Elections
Correction: it was originally published that Dir. Damarys was appointed in Dir. Hagos’ seat, but was in fact Dir. Petrini. We also have clarified that while Damarys might not have named “Equity” as her focus, she did uphold the *Strategic Plan of the district several times which is reflected in Highline’s Board Policy 0010 (Equity, Race & Identity) states:
“Our strategic plan is our equity plan, and calls on us to disrupt institutional biases and end inequitable practices so all students have an equal chance at success.”
On Tuesday, Sept 30th, four of the six candidates in contested seats for the Highline School Board participated in a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Highline Special Needs PTSA, the American Association of University Women and the King County Library System. Moderator Vicci Rudin was assisted by two timers, a videographer, and volunteer Meg Van Wyk.
Participating candidates were Damarys Espinoza and Ken Kemp (Dist. 4), Katie Kresly (Dist. 3), and Sue-Ann Hohimer (Dist. 2). Missing were incumbents Joe Van (Dist 3) and Angelica Alvarez (Dist 2) and Blaine Holien (Dist. 5), who is unopposed. Meg read a 3-minute statement from Dir. Alvarez, who was unavailable, but responded to the opportunity to email a statement, while Dir. Joe Van did not reply to either opportunity to communicate with voters.
There were about 60 people in attendance, including parents, retired teachers, Highline Education Association leaders and concerned community members who asked many questions around failing academics. Other topics included taxes and levies, cell phone policies, immigration, FERPA violations and support for vouchers. A major contrast from past forums: there were no questions related to equity and diversity.
Several people shared stories when asking questions about failing academics. One parent stated that her child was significantly behind and “drowning” and wished there was more concern around children like her own. Another stated how frustrated she was at the amount of work it took her to find out her child’s test scores and reading grade level. It is hard to fairly summarize the candidate responses.
Other retired teachers and community members also shared the same concern for dropping scores, dismissed data and softening standards. Director Espinoza explained that there are other things to consider, and that statistics don’t mean what they say and pointed to long-term growth. Ken Kemp offered a rebuttal regarding stats and data and stated “I’m a math guy, and they mean exactly what they say.”
Notably, Dir. Espinoza was the only candidate who would not commit to academics being a mission and focus of the ‘Highline Promise’ without more, as she put it, "community and family engagement” being needed before making academics central to the plan and its implementation.
One question related to a district employee breaking FERPA (Federal Educational Rights & Privacy Act) law related to the release of private student information, and what would they do to protect that information if it happened again. (This story was covered by Burien.news in September 2024 and again in update of May 20 2025, see “related articles”.) Hohimer and Espinoza claimed they ”wouldn’t wade into things they didn’t know enough about,” therefore by-passing the opportunity to showcase their understanding of elected duties of upholding the laws and holding the Superintendent accountable for taking appropriate actions. Kresly and Kemp stated their commitments to transparency and accountability.
When pressed about candidate positions on school vouchers, Espinoza and Kemp said no and believed in “investing in our communities”, Hohimer straddled the fence with “we need to be fully funded and have choice”, while Katie Kresly expressed support for parents to have choices and decide. Note: School board directors do not have oversight on school vouchers, as that lies at the feet of State Legislators.
All candidates stated support of the school district operations Levy that is on the ballot on Nov 4, but Katie Kresly cited concerns over fiscal transparency of the increased levy ask. However, there were some misunderstandings of appropriate lawful uses of Levy dollars from Dir. Espinoza when she cited the need for funding of “Special Educational Supports” which is no longer allowed under state law. Hohimer also stated that she loved all the new buildings, and passing the levy to pay for buildings was responsible. However, only bond funds pay for school construction. Levies can only pay for operations. We will have a future story about the amount of the levy increase, but it is significant.
Many more had additional questions, but the event was already running overtime and the library was closing. (Story will be updated with the video as it becomes available.)
Attending Candidate Priorities and Backgrounds:
The link on each name is to the King County Voter Pamphlet candidate information. If a candidate has a web site, we list it as well (candidates Alvarez and Van had not replied by 48 hours after emails to their campaign addresses asking if they had a web site, so we assume they do not).
District 2: Sue-Ann Hohimer Commitment to education, change and optimism that we can all work together.
A notable comment was about voting for candidates based on whether you like current outcomes or want change. She enthusiastically suggested summer 2026, the 250th anniversary of America, as a major time to come together with community building and unity through education. She is currently deputy mayor of Normandy Park, has served on city council and as mayor for many years, and is a former Chicago Public School teacher. She is a mother of four boys who attended Highline schools. Her website is https://hohimer4highline.com/
District 2: Angelica Alvarez
District 3: Katie Kresly : Commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, safety and academics.
She has attended nearly every Highline School District board meeting and work study session during the past three years, as she has been reporting on the district for the Burien.news web site, predecessor to the new Highline Journal. She has a degree in Psychology and formerly worked as a machinist at Boeing. Her site is https://www.katiekresly.com/
District 3: Joe Van
District 4: Damarys Espinoza: Commitment to education and representation, continuing in Highline’s current *Strategic Plan focused on equity.
A first-generation college grad, she is employed at Mary’s Place and at the University of Washington, Seattle and Bothell, teaching both undergrad and graduate-level public health classes. She has two children in Highline plus a third who will enroll next year. She was appointed to the board in March, 2025 to fill the seat of Director Melissa Petrini, as Melissa resigned in January of this year. Her web site is https://www.electdamarys.com/
District 4: Ken Kemp: Commitment to strong academics, accountability, teacher support, and fiscal investment in student resources.
He mentioned he bases his goals from doorbelling conversations at over 3,000 addresses. He teaches advanced math and science to adult learners at his union, Local 26 Plumbers, Steamfitters, and HVAC, His four children are the fourth generation of Kemps enrolled in the Highline District. His dad was a long-time teacher at Highline HS. His web site is https://voteken.org/
District 5: Blaine Holien – as mentioned, unopposed and no campaign web site listed.
Members Discussion