There are two candidates in the race for University Place School Board, Position 1: Ethelda Burke and Whitney Holz. We are not making a recommendation in this race. Voters should review the two candidates and pick the one whose values most align with their own.

The incumbent Burke has worked in public education for 40 years as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. She was elected to the school board in 2017 after being appointed in 2015. Burke previously served as a board member with the Tacoma Youth Symphony and United Way. If re-elected, she pledges to listen to the concerns of all citizens and maintain awareness of graduation rates and academic performances of students. In 2012, Burke resigned as superintendent of the Tukwila School District and in 2013 she was found to have created a hostile work environment for ten other employees by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (link: https://www.kiro7.com/news/us-govt-tukwila-school-district-employees-victims-/246019162/).

The other candidate in this race, Holz, helps run a local business. Her candidacy is largely based on opposing the age-appropriate sex-education programs adopted by Washington state voters last year. In addition to disapproving of this curriculum, Holz wants to encourage "unique and innovative" learning opportunities to prepare students for trades, business, the military, or continuing education.