Seventeen candidates seek school board seats

Seventeen candidates are running for school board positions on the Nov. 2 general election ballot, and only four of the races have more than one name on the ballot.

Three positions are up for grabs on the Shelton School Board, with a single candidate on the ballot for each position.

Marty Best, who was selected in September to complete Lynn Eaton’s unfinished term, is seeking to continue the two-year unexpired term representing District 2. Best works as the administrative services manager for Grays Harbor Transit.

Matthew Welander is the only name on the ballot for a four-year term representing District 3. He has provided fire and emergency medical services for 34 years, the past four years for West Mason Fire District.

Marilyn Ward is also the sole name on the ballot for four-year term at Position 1. She worked for 35 years with the City of San Diego Water Utilities Department, retiring as supervisor in the customer service division. She volunteers as a receptionist at the Shelton-based nonprofit Love INC and at the Mason County Senior Activities Association senior center.

On the Grapeview School Board, Thomas Anderson is running unopposed for a four-year term in position No. 1. He did not submit a statement to the candidate guide.

Deborah Olig is running unopposed for a four-year term in Position No. 1. She did not submit a statement to the candidate guide.

In the Mary M. Knight School District, incumbent Shawn Donnelly and Jill Edgin are vying for a four-year term representing District No. 1. Donnelly is the board’s president.

Edgin has worked in state government for more than 20 years, and her family moved in 2017 from Olympia to Matlock.

Mike Bateman and Brenda Wilder are competing for a four-year term representing Position No. 1. Neither submitted a statement to the county election guide.

Incumbent Robert B. Clark and challenger Stephanie Schlitz are competing for a four-term at director position No. 3. The two defeated Shawn Montano in the August primary to advance.

Schlitz has been an educator for over 20 years and have received awards for my research and teaching. As a university professor, she has taught pre-service teachers; partnered with school districts to prepare future teachers; and worked with local schools to prepare middle and high school students for college. Schlitz collaborates with community and technical colleges across Washington state to help students from all backgrounds be successful in college.

Clark is retired after leading teams for the military as a uniformed member and federal employee for more than 42 years. His children attended Pioneer Schools, and now his grandchildren do.

Susan Day is the only name on the ballot for a four-year term representing position No. 5.

Ginny Brush is running for a four-year term representing position No. 2. Don Robbins is running for a four-year term representing position No. 5. Neither submitted a statement to the county election guide.

In the North Mason School District, incumbent Leanna K. Krotzer is the only name on the ballot for another four-year term representing District 2. For a four-year term representing District 5, incumbent Arla Shephard Bull is facing Michael Curtin.