Elections Database
Federal Way school district director, district 1« Go back
Ed Barney
Residence: Federal Way
Contact: 253-946-5664
E-mail: edbarney@mail.com
Occupation: Job Coach Trainer

Experience: Federal Way Elementary Track Since 1985 - Appointed to Board of Directors 2009 Boy Scouts of America Since 1985 - Varied positions including: - Merit Badge Counselor, Scout Master, Cubmaster, District Commissioner Washington State PTA 1985-2006 - Varied positions including: - Legislative Chair, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, President King Country Directors Association, Board of Directors 2002-2006 Federal Way School Board 2001-2009 Decatur Band Boosters 1993-2006 Federal Way Health Care Campus Committee 1986-88 Federal Way Community Council 1985-1990

Education: Vocational Training Certification, Connecticut School of Broadcasting, 1991-1992; Bachelor's degree, Communications/Public Relations, Brigham Young University, 1980; Associate's degree, Business/Accounting, College of San Mateo, 1974

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
Student achievement: The district has made great strides in student achievement and closing the gap between all groups. Our focus continues to be all students can succeed. Community Involvement: Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, community members at large need to know that they are welcome and needed in our schools. Funding: We will continue to seek equal and adequate funding for Federal Way and continue to fight against unfunded mandates doled out from Olympia.

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
We must continue to put the bulk of our money in the classroom. Our students can receive a well-rounded education through academic programs of all types, such as; Public Academy, IB, Advanced Placement, Cambridge, and TAF Academy. As well as career and technical programs, such as; business, computers, auto shop, construction, and horticulture. There must be a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Clubs, music and athletics all help in educating the whole child.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
Achievement will improve as the district continues to expand AVID (Advanced Placement through Individual Determination) into more classrooms and schools, sets higher standards in AP classes, continues to hire highly qualified teachers for each and every classroom, uses teaching coaches to help all teachers succeed and in turn help all students to succeed. Reach into the community for mentors, AmeriCorp, Vista, and other volunteers for the classroom. Parental involvement at all levels of education.

Personal Statement:
Federal Way schools continue to perform above the state average with less per pupil funding than surrounding districts. We still have more to do. Teachers strive to reach all students at every grade level. Tax promises made have been kept. Construction of our new schools has been on time and on budget. I am proud to be a part of the Federal Way School District. I ask for your continued support this November.

William Pirkle
Residence: Federal Way
Contact: 253-839-4304
E-mail: bpirkle@zipcon.net
Website: www.bpirkle.com
Occupation: retired

Experience: I am a member of the Kawanis club (2009 to present) I was s substitute teacher in Federal Way (2001 to 2005) I founded and operated the Federal Way Fencing Academy and taught kids to fence for free (2004 to 2007 approx.) I am a veteran

Education: I have a degree in Mathematics

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
The learning atmosphere in school need improving. There should be more emphasis on the core subjects and less on electives. Teachers should wear professional dress to work to be better role models.

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
A mayor elected by the public. Referendums so the public has a voice.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
Make the school atmosphere more serious and less fun. Have tests taken home and signed by the parents.

Personal Statement:
If elected as a school board member, I will visit schools on a regular basis and sit in on classes to observe teachers. I will give a business card to students and tell them to call me in confidence if they are having problems with school or a teacher. I will look into their complaint. I will give them a voice to stimulate their interest. I will check that policy is being followed.