Candidates running for the Highline School Board weighed in on academics, bullying, family engagement and a November renewal levy during a League of Women Voters of Seattle/King County forum held Sept. 30, 2025 at the Burien Library.
The event, recorded by the Highline Special Needs PTA, featured candidates for director districts 2, 3 and 4 and drew questions from parents and educators from Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and White Center.
Four candidates appeared in person (links are to their King County Elections pages):
- Sue-Ann Hohimer for District 2
- Katie Kresly for District 3
- Ken Kemp for District 4
- Damarys Espinoza for District 4
- District 3 candidate Joe Van did not attend.
- A prepared statement from District 2 incumbent Angelica Alvarez was read aloud.
- District 5 candidate Blaine Holen is running unopposed and did not attend.
Much of the forum centered on lagging student performance, classroom safety and how to involve families who do not speak English as a primary language.
“We’ve really got to focus on having the strongest schools that we can have,” Hohimer said, adding that “our schools could really use the help.”
Kresly criticized outcomes and district responsiveness.
“We are spending $25,000 per student per year and only one in three is actually meeting grade level standards for reading and writing,” Kresly said. “I’m going to bring robust academics, safety, and transparency back into this community.”
Espinoza, appointed in March and now seeking a full term, framed her candidacy around student support and educator voice.
“My vision for Highline is that every child, every student thrives,” Espinoza said, calling for “in class support” in reading, writing and math, and “connecting schools with communities.”
Espinoza said she supports the Highline Education Renewal Levy on the Nov. 4 general election ballot, citing funding for a wide range of resources, such as athletics, student supports, and instructional resources, which also benefit students in special education.
Kemp, a Highline High School graduate and instructor, said academic results must improve and teachers need help to teach rather than “manage” their classes.
“The numbers in our academics aren’t showing progress at all,” he said. He called for “transparency” and stronger communication so “the community… feels like it has a voice.”
Alvarez, in her written statement, emphasized equity and long service on the board.
“Every child, regardless of language, culture, or background, deserves the opportunity to succeed,” she said, outlining work on family engagement policy, suspension reforms limited to safety concerns, and recognition for multilingual students.
Candidates split on details of how to boost family involvement, especially for non-English-speaking households, but agreed that translation, outreach and community partnerships are needed. Espinoza said she would be “present in community,” elevate parent leaders and bring their priorities “back to the board.” Kresly urged translators “in the same room as everyone else.” Hohimer said each school community needs tailored approaches.
On discipline and bullying, Kemp said existing policies must be enforced so “no bullying” is accepted and students learn in a safe environment. Kresly argued for accountability to keep weapons out of schools and to “hold children accountable for their actions.”
On Proposition 1, the renewal levy, Espinoza voiced support. Kemp and Kresly said any new revenue must be transparent and prioritized for classrooms, while Hohimer praised recent school construction and said she would seek “the biggest bang for our buck.”
Candidates were also asked about vouchers, cell phone use and data privacy. Espinoza opposed vouchers and urged investment in public schools. Kemp said he would need to see data before taking a position. Hohimer said she favors choice within the public system. On cell phones, Hohimer and Kemp said districtwide limits should be considered; Espinoza said policy should also address the reasons students rely on phones.
Audience questions included concerns about past student data sharing. Candidates said student information must be protected and that any breach should trigger clear notification and accountability.
The League said three school board seats are contested this year. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed around Oct. 15, with election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The League encouraged residents across the Highline communities to vote and to watch the forum recording, which we’ve embedded below.
Video
Below is video of the forum, courtesy the League of Women Voters of Seattle King County:
