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Auburn school district director, district 5« Go back
Lisa Connors
Residence: Auburn
E-mail: lisaconnorsdirector5@comcast.net
Occupation: Administrative Assistant

Experience: I am an active member of PTA, serving on the reading program providing free books and promoting literacy. I also served as the legislative representative. I helped found the Auburn High PTSA and served as its President for two years. My desire is to facilitate greater communication between school professionals, parents and students. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Auburn Youth Resources, a regional mental health center assisting families and youth.

Education: I am currently a student at the University of Washington working to receive my bachelor's degree in Politics and Values. I hold an associate's degree in Business Administration. I work as an administrative assistant for a private company in Auburn which serves local, national and international companies. I have served in administrative positions for over 20 years in the baking, engineering, heavy machinery industries.

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
Achievement, financial strain, & diversity - Continuing to provide quality education, continued growth and success for our students is my top priority. Balancing student needs with the financial challenges we face is my utmost concern. The Auburn School District is a highly diverse community. Our students come to us from many different backgrounds and academic needs. Our goal should always be to meet the needs of all students while using our diversity as an asset.

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
In these fiscally challenging times we have been faced with significant budget cuts. My experience has helped me to weigh financial decisions with student driven needs. Utilizing all resources to improve student learning is critical to financial responsibility. It is crucial to keep district resources where they belong, in the classroom. As a representative of the Auburn School District we strive to balance secure employment while maintaining quality programming for all students.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
I will continue efforts to challenge the expectations of the district in addressing student achievement. Our students deserve a quality education that understands the individuality and diverse needs of each child while channeling our financial resources to provide the greatest benefit to all students. By providing highly qualified teachers, a broad range of class offerings and opportunities we give our students the ability to achieve their goals.

Personal Statement:
As the only board member with children in the Auburn School District, I am your voice on the school board and fight for our student's right to a quality education. My education, employment history, and personal ethics as well as my broad range of experience make me a qualified candidate for this position. I feel strongly about continuing the work I began this year, we can do more!

Clarissa Ruston
Residence: Auburn
Contact: 253-880-4926
E-mail: vote4ruston@hotmail.com
Website: www.vote4ruston.com
Occupation: Recreation Coordinator, City of Auburn

Experience: Auburn Citizens for Schools co-chair; Communities in Schools of Auburn and White River Valley Museum, board member. Auburn School District 2004-05 Citizen's Ad Hoc Committee, co-chair, childhood fitness and nutrition subcommittee, 2008 Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee, and 2009 Communications Focus Group. King County Board of Health, Obesity Prevention, committee member. PTA member and state award recipient.

Education: Associate of Arts, general studies, Green River Community College, 1985; Associate of Applied Arts, recreation leadership, Green River Community College, 1985; Bachelor of Arts, parks and recreation, Western Washington University, 1988; Risk Management School, National Recreation and Park Association, 1999; Revenue/Marketing School, National Recreation and Park Association, 2000; 2002 Graduate, Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound, 2006

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
*Success of the capital improvements levy would provide updates to district facilities such as energy efficiencies, health and safety, accessibility, and building infrastructure. *Changing demographics of our community. District staff members need training and resources to meet the educational needs of students to attain academic standards. *Ensure citizens are involved and informed on district matters. All community members have a vested interest in the success of our schools. Community input is valued and necessary.

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
The community expects the district to be good stewards of public funds. Expenditures for propriety acquisition and building maintenance need to be made with the future in mind. When cuts are made that might impact educational programs, the process should involve all educational stakeholders. I support the board's ability to utilize the bond and levy process as a financially responsible process to provide funding for large scale building projects and continuing programs and operations.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
Provide high quality, well supported educators with curriculum and training is a factor in improving student achievement. As well as professional development for both certificated and classified staff members. Increasing parent and family involvement in our schools is key to student academic success. Involving families in the school house and classroom, from Kindergarten through high school, will strengthen each of our schools and the entire educational community in the Auburn School District.

Personal Statement:
I have had the opportunity to create positive and meaningful experiences for our community for 17 years. Serving on the Auburn School Board will allow me to ensure that our children have the best educational experience and that teachers are afforded the best tools to make that happen. I care about our school district - students and staff, am committed to service and connected with our community. My husband and I have two school-aged children.

Clarissa Ruston
This candidate did not respond to The News Tribune's questionnaire.