According to US News, Federal Way schools averaged 11.2% as college ready, 24% are math proficient and 37% were proficient in reading. We graduate 86.2% when only 77% regularly attend school. Who’s not in favor of better college readiness? Who’s not in favor of higher student achievement?

Tenya Magruder, candidate for Federal Way School Board Position 3, knows these numbers and others that show our schools are in crisis mode. For her, coming to our children’s rescue is a crusade. She wants stronger schools that will not allow student under-performance to fail our students’ future. Such performance not only affects families, it affects our community.

When businesses research Federal Way to locate or expand, they find our schools’ ratings a big negative for locating their employees’ families here. That affects jobs. That also affects your house resale value.

Magruder has considered the ripple effects. She has listened to those in her community and believes involved parents benefit everyone in the community. She wants to start more parental participation in the process of education.

Magruder wants to connect with local living wage employers who could hire our high school graduates. Building a strong vocational school system would create more options all too lacking in the Federal Way School District. More options make our students prepared for post-secondary aspirations, careers and civic engagement.

But we cannot get there unless we ask questions about our low assessment scores and look at schools similar to our district who are attaining higher results. To succeed, students need great teachers and curriculum, yes — but they also need access to social, emotional and mental health supports, and all the other things that Magruder has found by listening to our needs. All those who know her, know she will be a relentless worker with extraordinary talent. I’m voting for Tenya for School Board Pos. 3.

Jon McIntyre

Auburn