Elections Database
Federal Way school district director, district 4« Go back
Angela Griffin
Residence: Federal Way
E-mail: griffin4schools@yahoo.com
Website: griffin4schools.com

Experience: Federal Way School Board, July 2008 - present

Education: Bachelor's degree, human services, California State University Dominguez Hills, 2003; Master's degree, education, California State University Dominguez Hills, 2005

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
The need for more students participating in the highly rigorous programs offered by the district, such as AVID, pre-AP and pre-IB, AP and IB, TAFA and Cambridge. The need for more parents/guardians actively participating in the education of their children at all grade levels. The need for "all" educational staff to be committed and accountable to the academic success of "all" students.

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
Despite the inadequate funding of basic education, our district has been able to increase the options of rigorous academic programs, expand tutoring resources, expand parent partnership opportunities, build new schools, provide professional development and coaching for teachers. I would support any measure that provides for continuous movement in the direction of closing the achievement gap by increasing early learning opportunities, improving teacher quality, and increasing the expectation in all students to attend college.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
Set the expectation before all students, educational staff, parents/guardians and the community that all students can be academically successful. Our district should not settle for any sort of mediocrity when it comes to supporting the vision of "all means all". We must be diligent in eliminating any barriers and using effective strategies, inside and outside of the classroom, to support academic achievement for all students.

Personal Statement:
I was appointed to the Federal Way School Board in 2008 and have participated over the past year as one member of a cohesive team that is committed to supporting the academic achievement of all students in our district. I will continue to set high expectations for everyone in our district that has an impact on the success of our students including, students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, the superintendent, the community and the board.

Steve Skipper
Residence: Federal Way
Contact: 253-874-5192
E-mail: Steve.Skipper@yahoo.com
Website: steveskipper.com
Occupation: Adult Education Instructor

Experience: Volunteer for Escambia County reading assistance program; Former board member of Regency Woods homeowners' association in FW and current president; Volunteer and former member of the advisory council for the FW Salvation Army; Mathematics textbook selection committee FW; Former Chairman of the 33rd District King County Republicans; Former Executive Committee Member of the State Republican Party; Current Precinct Committee Officer, 30th District Republicans.

Education: B.S., Mathematics, Georgia State University, 1970

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
1. Basics are still important. Proficiency in basic number skills is essential before problem solving is possible. Knowing sentence structure is important before writing paragraphs. Knowledge of history, science and civics are still necessary for before casting ballots in elections. 2. The schools are for the children of the parents. The parents are the school's customer. 3. Why is there only one Public Academy, a school with a waiting list?

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
We can't fund everything. Prioritizing needs and then wants and funding the most essential elements requires a board that will not be popular with all its citizens. But it has to be done.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
Nobody really seems to be responsible. If the schools are not as good as we want them to be, it is our fault. It isn't the disparity in funding, the number of kids on free or reduced lunches, the teachers union, the federal government, the WASL or any other excuse. Let's stop looking to blame others and become informed voters and demand better for our children.

Personal Statement:
Federal Way is not far from having a good school district. We have some outstanding programs and our children can get a good education. But many won't because it doesn't happen by accident. Why aren't most kids on the waiting list for the Public Academy? It's free. It doesn't require an entrance exam. You just have to be lucky. (Check out their WASL scores.) Finally, don't vote for me if you are satisfied!