City of Kingston

Natasha Fectau Minger is challenging incumbent Mike Desmond for North Kitsap School Board, Position 2. Minger has served on multiple community boards to advise on issues that affect young children, organized parents to get involved in family issues, and advocated for change at the state level.

As a single working mom raising a son on the autism spectrum, Minger was motivated to become an advocate for children in special education. Her background as an Alaska Native has also allowed her to build trust with tribal parents and organizations. Minger has led outreach for programs like the Child Tax Credit and Headstart, helping working people and tribal parents access resources to help their children thrive.

She is running against Mike Desmond, the current vice president of the North Kitsap School Board, is running to retain his seat in Position 2 on the board. Desmond is a U.S. Navy Reserve officer and the former vice president of the PTSA at Poulsbo Elementary. If re-elected, he would prioritize creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds, modernizing our facilities, and building a closer relationship with law enforcement.

Recently, the North Kitsap Education Association, which represents public school educators, voted to express a lack of confidence in the current school board, including Desmond. Teachers said that the board made decisions without including or listening to staff in schools. 

If elected, Minger promises to bring more transparency, inclusivity, and respect for diverse histories to the North Kitsap School Board. Her dedication to educators and parents of every background have earned her endorsements from groups like the Washington Education Association, 23rd District Democrats, and Native Vote.

Minger is the best choice in this race. 
 

Terri Schumacher is running for North Kitsap School Board in District 4 to create healthy schools that meet every students' needs. Schumacher is a owner of a local salon, the former president of the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, and a volunteer with her PTA. She is a mother of two who has firsthand experience with her son's school closure, overcrowded classrooms, and long bus commutes.

As a person who was able to come up from poverty through a trade school education, Schumacher wants schools to create pathways for all students, no matter their learning style, background, or goals after graduation. She is also running to increase the school boards' transparency with the public. If elected, she would bring back community committees to include diverse voices in the decisions being made by the board.

Her opponent for the District 4 seat is Beverly Godfrey, a conservative third grade teacher. Godfrey is supported by the Kitsap County Republicans and the Family Policy Institute, a far-right Christian interest groups that wants to enforce "Biblical values" in our public schools.

Godfrey has publicly opposed Washington's access to abortions, and criticized the 2021 law that brought teachers much-needed training on how to be inclusive to students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Schumacher's dedication to putting kids first has earned her endorsements from educators, progressive organizations, and local tribes. She is by far the best choice in this race.

Stacy Mills is running unopposed to represent District 5 on the North Kitsap School Board. Her opponent, Melanie Miller, withdrew from the race in September due to family reasons.

Mills has deep roots in the area as a member of the S'Klallam tribe and the fourth generation in her family to graduate from North Kitsap public schools. Mills works with both the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Government and the local community health center, where she helps bring services to students and families. As someone who has been both a student and a parent in the North Kitsap School District, Mills is motivated to help every child reach their full potential in the classroom.

Recently, the North Kitsap Education Association (NKEA), which represents public school educators, voted to express a lack of confidence in the current school board. If elected, Mills would make it a priority to increase transparency and communication with both teachers and the public. She suggests creating committees to receive feedback directly from teachers, and has been endorsed by the NKEA. She also is running to creatively fund education in an equitable way and to make sure the board has representation from the diverse families in our community.

Mills has earned the support of progressives, educators, and local tribes, and deserves your vote for the North Kitsap School Board.