ESD 189 Northwest Educational Service District



Lakewood School District

Position 2

Kirti Sondhi

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

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Media Arts, Theatre, Visual Art

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

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

  • Art is a way for me to reconnect with myself and helps me understand my emotions. I think that by being creative we are able to unlock new parts of our minds, which creates the ability to think outside the box. I believe that kids should be exposed to it earlier in life as that is when their brains are developing, and it creates a foundation for their innovation.

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, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, 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?

As I am new to the district, I am unfamiliar with the current challenges, however I believe they are mainly budget issues as the economy is down. As a solution I believe working with teachers of all subjects to create assignments that allow children to implant art in the classroom and at home.

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 remember how impactful art was in my K-12 experience and what I learned from it. It is the reason I was able to expand my mind the way I have over the years, and as educators we have an important role to play in that

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Lynden School District

Position 5

Nick Sawka

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

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

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

Media Arts, Theatre

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

  • The arts taught me creativity, discipline, and confidence, which carried over into every part of my education. After high school, those skills helped me think outside the box and connect with people in more meaningful ways.

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

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?

Our district’s arts programs thrive thanks to passionate teachers, but funding remains a challenge. I believe the arts are essential for building creativity and confidence, and I will work to ensure they remain a priority for 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?

I believe teaching cursive handwriting, gives students lifelong skills that strengthen creativity, focus, and communication. My vision is to ensure every child has access to these opportunities.

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Lake Stevens School District

Position 4

Lauren Cahill

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

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

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

Cultural/Folk Arts, Music, Theatre

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

  • Participation in music and theatre had a profound impact on my life. It is the community where I found my friends, and my purpose for furthering my 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, 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, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, 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?

Our district’s elementary students are primarily served by music teachers, classroom teachers, and volunteer docents for their arts instruction. I would love to explore offering more instrumental music instruction at the elementary level, and incorporating more arts professionals into our staff.

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 isn’t just about painting or playing an instrument; it’s a vital tool for developing creativity and critical thinking. When students engage in artistic expression, they learn to solve problems in innovative ways, think outside the box, and express themselves confidently. These skills are essential for success in all fields, from science and technology to entrepreneurship.

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Marysville School District

Position 4

Craig Hereth

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.)

Music

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

  • My experience with the arts lead me to appreciate music and attend many concerts. It also helped me understand and appreciate art as I visited museums during my travels in Europe, and the U.S.

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, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, 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?

Right now we currently offer a choice middle school (Tenth Street Middle School) where each student is required to participate in band or choir as part of our performance based education. We also reconfigured our elementary schools from a K-5 to a K-6 model, and are providing opportunities for all 6th graders in our district to participate in a before school band program.

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?

While our primary focus is on academics, I feel strongly that the arts should be a part of any well-rounded education program. The arts often increase student engagement and foster creativity in our students,.

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Stanwood-Camano Island School District

Position 1

John W. Russell

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

Cultural/Folk Arts, Media Arts, Music, Theatre

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

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Music, Theatre

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

  • I have a deep appreciation of art. I felt encouraged to explore my own interests. I gained the ability to speak to, and in front of, others with confidence. I learned to find common ground with people who have different views than mine.

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, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, 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, I am unsure what is meant by teaching artist residencies. I cannot answer without more information, so I am leaving it blank at this time. I do support having guest artist visits.

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?

In the past, we had strong art focus. We participated in programs such as Young Authors, Missoula Children’s Theatre and “traveling “ concerts and short plays performed at elementary schools by the high school programs. Between Covid recovery and the increased credit requirements, there has been a drop off. I would like to see a resurgence. We also struggle to make sure properly endorsed teachers are teaching the arts. It’s cheaper and easier to have the history teacher with an art minor teach a period of art, or the librarian at an elementary school teacher an art class during library time.

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 would like to see us put more effort into the arts. After all, the A in STEAM stands for Arts. Marching band taught me discipline and teamwork—and how not to trip over my own feet. Studies show over and over again what I, myself, experienced: Involvement in arts builds community, confidence and a sense of self. I would like to see more and diverse art programs implemented in primary grades, setting the foundation for building and strengthening the secondary programs.

Hans Hendricksen

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

Media Arts, Theatre

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

Theatre

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

  • Theater helped me with public speaking and management.

