McAnalloy and Gregory lead races for school board | ELECTION 2013

The Federal Way School Board will likely see two new faces as Geoffery McAnalloy and Carol Gregory lead their respective races.

By Andy Hobbs • November 6, 2013 3:42 am
Pictured left to right during an election night gathering at Poverty Bay Coffee: Federal Way School Board candidates Carol Gregory and Geoffery McAnalloy
Pictured left to right during an election night gathering at Poverty Bay Coffee: Federal Way School Board candidates Carol Gregory and Geoffery McAnalloy

The Federal Way School Board will see two new faces as Geoffery McAnalloy and Carol Gregory lead their respective races.

In position 1, McAnalloy leads with about 52.3 percent of the vote (7,136 as of Thursday) against incumbent Ed Barney, who has 47.4 percent (6,466).

Barney was first elected to the board in 2001, while this is McAnalloy’s first candidacy for public office.

McAnalloy, who works as a post sales engineer for CenturyLink, had a more visible campaign with advertisements and signage. He also received the endorsement of the Federal Way Education Association.

McAnalloy said he connected with voters through his advocacy for fixing the school district’s grading system and addressing the low graduation rates.

“I’ve heard over and over about ‘the whole child’ piece,” he said Tuesday, referring to a holistic approach to education. McAnalloy said another message that may have resonated was his willingness to represent voices from multiple facets of the school district and community.

Barney and the school board had faced criticism over a recent trip to Europe as part of the Global Learning Initiative. The Mirror sent a message seeking comment from Barney.

In position 4, Gregory will win with about 54.7 percent (7,559 as of Thursday) over Medgar Wells, who has 45 percent (6,231).

Both are running for the seat vacated by Angela Griffin. Gregory is director of Burst for Prosperity, a non-profit organization that helps low-income families become self-sufficient. Wells is principal of Overcomer Academy, a private school on Military Road in Auburn.

Gregory, who was backed by the Federal Way Education Association, said her campaign’s message of transparency likely resonated with voters. During her campaign, she stressed that the school board should hold the superintendent and district accountable for aspects such as the controversial grading system.

“The message is that the school board needs to be transparent with the public and prepare the public for change,” Gregory said Tuesday. “It’s going to be a hard job, but I’m ready to go.”

The Mirror has left a message seeking comment from Wells.

Election results

Results will be updated daily on the King County Elections website, with final results posted Nov. 26.