Kent Education Association recommends Sims, Hamada, DeBruler for Kent School Board

Larry Sims, Leslie Hamada and Karen DeBruler are the picks by the Kent Education Association for the Kent School Board.

Larry Sims, Leslie Hamada and Karen DeBruler are the picks by the Kent Education Association for the Kent School Board.

The KEA released its recommendations for the Nov. 8 election in an Oct. 20 blog. King County Elections mailed out ballots Oct. 19.

Sims is running against Russell Hanscom for Position No. 1 while Hamada is challenging incumbent Debbie Straus for Position No. 3. DeBruler is running unopposed for Position No. 2.

Team members of the KEA’s Kent Educators for Legislative Accountability interviewed the five candidates who filed for the three open school board director positions.

According to the KEA, Sims is:

“Open minded. Willing to keep communication open. Understands the need for priority in budget in the right place—class size. Wants to know where the money is allocated. Is aware about how much weight is applied to standardized testing.”

In recommending Hamada, the KEA said:

“Not afraid to stand up and speak up. Understands classroom realities. PTA activist and single mom with successful grown children (one a teacher).  Passionate about support for all children. Has worked on levy committees. “Walks her talk” still. Tutors at high risk schools during and after school.”

For DeBruler, the KEA said:

“Understands issues of classroom. Understands workload. Voted against the cuts budget. Teacher of highly capable in Issaquah.”

The KEA only posted comments about its recommended candidates. The union represents more than 1,700 certified public school employees in the district.


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