In Their Own Words: Meet Issaquah School Board Candidate Suzanne Weaver

Full name: Suzanne Garber Weaver.

Age: 57.

Blace of Birth: Darby, Pennsylvania.

Occupation: Issaquah School District, School Director. Homemaker and volunteer.

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?

Sammamish, Washington since 1997.

Spouse or domestic partner if any: Brent David Weaver, married 35 years.

Children: Aaron Matthew Weaver, 21, junior at University of Wyoming, Laramie.

Jared Michael Weaver, 18, senior at Skyline High School.

Education: MBA, Finance. University of California, Berkeley, 1977.

BA, French Studies. Brown University, 1975. Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude.

Military Service: None.

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Treasurer, Volunteers for Issaquah Schools.

Advisory Council member, Issaquah Schools Foundation.

Member, numerous Issaquah PTSAs. Active on WSPTA committees.

See my full resume at http://www.weaverforschoolboard.com/category/about/

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?

No.

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No.

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: www.weaverforschoolboard.com

Email address: Suzanne@weaverforschoolboard.com

Phone number: 425-313-2494

Campaign manager: Lesley Austin

Campaign manager contact information: 425-392-8122

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: Issaquah School Board, 2007. (Appointed January, 2007.)

Other campaigns for public office: None.

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have held this position for nearly five years and have found the work to be challenging, fulfilling and enjoyable. There is still more work that the Board can do to focus the district on student success, even in the face of unprecedented budget cuts, and my experience positions me well to work with my fellow board members to take our district to the next level.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

My highest priority for the Issaquah School District is that all students at all levels be engaged in relevant and rigorous learning opportunities that will ultimately prepare them for college and/or career. It is important for the Board to continue its focus on student success and district achievement of the Board’s Ends in all of our conversations.

I am also pleased with the District’s emphasis on powerful classroom teaching through the use of such tools as GLAD training and the STAR protocol. A major concern of mine is students who are under-performing their potential by doing only the bare minimum of what is asked of them. We need to find ways to engage these students, with more creative and possibly non-traditional education options.

Finally, with continued budget cuts on the horizon, we have to find ways to think “outside the box” in order to deliver education to our students at a lower cost without impacting the quality of the classroom experience.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

In this campaign, my previous board experience is extremely important as there is a surprisingly steep learning curve to becoming an effective school board member. My financial background is also of value, especially in trying budget times. My volunteer experience with the PTA and VIS provides me with valuable connections to the community and important relationship skills which allow me to be an effective and collaborative board member.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

$1600 - $1700