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, 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?

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?

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Sedro-Woolley School District

Position 3

Michelle Moser

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

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Media Arts, Music, Visual Art

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

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Media Arts, Visual Art

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

  • As a part of my high school education and the occupational skills center, I studied visual arts and communications that I was able to apply to marketing my businesses as well as my board positions

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, 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

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 art’s are not just paint and crayons, there is so much more that every student can learn from. How arts are applied to everyday life is often variable and exciting. In today’s society, the use of art is seen on social media, as a “side hustle” where people are selling their wares online, as well as various art platforms popularized on social media platforms. The arts are crucial to applying STEM in youthful minds because we need to use both sides of our brains! There are several studies showing how music helps with memory, where doodling helps with understanding concepts and how color can elicit emotions. The arts shouldn’t be electives but part of everyday curriculum. So why can’t we have STEMA? The challenges are within the budgets and the unknown funding factors from the State & Federal levels.

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 find it interesting that many public figures, movie stars, musicians, artists, may not have finished their high school education let alone college experiences, yet some are successful. These artists were able to find their niche in society and many have had second careers in other areas of business. The creativity of our society adds value, adds fun & adds happiness. Just like applying math, science, language arts and physical activity, music, media arts and visual arts are so well imbedded in our culture that we need to continue these areas as equally as we center curriculum around STEM to have a well rounded, educated community.

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South Whidbey School District

Position 5

Ann Johnson

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.)

Music

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

  • I grew up in a small, rural school district with few opportunities for arts education. As I entered college I discovered a whole world of arts outside my band and independent music education, and was able to participate in the performing arts, visual arts, and creative writing. This has influenced my career path over the past 25 as an educator. I see arts education, in any and all of its forms, as an essential learning tool that builds brain pathways and exposes students to the bigger world of creativity, empathy, and compassion.

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, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, 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?

My school district sits in an historically arts-rich community and our schools sit in the same zip code as our state acknowledged Creative District. Visual arts, music, performing arts, and maker crafts abound in our area. Though not all of our local artists are able to provide arts education, many creatives give their time, energy and talent abundantly in the community, including partnerships with schools. Alongside individual volunteers are a myriad of nonprofits who offer opportunities for children and youth to imagine and create.

With these strength come some challenges as well. As schools continue to feel the squeeze of time and finances state wide, there is little room an even smaller budget to feed arts programs during the school day, and organizations unaffiliated with school districts are often tuition based or have a limited number of spots in their programs. As a professional teaching artist myself (in a local nonprofit children’s theatre), I also recognize that some professional artists do not have a background in education, or are unable to make a living wage as an educator outside the public school system itself.

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 want to share my appreciation for offering this survey as a way for candidates to express their views about how arts shape childhood, and affect all of us as part of school communities.

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Darrington School District

Position 5

Janet Loyd

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

Dance, Media Arts, Music, Visual Art

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

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

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

  • The arts are a lifelong source of pleasure and enrichment.

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, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Our small district is blessed with excellent art instructors. I would seek their input fir improvement and support of our arts programs.

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?

Resources are tight in a small rural district, but we are committed to the value of the arts for our students at all levels. We strive to provide every student with opportunities.

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?

We appreciate every opportunity to bring artists into our schools, and field trip opportunities to explore the arts elsewhere. We rely on the generosity of our community with their time and levy votes to provide those opportunities. Thank you!

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Meridian School District

Position 3

Jasmine Fast

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

Cultural/Folk Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

Dance, Theatre

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

  • I made life long connections with people in theater. This was a place where we felt safe and could be vulnerable with our peers. There is no doubt that having access to theater improved my confidence during and after high school.

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?

We do not currently have a full time art teacher dedicated to the middle and high school

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 will work to expand after-school programs focused on supporting arts and theater.

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Concrete School District

Position 1

Pamela “Pam” Snavely

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.)

Music

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

  • Music is a love that I have. Music allows me to go to place in my mind when life is chaotic or when it is blessed. It allows me to express myself in my own unique way. I play guitar and sing. I have been a worship leader at my church for 23 years. I enjoy local theater and go on occasion.

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, 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?

I feel that arts, like sports, are often viewed as extra curricular; possibly not viewed as critical for developmental curriculum. I believe that challenges are budget and resources for student development in these areas. I am in favor of looking for opportunities for students to be able to participate and get credit for arts. I would like to see what “partnering” opportunities might be available so that students could be a part of music, drama and theater.

