Elections Database
Tacoma school district director position 2« Go back
Jerry Thorpe
Residence: Tacoma
Contact: 253-381-4196
E-mail: electjerrythorpe@gmail.com
Website: None
Occupation: Retired teacher & Realtor

Experience: Tacoma Port Commissioner, 1994 to 1997; Tacoma Metro. Park Board Commissioner, 1978 to 1989 and 2000 to 2005; and Pierce County Charter Review Committee, 1996. Chairman of Pierce County Arthritis fundraising in 1996; Tacoma Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, 1998 to 2009.

Education: University of Puget Sound, 1963, bachelor's degree, political science & speech; University of Puget Sound, 1965, bachelor of education degree; and graduate work at Harvard - Kennedy School of Government, 1995; graduate work at Stanford School of Business, 1996; and graduate work in education at Pacific Lutheran University.

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
1. The unacceptable dropout rate of over 32% (black and Hispanic of 40%) must be vigorously attacked and solved. 2. We must go back to the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. We must address the following areas: grammar, cursive writing, math in the elementaries, libraries that have had budgets frozen for four years, and need for more reading specialists. 3. The gang problem must be addressed with the cooperation of the City of Tacoma.

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
The budget, which is the responsibility of the Board, must be examined from top to bottom. Non-essential administrative spending must be eliminated. By "non-essential" I mean any spending that does not directly support the teaching of the children.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
1. Make reading specialists available in all elementary schools. 2. There is a need for a reappraisal of the Saxon Math Program. The pacing of the curriculum is so rapid as to be unrealistic. It falls apart at the 4-5 grade level and, in many teachers experiences, does not prepare the students to meet the State standards. 3. It is important to have art and music education available in every school, for well rounded learning.

Personal Statement:
Give teachers the curriculum support that they need to educate the students. Consistent basic skill-building curriculum, adequate up-to-date textbooks, student safety, behavior policies and enrichment activities all have a direct affect on learning. A vibrant school district will be a magnet for companies that are looking to locate in a city that can provide an educated work force. This in turn will enable Tacoma to be the city in which we can all be proud.

Catherine Ushka-Hall
Residence: Tacoma
Contact: 253-579-3129
E-mail: VoteCatherine@gmail.com
Website: www.votecatherine.com
Occupation: Expedia

Experience: Tacoma Human Services Commission, 2005-present Tacoma Citizens for Schools Member, Past-Treasurer, 2005-present Stand for Children -- Tacoma Chapter, 2007-present Eastside Neighborhood Council, Past-President, Member, 2003-2008 Women's Political Caucus, Member, 2005-2008 Get Smart Tacoma Participant 2007 Tacoma Schools Citizens Advisory Committee on School Consolidation, Community Representative, 2006-2007 Tacoma Public Schools Finance Committee, Community Member 2005-2006 PTA Member 2002-2007 Tacoma Community Council, Eastside Board Representative and Former Vice-President, 2006-2008 "One Voice" Eastside Against Crime and Grime Organizer, 2006

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and Social Policy, The Evergreen State College, Tacoma 1999

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?
As a mother with two children in Tacoma Public Schools, I am keenly aware of the challenges facing our kids and schools. We need to close the achievement-gap, significantly reduce dropout rates and provide vocational training and extracurricular activities so our children are prepared for the college or career of their choice. I have the knowledge and experience to unite our unique communities. We can build a common vision so all of our children succeed.

What measures would you support to keep the district living within its means?
We must build a solid plan matched with a budget that the District will be held accountable to. We can build this with full community participation and transparency, and share the endeavor of improving our schools by planning for success. I believe that Tacoma Schools can leverage more private-public partnerships and grant opportunities towards improvement without breaking the bank. We must ensure that every dollar is driven to students, and plan for shortfalls.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?
Early learning opportunities and screenings for challenges are a must. Addressing issues sooner serves the student by keeping them engaged, and costs the district much less over time. After school arts, sports and vocational opportunities are also not negotiable. Children who are positively engaged in the afternoon are much more likely to strive for positive school experiences and graduate ready to succeed. Established 'best-practices' like the Lincoln Center should be applied district wide.

Personal Statement:
My lifelong commitment to service as a parent and community member provides me with a unique viewpoint. I am a working parent who believes that we have the talent and resources we need right here in Tacoma. We can strive to ensure that every child graduates ready to succeed and we will improve Tacoma ten-fold. Your vote on August 18th and November 3rd will bring this vision of excellence to Tacoma Schools, and our community.