Director #1 Position
Gerri Johnson
1. What is the biggest issue in Medical Lake School District? How can the school board effectively address the topic?
The deepening economic crisis that is impacting every family.
Job losses, home foreclosures, loss of savings, living paycheck to paycheck, rising utility costs, health concerns, putting food on the table, unmet food and shelter needs for already low-income families, and the Gray Road Fire are issues straining parents and kids.
We need to utilize the nonprofit services in our community to support students and families. I am looking into a “Farm to School” model that will help with food security, and I look forward to collaborating on other grassroots level solutions to serve our students and families.
2. Is the current School Board leading the district in a purposeful direction? Why or why not?
I have observed that the current board of directors is following the instructions of OSPI and current laws, and there seems to be an increasing amount of positive change under the guidance of Superintendent Kim Headrick.
I would like to see parents and guardians included in more meetings, as well as more conversations taking place among board members with parents, guardians, students and community members, in an effort to strengthen relationships and build community.
3. How can the school board and district continue supporting families and individuals affected by the Gray Fire as recovery efforts continue?
By attending the Wednesday night community meetings and finding out what additional resources are available for our families.
Work with the local “Long Term Recovery Team,” to assist in each family’s individualized plan, supporting the HUB to address the pre-existing and now magnified mental and emotional health issues within our youth population, reach out to community churches for services, and support the Medical Lake Food Bank.
Food security was an issue before the fire, and now with such loss, it has increased significantly. Board members can also join any of the multiple local recovery committees.
Director #2 Position
Alexis Alexander
1) What is the biggest issue in Medical Lake School District? How can the school board effectively address the topic?
The future of the district finances are my greatest concern. There are adequate funds for the 23’-24’ school year, but without a successful levy the 24’-25’ school year is at risk.
I focus on the budget because without adequate funding it will be difficult to provide the necessary support for our students. This could mean fewer teachers, programs, and services, and with the devastation caused by the Gray Fire we cannot afford to take steps back.
Considering the reduced assessed value of homes in Medical Lake it’s imperative the levy passes as proposed, to continue to effectively support our students.
2) Is the current School Board leading the district in a purposeful direction? Why or why not?
I can say with confidence that I believe we are leading the district in a purposeful direction. I was elected by the current board to replace Rod Von Lehe, the previous board President, who’s many years of service contributed greatly to the current success and direction.
Under the leadership of Kim Headrick, we recently launched our updated strategic plan promoting safety and personalized instruction, with a vision and hope for the future.
I encourage community members to review the strategic plan to see the many accomplishments as well as the opportunities for improvement and prepare to partner in finding solutions.
3) How can the school board and district continue supporting families and individuals affected by the Gray Fire as recovery efforts continue?
The district’s support for community members affected by the Gray Fire began immediately, by providing resources to first responders from the onset and duration of the containment effort.
I was extremely proud of the courageous decision to continue with the original school start date, although the fire had reached an appropriate level of containment just days prior.
Thanks to our educators, students were able to return to a sense of normalcy, and parents were afforded some reprieve as they navigated where to begin. The district continues to offer a multitude of services to support families through the Wellness Center.
Director #3 Position
Laura Elliot Parsons
1) What is the biggest issue in Medical Lake School District? How can the school board effectively address the topic.
The biggest issue in our school district is funding for special needs programs. How the district effectively addresses this issue is by engaging with parents, educators and the community to raise awareness about the importance of adequate special needs funding.
We collaborate and work with local and state officials to understand existing policies and explore opportunities for increased funding or reallocation of resources. We use data driven approach to collect and present data showcasing the positive impact of sufficient special needs funding on student outcomes.
We use a multifaceted approach that combines advocacy and strategies to address special needs funding effectively.
2) Is the current School Board leading the district in a purposeful direction? Why or why not?
As a current school district director I say yes. We are leading our district in a purposeful way. Our motto is “Every Student, Everyday”. We have clear goals.
We operate under the uncompromising belief that all students can learn. With highly qualified staff, parents and the community, we work collaboratively to provide rigorous relevant and personalized learning experiences.
We use collaboration, strategic planning, data informed decision making, professional development, community engagement, advocacy, budget privatization, evaluate and adjust as needed. It is our Boards mission to ensure all students are prepared to be innovative, productive citizens in an ever changing world.
3) How can the school board and district continue supporting families and individuals affected by the Gray Fire as recovery efforts continue?
Our school board and district continue support families and individuals affected by the Gray Fire by providing emotional support, providing information on resources for the victims. We have a wonderful community with many service groups who have resources available.
The Lions Club, Kiwanis club and Reimagine Medical Lake are just a few other resources available within our community. We provide transportation out of the area if necessary to bring students back and forth to school.
We can financially cover school district fees for the families. The school district has received over $20,000 in donations from area school districts.
Director #4 Position
Ron Cooper
1) What is the biggest issue in Medical Lake School District? How can the school board effectively address the topic?
One of the biggest issues currently facing the Medical Lake School District is the renewal of the current levy and replacement capital levy, which will be voted on in February 2024. Money from the levy helps pay for teachers and staff for classes such as robotics, AP and CTE classes, as well as athletics and other activities.
Capital levy dollars will be used to update and replace aging infrastructure, technology, as well as building security. The Board plays an important role in educating the stakeholders about how the money will be used and gathering support for the levy.
2) Is the current School Board leading the district in a purposeful direction? Why or why not?
The current School Board is leading the District in a purposeful direction by focusing on the success of every student.
The Board recently approved updated curriculum for all subjects, and also updated the District Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plans.
The goals of the District are to: foster a safe and supporting learning environment though a culture of belonging; focus on personalized instruction that is engaging, challenging and relevant; and promote hope and vision for the future from early learning through post-secondary. I’m also excited that we are in the process of adding student representatives to the Board.
3) How can the school board and district continue supporting families and individuals affected by the Gray Fire as recovery efforts continue?
The District’s Wellness Center continues to have extended hours to offer support to students and community members who have been affected by the fire. The District will also continue to open up their buildings for community meetings as needed for fire recovery updates.
They are also actively trying to identify and provide accommodations for families in need. I think it will take a community effort to help recover from the fire, and the School District and Board are dedicated to being a part of that effort.
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