Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Phone
(206) 745-2010
Email
info@electlisakeating.com
Town where you live
Tacoma
Experience (300 characters max)
Since 2019, I have helped lead through a global pandemic, the recovery, and navigated significant budget challenges. All while continuing to increase graduation rates, expanding career pathways, early childhood education, and after school programs, and led federal policy advocacy for the state.
I have served as a school director for the Tacoma School Board since being elected in 2019. I have been advocating for K12 policy and the implementation of policies since 2011. Prior to being elected, I served for six years on two SCDM committees, the Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying committee, and led a team of school counselors on the safety and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ youth and staff.
I have been a trusted advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth and families for 15 years and worked directly with the legislature to advance the protections and inclusion of queer youth for over ten years.
I am a former City of Tacoma Human Services Committee member and was appointed by the City Council in 2018. I served as a volunteer for two years prior to being appointed to a three year term. Through all of these experiences, I have created a proven track record of my effectiveness to contribute to the advancement of rights, resources, and needs for our community.
The impacts of mental health, anxiety, and behavioral issues students have continue to be a major challenge. I will continue to work to secure resources and support, whether on a local, state, or federal level. I have contributed to securing local, state, and federal dollars to provide mental health support for students. As the uncertainty of the educational priorities of the federal government and federal administration keep rapidly changing, I will work on creative solutions and partnerships to meet the current needs of our students.
Additionally, gun violence is a serious and substantial issue that is a community issue deeply impacting our schools. This is not an issue that the district shoulders alone. It requires intentional partnerships and collaboration with city and county leaders. It is a public health crisis that deeply impacts our staff, too. During my time, we have leveraged partnerships to stand up summer late nights, and provide safe after school opportunities.
Funding is the greatest issue Tacoma Public Schools faces. Between the state not fully funding basic education and the increasing dollars being rescinded by the federal government, we have a serious issue. The daily costs of supplies, food, transportation, materials, and support services has continued to increase substantially and the legislature passed another budget that does not adequately address these issues. With the actions of the federal government, these costs are going to significantly increase. I have been the legislative representative for the district and school board since July of 2020. Part of my additional responsibilities are to work with the legislature, our congressional delegation, and federal agencies to educate them on the challenges, issues, and needs of the district.
One of my three top priorities is to continue to strongly advocate the legislature to fully fund education and fulfill the state’s constitutional responsibilities.
Safety is a complex dynamic that is individual, circumstantial and personal. We have leveraged partnerships to meet the needs of students in a variety of ways. We have added two school based health clinics for students to access healthcare, contracted with over 30 providers to provide direct mental health supports for students during the school day. We systematically changed our safety and security model to assure students feel safe, especially for students of color. The board developed and adopted an anti-racists policy that informs every level of board policy.
The inclusivity of each of our students, staff, and families is paramount regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, immigration status, or language. I have spent over fifteen years fighting for the rights, protections, and inclusion of students, families, and staff. That commitment will not waver.
I ask thoughtful, informed questions and expect clear, evidence-based justifications for any proposals presented by district leadership. This includes a thorough review of budgets, policies, and strategic plans. I meet with staff at various levels to ensure I understand what is being presented to me prior to making my decisions and to ensure that staff is informed in what they are presenting.
I regularly engage with parents, students, staff at all levels, teachers, and community stakeholders to understand their needs and perspectives. Their voices inform my decisions and help ensure we remain aligned with public interest—not just administrative convenience.
I advocate for periodic reviews of board policies to ensure they reflect current educational best practices and community values, rather than relying solely on recommendations from district staff. I have access to data and metrics that evaluate the success or shortcomings of district initiatives.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