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 in support of Arts education; however, currently do not have a “vision” to share.

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Everett School District

Position 3

Tom Clarke

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

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

  • I enjoyed technical theatre class in high school because it gave me an intro into set building, lighting, and technical aspects of theatre production. After High School I continued to seek opportunities to engage in the arts, particularly in Theatre. I took acting/voice classes in college and performed in a college production of the Royal Hunt of The Sun at St. Philip's College. I then went on to university at Norfolk State where I took musical history classes which explored a wide diaspora of musical influences on culture, including the impact and evolution of music in African American culture. I think arts and music have served as a gateway to understanding my culture and history and the culture and history of my neighbors, and how our cultures weave together into the vibrant tapestry that is America. Being raised in San Antonio, TX I was emersed in local Chicano/a arts movements from a young age, and have always celebrated the music and culture introduced to me by my mother a proud Chicana (Mexican American) who taught the beauty of music and art from a young age.

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, Partner with local organizations to look for students to engage with local artists.

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?

I do not like the fact that our elementary schools do not have dedicated art teachers I believe we need to hire an Art teacher for every elementary school and include art in our specialist rotations. While I appreciate the volunteers in the art docent programs in our state, we are putting lipstick on the pig that is underfunding the arts in our schools. Docents typically volunteer to lead occasional lessons or activities, often relying on pre-designed materials and limited time with students. In contrast, a dedicated art program led by a certified art educator trained in art provides consistent, developmentally appropriate instruction that builds artistic skills, fosters creative thinking, and integrates art history, technique, and critique into the curriculum. Art programs also allow for deeper exploration, student expression, and equitable access to materials and instruction. While docents can enrich the learning experience, they cannot replace the depth, continuity, and educational rigor of a formal art program. I do appreciate the music teachers in our elementary schools who do a great job of teaching our kids and even put on small musical productions, but I think we can do more.

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?

Comprehensive support for the arts from kindergarten through 12th grade is essential to fostering well-rounded, creative, and critically thinking students. A robust K–12 arts education includes consistent instruction in visual arts, music, theater, and dance, delivered by qualified educators and integrated into the school curriculum—not treated as an extracurricular or occasional enrichment. This approach nurtures students’ self-expression, cultural awareness, and emotional well-being, while also reinforcing skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. I will advocate for increased programing in the arts and increased investments in enriching our students life through the arts.

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San Juan Island School District

Position 1

Melanie Hess

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

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

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

Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

  • I was lucky enough to expand my education in the arts in college, at WSU.

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, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, 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?

Arts-based education makes students more successful in non-arts subjects. Inclusion of Arts in STEM, now STEAM, has been a strength for our district.

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-based education is essential. I am proud to support funding for Arts curriculum as a member of the San Juan Public Schools Foundation. I will continue to honor the tradition of art-based requirements in our high school as well as funding music programs.

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Mount Vernon School District

Position 5

Larry Otos

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

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Theatre

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

  • The arts have a profound impact on individuals after high school by fostering creativity, emotional expression, and critical thinking. The arts help people develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. For me the arts serve as a lifelong source of inspiration and enjoyment, enhancing their quality of life and helping them connect with others in meaningful ways.

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, 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, 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?

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 fully support Arts Education in my district. We have a wide range of opportunities for our students and a national recognized Marichi program for our district. I am a big supporter of CTE programs and continue to support all disciplines of the arts.

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Edmonds School District

Position 4

Jason Moore

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.)

Visual Art

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

  • I actually went to university for graphic design and digital art. I was always good at drawing growing up. I had excellent art and drafting teachers in high school who inspired me to do my best in art and drafting.

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, Develop or update a district level arts plan, 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, I will be willing to do the other options once I compare other district priorities.

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?

Our school district is rich in the culture of the arts. I will do my best to advocate and support this if I am elected. The challenges are obvious, mainly the district budget. My priority will be to return to an emphasis on the common core subjects like Math, English, and Science. I can assure you my next priority after that is the arts and music.

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 believe the arts and music are nearly as important as the core subjects and should be funded before other departments and programs. I will not support any budget cuts to arts and music, you have my word on that.

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