Age: 71

Schooling: University of Washington, Education

How long have you lived in Federal Way: 30 years

Family members: Husband Gil Gregory, daughter

Julia Capone, grandchildren Lauren, Jordan and

Nathan.

Hobbies: Reading, gardening and cooking

How long in office: Six months

Relevant commissions/ offices held: Federal Way Public Schools director and in the Legislature I serve on the Education, Higher Education and State Government Committees.

What are the top 3 items you want the constituents of Federal Way to know about you? I want to make sure that kids have the same education opportunities I had to lift themselves up, no matter what their circumstances, to lead a happy, successful life. That starts with excellent public schools. I want to make sure our tax system is more fair and that big corporations and Wall Street banks pay their share. People describe me as no nonsense and no frills and that’s perfectly fine.

Education plan:

• Fairness for Federal Way

Currently, Federal Way collects less funding per student compared to wealthier districts. Federal Way is a great place to live, work and learn but we do not the financial assets of Bellevue or Mercer Island. That’s wrong. Our students deserve the same as any other student in this state. I will fight for funding formulas that provide equity across districts.

• Lower Class Size

Every teacher and parent knows, large class sizes are not optimal for learning. Voters have spoken and they want lower class sizes. We have significantly increased our expectations for students to graduate – they can’t meet this higher bar with too many students in a classroom competing for their teacher’s attention.

• Support Struggling Students

We know children arrive at kindergarten – and progress through graduation – with different levels of skills, knowledge and life experiences. We must ensure that we close this knowledge gap. The state needs to fund programs that have proven to support struggling students. Our learning assistance program and English language learner programs are critical helping students be successful in school. At the state level we must fund these programs sufficiently, including professional development for teachers to address targeted interventions.

At the district level we need to provide proven programs that have shown good results.

• Protect the Middle Class

The school funding and teacher compensation must be fully addressed by the legislature. These discussions will include revenue.

As policies develop, I will fight to protect the middle class from increased taxes.

We must level the playing field for working families and small business by ensuring big corporations and the super wealthy pay their fair share.

Contact: Call Carol Gregory at 206-450-0178