The Bethel School Board plans to pick its newest member Dec. 11. The board has scheduled a public meeting for Dec. 10 to interview the five applicants for a vacancy that was created by the recent resignation of former member Ron Morehouse. A spokeswoman for Bethel School District said the board hopes to announce its choice the next day. The interviews, each one lasting 30 minutes, will begin at 5 p.m. at the district's office. The board is scheduled to go into an executive session (closed to the public) from 7:40 to 8:10 p.m. to discuss the applicants and their qualifications. In the running are Rachel Bacon, Jennifer Jennifer Barnstein, Deborah Jones, Kristin Larson and Warren Smith. They supplied the following information about themselves to the district in response to a questionnaire for applicants:
Rachel Bacon Employment: Teacher at the Mini Skool Early Learning Center Resident of Bethel:-á4-1/2 years Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board? "To support and encourage new ideas and strategies that may help facilitate attaining higher education for those who desire it.GÇ¥ Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about? "I don't know if same sex is taught in curriculum, but I am strongly opposed to such teaching.GÇ¥ -á Jennifer Barnstein Employment:-áBallot Processing Floor Supervisor at the Pierce County Auditor's Elections Division, Sales Assistant/Associate Buyer for Orting Floral, and a Kitchen Manager at Marlowe's.-á Barnstein has held leadership positions in the Naches Trail and Spanaway Junior High PTAs.-á She has also served as a co-chair of the Bethel Citizens Committee for School Support and is a FutureSchools Committee member. Resident of Bethel:-á18 years Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board? "I believe in our school district and our community. Our three children started and completed their educations in the Bethel School District and I would like the opportunity to give back what was given to our children.GÇ¥ Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about? "Ensuring that the Bethel School District continues with its high standards that I have been so proud to witness and be a part of these last 18 years, including its progressive and future focused efforts like the Pierce County Skills Center.GÇ¥-á-á -á Deborah Jones Employment:-áhomemaker and pastor's wife. Jones is a former PTA president and site council member. She also serves on the FutureSchools Committee. Resident of Bethel:-á22 years Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board? "I feel it will be a great opportunity for me to learn more about the school district, and also to help bring the community closer together in efforts that can benefit the families in our school district.GÇ¥ Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about? "We must not leave no children behind.GÇ¥ -á Kristin Larson Employment:-áhomemaker. Larson has been involved with the Secondary Boundary Study and FutureSchools committees. Larson also volunteers with the Girls Scouts and is the Washington National Guard Family Support coordinator. She holds a valid K-8 teaching certificate. Resident of Bethel:-á11 years Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board? "I like to say education is in my blood. My mother was a District 81 teacher for 30+ years.-á My uncle is a retired High School History Teachers. My cousin is a teachers and my grandmother served on the school board in Blue Earth, MN. I became a teacher because teachers changed and shaped my life; they made me who I am today. I care about the district I reside in and my child attends.-á-á-á Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about? "Bullying, Nutritious Lunches; Achievement (EOCS and MSP); changing the way our families and the public perception of our schools and district.GÇ¥ -á Warren Smith Employment:-áretiree and former member of the Bethel School Board, Washington State Board of Education, and the National Assessment Governing Board. Resident of Bethel:-á25 years Why are you interested in being on the Bethel School Board? "Bethel is my home district. I care about this district and community. I feel my years of work in ed. policy would serve as an asset for the board until 11/13.GÇ¥ Are there some special items in education and, in particular, in the Bethel School District that you feel strongly about?-á "Equitable education for all students. Establish a district wide belief that ALL children are capable of learning and success. No exceptions. Support all efforts to maintain and increase ed. funding.GÇ¥
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