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Lake Stevens superintendent, students and residents urge support for upcoming bond
Summary
In her first months on the job, Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton told the board the district needs community and legislative support for a proposed bond to improve safety and facilities; students and longtime residents also urged voters to back the measure.
Dr. Mary Templeton, the Lake Stevens School District superintendent, used the board’s Oct. 23 meeting at Mt. Pilchuck Elementary to underscore the district’s priorities and to press for community support of an upcoming bond measure.
Templeton, who said she has been on the job for just under four months, described the district as “the hub of activity, innovation, and hope for the future” and stressed the need to be efficient stewards of taxpayer dollars as the district prepares a financial request. She told board members the district serves roughly 10,000 students and said state-level support will be critical to advance major projects.
The superintendent named three district leaders she said are driving communications, planning and fiscal oversight for the effort: Jayme Taylor, Executive Director of Communications; Robb Stanton, Executive Director of Planning and Construction; and Teresa Main, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations. Templeton said the district had been approached by the WAMOA Construction and Building Association to connect with local legislators about the bond and asked those legislators to consider supporting the district’s funding needs. She cited helpful outreach from Representative Carolyn Eslick and Senator Keith Wagoner.
Community members and students echoed the call for support. Brian Kesler, a 48‑year resident and parent of three district graduates, said the bond is "essential because it enhances student safety by creating more secure spaces" and urged adults and students to continue conversations about safety. Student Advisory Council President Riley Boerger and other SACo officers praised morning meetings and student engagement, and Boerger urged community members to vote for the bond, saying students’ voices matter in the district’s future.
Why it matters: Templeton framed the bond not only as a facilities request but as a public‑safety and long‑term investment issue that will affect the district’s roughly 10,000 students, staff and taxpayers. She said the district needs to demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship and to secure matching legislative support where possible before moving forward.
The board did not adopt any bond language at the meeting; the discussion focused on outreach, planning and public engagement. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
