All three seats on the Northshore School District (NSD) School Board up for election will have candidates, as the filing period came and went on May 17. But only one of the races has more than one person running and another seat will have a new representative, despite having just one candidate for the position.

The Director District No. 1 seat, held by Julia Lacey, drew two challengers. The three-candidate field will have a primary in August.

“Northshore is a phenomenal school district, so I was not surprised that there were others in the community wanting to be a part of it,” said Lacey. “I respect anyone with a desire to serve and welcome the challenge because voters should have a choice in every race on the ballot.”

Lacey was first elected to the board in 2009 and her fellow members elected her board president. She said she is proud of Northshore students and their continued growth in student achievement.

“As president, I work closely with the board and district to create measurable goals that address the needs of all learners, expand student access to more rigorous coursework and support our teachers and staff so they can give their best to our children,” Lacey said.

Lacey will be challenged by Marci Cheesebrough and Kimberly D’Angelo.

D’Angelo currently has two children in the NSD and is a former NSD student. She said her experience working at Northwest University will be invaluable as a board member.

“My role in the higher education field gives me the distinct advantage of observing firsthand the skill levels of students who have come out of public education, and whether or not they are adequately prepared when they enter the collegiate level,” said D’Angelo, who is a Psychology Program coordinator. “… One of the key elements currently missing from the NSD board is someone who is well-versed in education beyond K-12. I look forward to bringing my unique perspectives and experiences to the board if I am elected.”

D’Angelo said her biggest concerns are reducing class size and improving technology integration.

Cheesebrough is a mother of four in the NSD. She has worked closely with the district on behalf of special needs students.

“For several years I worked and served on a board with other parents that partners with the district to advocate and better the education experience for the kids in this community that are the most vulnerable,” said Cheeseborough. “I feel I can do a better job because I listen and I am dedicated to doing what is right.”

Cheesebrough believes that the board does not listen to parents enough.

“Recent decisions made by the board are cheating kids to benefit adults,” said Cheesebrough. “I don’t feel the board listens to the community and they are not being honest in their communication with us. This board votes as if the voice of parents have no value. We can do better.”

The Director District No. 5 seat will have a new school board member, as Kenmore Air owner Todd Banks has decided not to run for re-election.

“I just felt like it was the right time,” said Banks. “I need to focus more on my business.”

Banks said there are a lot of things he is proud of in his time on the board. One of the biggest was purchasing land in the north end of the district to handle growth.

The position only drew one candidate, as Amy Cast will run unopposed for the school board seat.

Cast said that all of her children have taken very different paths through the school district.

“I have become involved in all four schools where my children attended including positions on the Executive Board of two PTSAs,” said Cast. “I can safely state that I have experienced a wide spectrum of what this school district has to offer.”

Cast said that her business degree and the positions as a project manager, product manager and contracts manager will be invaluable as a board member.

“I have always worked with large dynamic teams, solving problems and launching complex programs,” said Cast.

Banks said he feels the seat is in good hands with Cast.

“I think she is great and a really smart person,” said Banks. “She has good perspective on the district.”

The District 5 seat will go back to Sandy R. Hayes, who was first elected in 2009 and will run unopposed in November’s general election.

“Yes, I am surprised but also thankful that I am running unopposed. It allows me to spend the next six months focused on my work as a board member,” said Hayes.

Hayes said that the board has many difficult decisions ahead.

“We have a lot of changes coming from new standards, new testing, a new teacher evaluation system and hopefully a new high school and grade reconfiguration,” said Hayes. “I am looking forward to being part of the work to navigate all of those changes.”

Who is running for school board

Director District No. 1

Marci Cheesebrough

Kimberly D’Angelo

Julia Lacey

Director District No. 4

Sandy R. Hayes

Director District No. 5

Amy Cast