As a Head Start graduate and first-generation college graduate from the Colville Tribe with over fifteen years of senior leadership experience in communications focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, I also bring experience in public education to contribute to the Auburn School Board.
For nearly three and a half years, I have served in the fifth-largest school district in Washington state; I currently serve as the Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Kent School District. From supporting the superintendent and school board to co-facilitating the Equity Council and leading the Back to School Task Force, this position has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of a large school district. Previously while serving at the regional level at Puget Sound Educational Service District, I had the opportunity to work with 35 school districts in King and Pierce Counties on numerous projects over seven years. I also provided direct communication services to programs and districts of all sizes in the Puget Sound area. A highlight for me during this time was serving as the grant project manager and communications manager for CORElaborate, a project that focused on teacher leadership, teacher voice, and using social media as an effective means of helping to sustain systemic change in instructional practice.
From a deep understanding of K-12 finance to active monitoring of education legislation, my career uniquely positions me with the public education knowledge and experience to be an influential school board member. I have also been an active volunteer in the Auburn community and Washington State on several boards and non-profit organizations, ranging from Grace Community Church to Kent Sunrise Rotary to Washington Public Relations Association and Kent Schools Foundation. I know parliamentary procedure, am an experienced public speaker, a servant leader, and am a team player.
As a mom of a soon-to-be middle schooler, an Auburn homeowner, and an active Auburn community member, I have a personal interest in giving back to our school district as a servant leader. As a school district employee, a principal’s sister, a custodian’s daughter, a bus driver’s granddaughter, and a paraeducator’s niece, I fully understand the school board’s role in ensuring student success. I believe now is the time for public education to support the success of all students by creating more welcoming and equitable classrooms. And I think this happens when we support educators, hold leaders accountable, evaluate policy through an equity lens, prioritize adult learning, and provide high-quality educational programming and whole child support.
I would be honored to serve our Auburn School District students, families, and community if elected.
Melissa J. Laramie 