The Kent School Board will have one contested race in the Nov. 3 general election. Trisha Sanders is challenging incumbent Russell Hanscom for the District 1 seat.
Board president Debbie Straus, District 3, and Karen DeBruler, District 2, are both running unopposed for re-election. Each position carries a four-year term. Filings closed May 15.
Hanscom, 48, of Kent, was first elected to the board in 2011. He said he is pleased with the direction the district is headed and hopes to continue to serve on the board.
“It’s an exciting time in the district with our new superintendent, Dr. (Calvin) Watts, joining us full time July 1,” Hanscom said in an email. “It’s important to me that we not only continue to build on our past success but continue to be innovative, ensuring all our students have the resources, structure and support to be successfully prepared for their futures.”
Before being elected to his first term, Hanscom was concerned he might not be able to devote adequate time to the board and wasn’t sure he would accept the position if elected. Following his election, Hanscom decided to serve on the board and said he doesn’t regret his decision.
“With my wife’s support and my boys’ understanding, I’ve been able to commit the time to be a well informed and thoughtful leader,” he said. “When you feel passionate about something, the balance falls into place.”
Hanscom, the executive director for the Puyallup Tribe Elder and Vulnerable Adult Services, has three sons in Kent schools. He has volunteered as a coach for Kent Parks Department baseball, basketball and football teams. Hanscom has also been active in the PTA and is a past member of the Kent Rotary and Kent Chamber of Commerce.
Hanscom said while serving on the board, the district implemented many new programs, including iGrad and the opening of the Kent Valley Early Learning Center, as well as engaging parents to help children succeed.
He helped change the district’s policy on evaluating school closures to include parent and employee input during the evaluation process instead of once the report is complete. He also advocated for a higher levy package that allowed the district to restore positions and programs that were previously cut.
If re-elected, Hanscom said he would like students at the district’s elementary schools to wear uniforms and would like to have a soccer program at the middle school level.
“Our school community represents a variety of different cultures,” he said. “What a great way to unify our students, around a sport embraced and cheered in most of their counties.”
He said he would also like to increase the number of late starts days from nine a school year to 15 early release days, giving teachers more time to plan and collaborate with other teachers.
“The state Legislature has enacted several reform efforts that have been overly burdensome on our teachers with questionable benefit to our children,” he said.
Sanders could not be reached for comment.
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