Both of the candidates running in the Nov. 7, 2023, general election for Lake Washington School District School Board District 5 — Janel Schermerhorn (nonpartisan) and Lindsey Yocum (nonpartisan) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Schermerhorn:
- “Our excellent schools must respond to societal changes and commit to every student’s success. I will advocate for a high-quality, future-focused education for all, regardless of starting point, background, or path after graduation. This means building systems for academic and social success, like ensuring students can access challenging pathways early and often and ensuring the district uses more robust data analyses to understand performance gaps and deliver targeted support.
- Having my own child in the district, I have seen first-hand how student and teacher mental health impacts the classroom environment and learning. I will advocate for protecting well-being in our education environment through curriculum, support, and key partnerships.
- We must embrace and adapt to technologies impacting teaching, learning, and career preparation. I will champion district-wide digital literacy that harnesses the benefits and risks of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.”
Yocum:
- “Experience Matters: It’s time for an experienced educator to help lead our district. As a 15-year community member and teacher, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our district, the communities LWSD serves, the realities of working in a classroom and school, and have the desire to engage and collaborate with all community members. …
- Improved Community Engagement: Our students, families, and staff need to feel empowered and welcome to contribute to decisions that impact them. This will only happen if we build a culture of transparency, respect, and trust where ALL voices are heard. So many issues facing our district and communities, such as mental health, workforce housing, sustainability, and post high school education, need to involve more voices in decision making. …
- Equity and Inclusion: Our schools and staff need the resources and training to effectively provide inclusive and equitable environments and education for all students. Providing these resources will help attract and retain quality teachers who are committed to teaching in an inclusive system. Without these resources, our teachers and staff will burn out and continue to leave this profession at alarming rates.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Additional reading: