Sarah Martin was first elected to the District 1 director seat on the Chimacum School Board in 2013, and the 44-year-old legal assistant hopes voters will re-elect her to a second term this fall so that she can continue to work on behalf of not only her child, but all the children of the Chimacum community.

A paralegal for 10 years and a legal assistant since 2011, Martin has worked in that capacity for Jefferson County since 2015, following a four-year stint in Clallam County.

“As a resident of this community and the mother of a Chimacum student, I have a duty and a desire to help the district provide the very best education, in order for each child to reach their fullest potential,” Martin said. “At the same time, as a working taxpayer, I understand and expect that the district must be diligent in managing its resources.”

Martin expressed her excitement at seeing Chimacum move forward with programs “that bring the school district and the local community together on innovative levels,” such as the Farm to School/Community Wellness Project, as well as the community service work undertaken by the students in the We Act Club. She also noted the number of students who have represented Chimacum on a national level, from the high school band to the Destination Imagination team.

Looking to upcoming challenges, Martin voiced her concerns about “uncertainties in education funding,” in light of changes in the federal administration and “the lack of clear funding” at the state level.

“It has been 10 years since McCleary [v. state of Washington] was filed – more than five years since it was decided – and still the uncertainty continues,” Martin said. “The plan the Legislature passed recently will cap levies and leave Chimacum $1 million short in funding. We must do our best to find secure sources of funding and manage them wisely.”

Martin cited her years of employment in the public legal field, as well as her school board experience to date, as her strengths in tackling these issues.

“I’m familiar with public service, and with working in an open and transparent manner,” Martin said. “I am committed to finding solutions that provide the most benefit. Integrity, justice, equity and empathy are all important values in how I work and live.”

Martin said she hopes to serve the district and the communities of Chimacum and Jefferson County “with thoughtfulness, wisdom and compassion,” and to share not only her own experiences and perspectives, but also the values of those communities, “to help the board come to well-rounded decisions.”

Martin has one child in the school system.