needs to change or improve?
First, our school community is in the process of healing from an employee charged with sexual abuse crimes. This has a ripple effect to many aspects of our school system and our broader community. I feel it too. My children were around the alleged offender at Camp Casey and the after-school EEP program. As parents, we were shocked and scared by this news. We want better outcomes for our students. Tahoma needs to complete the review of their processes and structures on reports of abuse and fill in any gaps to prevent future occurrences. Tahoma also needs to actively engage with the community around next steps and address their concerns. We have a wonderful partnership with our families and we need to do our part to keep this strong. I welcome conversation around this anytime.

Tahoma has aspirational goals related to student achievement and growth, but does not have an effective method to analyze progress on specific and measurable targets. This work has begun, but the school system will be improved when this work is completed and in place.

The district is at the beginning of a superintendent search. We need to get an outside perspective, preferably a person with experience in this role at a system larger than ours. Someone who knows how to operate a district that is as big as we will be, knows where we are currently, and can help bridge the gap as we grow.

Our community is getting more diverse with every class of students. I have seen the district observe this and prepare, including wonderful celebrations of culture and traditions at many of our schools, among other activities. This is an exciting trend in our community. The school system will need to continue to evolve to support this and make sure every student and family are included and welcome.

Do you support the upcoming EP&O and Technology levies? Would you support a bond for additional building space in the district?
Absolutely. Passing these levies is critically important to the students and staff in this school system. The state does not fully fund what our community considers to be a “basic education” experience. We have essential services provided by the district – like those offered by our special services and mental health/wellness teams, transportation of students to/from school, and school nurses and counselors in each building – that are drastically underfunded by the state. We also have many activities, like athletics and others, that are essential to keep students connected to school and provide a place they belong. Many of these programs receive no funding from the state and are fully funded by the community through the EP&O levy. Our kids deserve the extra support this funding provides and our community expects that students will have opportunities for experiences to be connected to their school community. The EP&O levy funding closes that gap for the district and provides for supported and impactful experiences.

In addition, the technology levy provides funding not only for necessary equipment for students to effectively engage in a modern learning environment, but it also provides ongoing funding for the infrastructure and personnel that support that equipment. I am mindful of the balance between hands-on learning and device-driven learning. As I have visited schools throughout the district, I am comforted to see that technology is used as a tool, but not as the primary learning delivery system. We have dynamic and amazing educators that are bringing our curriculum to life in classrooms every day, but we also have additional tools available to differentiate and support our students in the unique ways they need. This levy funding is critical to provide that ongoing support.

I am in full support of a future bond measure. Our community is growing and we have additional facility needs, especially at the elementary and high school levels. We have an exciting opportunity to acquire the land adjacent to our current high school. This would provide tremendous capacity and flexibility in our facilities for decades to come. I am excited at this prospect and the work that is ahead.

If necessary, where would you look to make budget cuts? Are there any areas you would not consider cutting?
If budget cuts become necessary, the quality of the education for our students would suffer and the support available to our staff would diminish significantly. Passing these levies is critically important. Our kids deserve the extra support this funding provides and I look forward to discussing this further with our community. Still, I appreciate the preparedness in this question.

This gets to be a very complicated issue. The simple answer would be to look at costs that are furthest away from a student in a classroom and start there. However, certain of those costs are essential, like insurance and utilities and transportation of students to/from school. There are also many programs and district activities that are mandated by the state and will need to continue to be fully compliant with state standards and laws. It would be incredibly challenging, but within the remaining budget, I would start with those areas that are furthest from a student in a classroom and work from there to activities associated with students outside of a classroom, before reaching costs associated with students in classrooms.

Have you received any donations from any group? If so, which group(s)?
Donations to my campaign have been from individuals, with one exception. I am humbled to have been endorsed by the Tahoma Education Association – the teachers’ union in our district. I am proud of the partnership between the Tahoma School District and our teachers and feel like that relationship is special and a key contributor to student success. Through the endorsement process, the Washington Education Association PAC (the state organization for our local teacher’s union) made a contribution to my campaign. That is the only “group” that has made a donation.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I would like parents to know that I care deeply about the success and growth of every student in the Tahoma School District. With every decision I make, I place students at the center. How is this decision going to contribute to the student experience? Who will benefit from this decision? Who will not?

One of my top priorities this next term is to strike a balance between high achievement and growth in our goal-setting in Tahoma. Setting lofty academic achievement goals and reaching them is important, but growth is important as well. Every year in our school system should represent a year or growth for every student, no matter if the student is well above standard, meeting standard, or below standard. By creating and delivering on goals, measures, and targets that focus equally on achievement and growth, every student will be able to reach their full potential.

