The Marysville Globe and The Arlington Times sent five questions to each of the candidates running for the Lakewood School District Board of Directors.
Director District 1
Incumbent Oscar Escalante is running unopposed for District 1.
1. What need most sets the Lakewood School District apart from Marysville or Arlington, and how would you address it?
Escalante: Our district is aware of the diversity that comes with growth. I’m proud of being part of such a diverse group and working with the board, teachers and administrators. Our schools are working hard in identifying the needs of our students.
2. As the communities of Marysville and Arlington experience urban growth, what do you see as the future of the Lakewood School District, and how should it prepare?
Escalante: For years the district has accommodated the students’ growth. In recent years the approach is more systematic. We keep upgrading our curriculum and provide the opportunity to our teaching staff to participate in quality staff development programs.
3. If re-elected, which school district issues will you give top priority to resolving by the end of your next term?
Escalante: I think that the Lakewood School District supporters trusted us by passing the tech levy in the past elections (thank you). It is time for us as a district to work in implementing the technology in each classroom so each of our students have the tools that facilitate their learning.
4. Which policies or programs are you proudest of helping to implement during your time in office?
Escalante: As a Lakewood School District Representative, I stay focused on maintaining and improving the quality education to each child that comes to our district in a safe environment.
5. Which school district programs can most afford to receive budget cuts, and why?
Escalante: There is no possible way that any of our programs can afford additional cuts. I’m positive that we can work together as a district to meet the financial difficulties without impacting students’ learning.
Director District 3
Incumbent Ken Christiansen is running unopposed for District 3.
1. What need most sets the Lakewood School District apart from Marysville or Arlington, and how would you address it?
Christiansen: We partner with the adjoining school districts of Marysville, Arlington and Stanwood on a number of needs to meet the needs of the combined communities.
2. As the communities of Marysville and Arlington experience urban growth, what do you see as the future of the Lakewood School District, and how should it prepare?
Christiansen: I am very proud of the progress the district has made to accommodate student population growth in the last 10 years, systematically evaluating and updating curriculum, and retaining and developing an excellent teaching team.
3. If re-elected, which school district issues will you give top priority to resolving by the end of your next term?
Christiansen: I eagerly look forward to our progress in implementing technology into our curriculum and classrooms.
4. Which policies or programs are you proudest of helping to implement during your time in office?
Christiansen: I represent the community in providing a quality education to all students that live within the boundaries of the Lakewood school district at an appropriate cost.
5. Which school district programs can most afford to receive budget cuts, and why?
Christiansen: Our community has worked very hard a number of times in the last five years to identify programs or activities that can be stopped or reduced. I do not believe there are any that can afford to have further budget cuts without affecting services to kids.
