Age: 59 years

Schooling: Washington Statue University, Bachelor of Science, Food Related Business/Child and Family Studies; University of Northern Colorado, Master of Arts, Home Economics/Adult Education

How long have you lived in Federal Way: I’ve lived in Auburn (Federal Way school district) since September 1999 when my son was 2 years old

Family members: Ethan, 17-and-a-half and Sydney, 15-and-a-half

Hobbies: Gardening, Seahawks, watching my daughter play sports

How long in office: Ending my first term – four years

Relevant commissions/offices held: Current vice president, legislative liaison and past president of the Federal Way School Board; board of directors, Sidekick Collective; board of directors, Building Better Futures; advisory board member, Washington Family Engagement Trust

What are the top 3 items you want the constituents of Federal Way to know about you? I care deeply about all children and families served by Federal Way Schools.

I will continue to work on issues of educational equity — increased access, increased opportunity, increased voice, and decreased disproportionality.

Family engagement and early learning continue to be the two biggest prevention strategies when it comes to school success for all of Federal Way’s students.

Describe how you will specifically bring about change to the agency you are running for: The change I want to bring comes in the form of continued alignment with, and support of, the new superintendent in reaching our district goals. It is critical that the board continue our work together to support the superintendent and the strategic planning process that the district is now undertaking.

The Federal Way school board has had a board turnover rate of 129 percent between 2000-2014 (as reported in the Municipal League Report: School Board Governance in King County – Understanding Board Role and Effectiveness in Improving K-12 Education – September 2015).

Board stability and consistency is critical, and working together as a team on behalf of the students of the district, a must. As a board director, I am one of five voting members making decisions with students at the center.   Because of that, it is critical that we continue our work and professional learning together as a team on behalf of the students and families served by Federal Way Public Schools.

Who is your personal hero and why: My personal hero is my mother Hilde. She came from Germany at 17 years old, escaping the war and the label of German Jew that would follow her and change her life forever. Throughout her life she felt badly for those she left behind. Because of that she’s spent her life giving back to others. She lives by two beliefs – “There is good in everything and everyone” and “The glass is always half-full, not half empty.”

Contact: ClaireForSchools@yahoo.com or 253-852-2096