I define a successful student as one that has not only achieved academic success but emotional confidence as well. Growth of the whole person is important to me and I am committed to pushing for that approach as a member of the school board. Our family has firsthand experience with these concerns from our own children’s developmental growth. It has been eye opening to see how important it is to understand the individual child, challenge them, but recognize that every student has unique cognitive, emotional and sensory needs. It is a day-to-day process in growth that must be met throughout their entire educational career.

Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy for Tahoma School District’s board of directors. You can learn more about me at www.votepetemiller.com.

Why are you running for the Tahoma School board?
I am running for the school board because my children are going to be in this district for the next two decades and I want to make sure the schools deliver on providing an amazing education in a safe environment. There are many things our schools do well but there are definitely opportunities for improvement. I don’t feel like our current school board has been transparent enough with the problems or done enough to hold the district accountable for improving educational outcomes and the safety of our students.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
Our district is struggling academically in Math and Science and we are failing to prepare students for future careers by failing them in STEM classes. Most people will never use the Pythagorean theorem or balance chemical equations in their careers but they will need to think critically, persevere through tough problems, and be able to learn difficult concepts.

I know from personal experience majoring in Math that I don’t use most of the math I learned in my classes but I use the skillsets I developed on a daily basis to think critically, solve tough problems, and collaborate with people to find solutions.

As a father, I’m keenly aware that every child is unique and there won’t be a one size fits all approach to turning around the academic performance of our district. We need to identify the various needs of our students and provide opportunities for them to excel. I’m also deeply concerned about the safety of all our children both from internal threats as evidenced by the recent sexual abuse case and by external threats. My children’s elementary school went into lockdown after a gun sighting and it was scary as a parent wondering if they were safe. Our district has made progress in securing our schools but there is more to be done and I will advocate for making each of our schools safer.

Professionally, I spend my time helping teams set and achieve goals, solve problems, turn around struggling areas, and communicate with stakeholders. I feel confident that if elected I would be able to help the district set specific goals to improve the academics and safety of our district and communicate with the community on how we are holding the district accountable.

I feel prepared by my academic background, professional career, and parental responsibilities to tackle the problem of lagging academic performance and safety in our district.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
I have spent the last ten or so years working with children and youth in various roles including as a Scout Master and as a church youth leader.

What is the role of schools in teaching children about topics such as: Sex education, cyber-safety, wellness, and bullying?
I support schools providing education that helps our children be safe. Education in schools on sex, cyber-safety, wellness, and bullying provide additional safe guards on topics that are hopefully already covered in the home. There are of course going to be times when parents feel uncomfortable with what is taught in the school and they can choose to have their child not attend that class session as is the case with sex education. 

Do you consider yourself to be an ally of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities? What does that look like to you?
I feel strongly that all students and staff should be treated with kindness, love, and respect regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, national origin, political leanings, or disability. I want each child to feel welcomed and included in our schools and not feel like they have to hide who they are. 

What do you think Tahoma does well?
Tahoma does a good job providing strong extra curricular programs like robotics, basketball, and theater that teach our children valueable life lessons and help them develop good friendships. In terms of academics, Tahoma does fairly well at the elementary school level and excels in ELA at the high school. I’ve also personally appreciated the many activities like Trunk or Treat the schools have provided to families of students and the community. I also enjoy the culture fairs and various ways our district celebrates the diversity of our community. 

What do you think Tahoma needs to change or improve?
The most pressing issues facing Tahoma School District are around academics, safety, and facility capacity. Currently around 40% of students in our district are failing to meet grade level standards and at the high school around half of students are graduating with a D or F in Algebra 2. We can do so much better and we need to help each student excel and be prepared for their future.

Our district must do better at protecting our children both from internal and external threats. Recent events with the lawsuit and seeing how the district mishandled the situation have made it clear to the community that change is needed and we need to hold the district accountable and make sure this never happens again. Each of our schools underwent a safety audit and multiple issues were identified at each school. We must work together as a district to ensure the district closes these safety gaps so students and staff can feel safe at school and parents can have peace of mind.

Our facilities are already quite full and our student population is projected to grow by 10% over the next several years. We need to make sure we have both adequate space as well as facilities that meet the needs of students including those with special needs.

Do you support the upcoming EP&O and Technology levies? Would you support a bond for additional building space in the district?
Yes and yes.

If necessary, where would you look to make budget cuts? Are there any areas you would not consider cutting?
Where to allocate limited funds is always the million dollar question and it’s a tough one. There are so many varying needs and numerous opportunities to better support students with their academic, social, and emotional K-12 journey. Each situation will be unique so I’ll say that my guiding principle will be to first listen and seek to understand the needs and then work with the super intendent, staff, parents, and the community to figure out together how to best allocate those limited funds to support our students.

