After an appointment starting in November 2016 and earning over 75% of the votes in 2017, Melissa Determan Beard is running for re-election to the Tumwater School Board in 2021. Here she shares a bit of the personal and professional history that makes her an excellent candidate:
Learning, working, and serving Tumwater schools is in my blood. I am the proud daughter of a beloved past Tumwater Schools bus driver; and am a graduate, former classroom aide and volunteer, and now parent in Tumwater.
Tumwater empowered me to follow my path as a life-long learner by earning a master’s degree from Stanford, PhD from the University of Washington, and returning home to pursue my career. Since 2006 I’ve effectively navigated challenges public schools face. I’ve served the state’s K-12 and higher education systems through education policy, data, and budget analysis roles. I am a skilled listener, problem solver, and facilitator.
Since my appointment to the school board, I’ve learned the best solutions to our schools’ challenges can be found locally; and should be influenced by the voices of students, families, teachers, principals, educational support staff, district administrators, and the board.
I believe every child deserves to explore their unique path. I strive to contribute to a culture of acceptance for every student and their family. I have no hidden agenda other than to work hard to help future generations of proud Tumwater grads as they enter into an increasingly complex and changing world.
I have been serving as an appointed member of the Tumwater School Board since November 2016. Right now I’m running to fill that seat. Thank you for your support.
– Melissa Determan Beard, June 2021
Melissa for Tumwater Schools! 