In 2014 I became a member of a Task Force of dedicated citizens served by Lake Washington Schools. The purpose of the Task Force is to develop and provide facility recommendations to the School Board in order to serve the increasing number of students and the unique needs of each student.
My work with the Task Force provided an opportunity to understand the LWSD Board and its senior administrative staff.
Recently local media revealed serious problems within the LWSD. The media reported that Juanita High School Football team members sodomized other students. School and headquarters administrators allegedly refused to cooperate with law enforcement until court-ordered subpoenas were obtained.
Also, at least one family has filed suit and is alleging LWASD failed to follow its own procedures and policies and Washington State laws concerning physical and cyber-bullying.
It’s time for change, starting at the very top of the district.
I have gotten to know Eric Laliberte who serves as a member of the Task Force. Eric is a bright, articulate attorney who has experience in construction litigation and costs. These are skills LWSD desperately needs to develop and structure bond measures which voters will approve, to support students and teachers. Eric also serves as chair of the Kirkland Planning Commission, a position that other commissioners selected him for.
While attending LWSD School Board Meetings to learn more about the recent school boundary changes, I met Rob Tepper. As I have gotten to know Rob, I easily gained appreciation and respect for the passion he has for schools, teachers and children. Rob is a successful business executive, a highly skilled communicator and has the time, interest and skills to listen to parents, teachers and staff. I am confident that Mr. Tepper will develop meaningful and thoughtfully developed recommendations for other board members and the public to consider.
Voters have an opportunity to make changes to the LWSD Board. I strongly endorse Rob Tepper, Eric Laliberte and Siri Bliesner, who, because of her demonstrated skills as a thoughtful, involved, leader is unopposed.
Mark Nelson, Kirkland
