ESD 105 Educational Service District

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Music

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Dance

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• As an immigrant learning English, the arts became my universal language. Onstage and in the classroom I could express ideas, connect with others, and find a place to thrive when words failed me. The arts helped me manage the stress of not yet knowing English, build confidence, and translate that courage into academic success and community involvement after high school.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Develop or expand district support for teaching artist residencies, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

One of the unique strengths of our district’s arts programming is that it gives students, especially English language learners, a space where they can participate fully without the pressure of language barriers. The arts are a universal language that build confidence, creativity, and connection. For many students, including those from immigrant families like mine, the arts provide a way to thrive and express themselves while they are still learning English.

A challenge I see is making sure that all students have equal access to arts opportunities, regardless of which school they attend or their family’s resources. Sometimes, the arts are treated as an “extra,” when in reality they are an essential part of student development and wellbeing.

What I would like voters to know is that I believe in protecting and expanding arts education because it is not just about drawing or performing—it is about giving every student the tools to communicate, to de-stress, and to discover their strengths. For many, the arts are the first place they truly feel seen and capable, and that experience can change the trajectory of their education and life.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Yes. A core part of my vision is ensuring that arts education is accessible and inclusive for all students, including those with special needs. The arts provide unique benefits for students with different learning styles and abilities—whether it’s improving communication, supporting emotional regulation, or building confidence through self-expression.

In my campaign, I see the arts not as a luxury, but as an essential tool for equity. For students with special needs, the arts can open doors to learning and participation in ways that traditional instruction cannot. By supporting strong and inclusive arts programs, we create classrooms where every child can thrive, feel valued, and discover their strengths.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Dance, Music, Theatre

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• Art is essential. Art impacted my life in ways where it is an essential component for my own children. I always wanted to do ballet as a young girl but my parents couldn’t afford it, same with playing instruments. My nine year old daughter is in ballet and piano.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Create a local arts education task-force, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Develop or expand district support for teaching artist residencies, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

Variety of arts is a challenge but they do have a Mariachi band that would be a strength.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Art is a must and it has always been. I know art education is essential and can help with closing the learning gap.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Music

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Music

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• Professionally, I am a philosophy professor. My two children have been deeply impacted by their music education. From my experience, the kind of creative thinking and experience that is developed in arts education is crucial to reinforcing other kinds of critical thinking, communication skills, cultural literacy, and moral reasoning.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

We have robust music and theater programs in our district. The challenge is always adequate financial support for those programs.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

I am a strong supporter of arts education, as part of a holistic education.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Visual Art

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• My experiences of the arts were an invaluable part of my education that deeply shaped who I am. Music, theater, cultural, and visual arts helped me develop creativity, discipline, and critical thinking, while fostering an appreciation for different cultures and diverse perspectives. These experiences enriched my understanding of the world, strengthened skills I continue to use in my professional life and volunteer work, and inspired a lifelong commitment to supporting arts education for all students. The arts have profoundly influenced my life, and as I prepare to serve on the Yakima School Board and serve my community, I am committed to ensuring all students have access to the same opportunities that shaped me into the person I am today.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Create a local arts education task-force, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Develop or expand district support for teaching artist residencies, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation, Develop partnerships with local cultural organizations, museums, and performance groups to bring additional arts opportunities directly into schools, implement policies to ensure equitable arts access for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those in underserved areas, and support student-led arts programs and clubs to encourage creativity and leadership beyond the classroom.

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

The Yakima School District has dedicated educators and many talented students, and our arts programs benefit from passionate teachers and community support. However, like many districts, we face challenges including limited budgets, staffing constraints, and barriers to equitable access across schools. Geographic distance, varying income levels, and student-specific needs, such as special education or language support, can limit consistent arts opportunities. My perspective is that arts education is essential to student engagement, creativity, and academic success. If elected, I will work to ensure all students have meaningful access to the arts, advocate for sufficient funding, support teacher development, and strengthen community partnerships to expand opportunities for all of our students.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Arts education is essential to a well-rounded education, supporting creativity, critical thinking, and student engagement. My campaign is focused on strengthening our schools, supporting teachers, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. Arts education is a key part of that mission. If elected, I will advocate for equitable access to the arts, adequate funding, and strong community partnerships so every student can benefit from the transformative power of the arts.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Theatre

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Theatre

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• I have used my music education continuously since I graduated high school. I have experience directing adult and children's choirs, and also in directing stage performances in our church.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

We seem to have trouble keeping teachers in our district, and I am hoping to encourage improvements in the teaching environment here.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Every student has unique abilities that they are born with. I believe it’s important to create opportunities for students to develop those abilities and fund programs for those opportunities. Being able to facilitate the provision of those is very important to me. If providing arts/music education gives studends the desire to do well in school then we should do everything possible to make sure those opportunities are offered.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Theatre

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• My experiences gave me the understanding of how important arts exposure is for all kids in their education.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Create a local arts education task-force, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

We are a smaller district and have trouble getting adequate funding and staffing for after school arts programming.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

One of my main priorities is supporting arts education and after school programming by advocating for increased offerings and opportunities, fair compensation for staff and overall increased funding allocation to arts.