Have you received any donations from any group? If so, which group(s)?
My donations and expenses are all up to date with the PDC so any who are interested can see who I have received money from and where I have spent that money.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I will keep students at the center of every decision I make as a school board director. Protecting them and helping them succeed and prepare for the future will always be my top priority.

Why are you running for the Tahoma School board?
I have lived in the community for close to 12 years and with two kids going to school in the district, I have seen the changes occurring within our schools due to growth. When the district 5 position was vacated last year, I felt it was a good time to give back by providing my leadership and business experience to the board to help foster an improved education for every student in the district.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I served nine years in the US Navy as a Naval Officer leading young men and women in a combat zone. The leadership lessons learned while in the Navy and currently as an executive at an aerospace and defense company have given me the skills and experiences needed to be an effective board member. I am also the son of two teachers, so I have experienced the sacrifices teachers make for their students and gives me an appreciation for everything they do.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
I am heavily involved in sports because I feel the lessons kids learn in sports, can carry them through life to be successful. I have coached for Tahoma Hoops, Maple Valley Pony baseball, I-9 sports, and Tahoma Junior Bears football. I am currently the head coach for the 4th grade junior bears football team.

What is the role of schools in teaching children about topics such as: Sex education, cyber-safety, wellness, and bullying?

1. Sex education: Schools play a crucial role in providing accurate and evidence-based information to students.
2. Cyber-safety: With the increasing use of technology and the internet, schools have a responsibility to educate students about online safety, responsible digital citizenship, and the potential risks associated with online activities.
3. Wellness: Schools have a role in promoting overall wellness and mental health among students. This involves providing education on topics such as stress management, healthy eating, physical activity, substance abuse prevention, and emotional well-being. As a school board member my job is ensure schools have adequate funding to provide the needed counseling services, access to mental health professionals, and a supportive environment that fosters positive mental health.
4. Bullying: Schools are responsible for creating a safe and inclusive environment where bullying is not tolerated. As a school board member, ensuring we have implemented policies and education to students about the different forms of bullying, and teach strategies to prevent and respond to bullying incidents. Schools should also encourage open communication, empathy, and respect among students to foster a positive and inclusive school culture.

Overall, all programs within the district should be inclusive, non-judgmental, and respect diverse identities and orientations. Schools play a vital role in equipping children with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to navigate these important topics and promote their overall well-being.

Do you consider yourself to be an ally of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities? What does that look like to you? 
Yes, I do. I am an ally of every student in our community and as a school board member my role is to promote activities to remove any and all barriers so that every student gets a wonderful education.

What do you think Tahoma does well?
How much time do you have?! Tahoma does so many things really well. Walking down the school halls you can see that in our children’s faces! From our wonderful CE courses allowing students’ paths outside of college to our special education to meet the needs of every student in our district. Also, it is the things we sometimes don’t see. The safe and dry buildings, the wonderful bus drivers who make sure our kids get to school safely, and the state-of-the-art electronics to ensure we can meet the learning needs of all students.

What do you think Tahoma needs to change or improve?
Technology is rapidly changing and evolving. We need to be innovative and challenge ourselves to develop news ways to leverage the technology growth in how we teach our students. Technology is also presenting challenges in the ways our kids interact and learn and we need to continue to look at ways to meet those challenges.

Do you support the upcoming EP&O and Technology levies? Would you support a bond for additional building space in the district?
Yes. Unfortunately, Washington State continues to underfund our schools. According to an OSPI 2023-25 biennial budget request, state and federal special education funding fell short of district needs by more than $400 million during the 2021-22 school year, creating an 18% shortfall to budgets. Without a new levy our special education and other key programs could possibly be cut.

We are a growing community. Without a bond within the next 5 years, Tahoma School District anticipates we will not have enough classes to meet our students’ needs. In addition, I am supporting improvement to playgrounds and fields so that every student in every school has the same opportunities for free play and recreational sports. Research has shown kids pay more attention, have less disciplinary problems and brain activity improves when given proper free play.

If necessary, where would you look to make budget cuts? Are there any areas you would not consider cutting?
Tahoma is a wonderful place to raise a family. With our rapid growth, thoughtful decisions need to be made to ensure that every student’s needs are met in a sustainable, equitable way. One of my priorities is to make sure the Tahoma School District takes a practical approach to budget decisions and practices good stewardship with our hard-earned money. The school board must continue to evaluate how we spend our taxpayers’ dollars and look at ways we can do things more effectively.

Have you received any donations from any group? If so, which group(s)?
No

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
Having two sons in the district makes this position personal for me. Every decision I make is not only as a board member, but as a father, neighbor, and leader. I strive to make responsible, equitable decisions that best serve students, their families, and our community.

Has not yet submitted a response.