Meet Heather
Retired Tech / Legal Nerd
Disabled US Army Veteran
Special Education Advocate
Candidate for Monroe School Board
I LOVE BIG CHALLENGES
With declining enrollment, rising costs, and a rapidly evolving federal landscape, most would agree that our public schools are struggling. Now, more than ever, we need leaders that are dedicated to respectfully engaging with our students, staff, and divided communities in constructive dialogue across diverse viewpoints.
We need a school board committed to finding solutions that will prepare ALL of our students to be successful now, and throughout their futures.
I love big challenges. Throughout my career I have succeeded in roles that required deep subject matter expertise and diplomacy, world-class change management, negotiation, and communication skills, and extensive legal and financial acumen. Thankfully my military service strengthened my ability to navigate whatever may lay ahead. My decades of personal and professional successes working at the intersections of legislation, policy, practice, and people will help me ensure our district is successful in managing all the moving parts needed to bring meaningful change - particularly when it comes to public education’s legal and budgetary frameworks.
Our public schools are a critical part of our community. The long term success of our kids, families and local public schools are closely linked, so the choice of school director is an important one. You can learn more about me in the FAQ section below, or find additional details about my experience through my resume here.
I appreciate your thoughtful consideration, and look forward to earning your support - and your vote.
GUIDED BY PURPOSE
COMMITED TO RESULTS
If elected, I will focus on three key areas to strengthen our schools and support every student’s success:
1
Improving Student Outcomes
Our students' success must be the core of every district decision. I am committed to focusing on improving test scores, increasing graduation rates, and boosting attendance. I will also work to ensure that budgeting priorities are aligned with student needs, and that the district adopts effective measurement and reporting methods tied directly to the goals of the strategic plan — ensuring transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
2
Expanding Meaningful Engagement
Our school board must do a better job engaging our community in decision-making processes. That includes offering more accessible meeting times, providing communications in multiple languages, and ensuring public input through open comments, responsive emails, and real conversations. Equally important is engaging directly with our teachers; understanding what's working in classrooms, what needs improvement, how homework expectations are set, and how Professional Learning Community (PLC) efforts can be better supported.
3
Strengthening Interventions
I will advocate for earlier and more effective interventions by expanding access to quality Pre-K and transitional kindergarten programs. I will work to build new community partnerships, update district safety plans, and improve bullying prevention strategies with real accountability. Special Education must also become more accessible and transparent — ensuring students receive the services they need, improving support in general education classrooms, addressing substitute shortages, and helping our district navigate the impacts of evolving federal laws.
Throughout my career, I have shown up — consistently and passionately — to advocate for the needs of all students, ensuring our public schools serve as the foundation for a stronger future.
Common Questions, Honest Answers
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
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Paid for by:
Elect Heather Young
122 Blakeley Street #192
Monroe, Washington 98272-3207
Contributions to the campaign are not tax-deductible. For questions or concerns, please contact puttingourstudentsfirst@gmail.com.