Bessett hopes to bring change

Candidate believes morale needs restoring

SOAP LAKE - Jerry Bessett hopes to guide Soap Lake schools in a new direction as a member of the Soap Lake School District Board of Directors.

Bessett is a candidate for Pos. 3.

As a parent of two sons attending school in Soap Lake, Bessett has been actively involved in the schools, he said.

Bessett said at times, the school board and administrators have projected hostility toward students, staff, parents, and community members.

"The board has made numerous decisions I believe have been extremely detrimental to the district, and I felt I needed to speak up," he said. "Now I want to help lead the Soap Lake School District in a new direction for our kids."

Bessett said in the past three years, teachers and administrators have left due to board and administration decisions. He wants the district spending money efficiently and making honest financial choices.

Bessett wants to restore pride in the schools and trust in board decisions. He promised to ensure laws and policies are followed, contracts honored and hiring practices fair.

He said he would work to restore morale among students and staff and make sure everyone is heard.

Bessett has run a business for more than 15 years and has a connection with the district for more than 40 years. He understands budgets and how to interact with staff, he said.

His wife is a teacher of 12 years in the district. He said decisions become more personal when one knows the people being affected.

He said he has no agenda to push. All decisions he makes as a board member would be for the best of the children.

Maintenance is the biggest facility issue facing the district, Bessett said. Staff is undermanned, which is causing buildings to suffer, he said.

"The football field and track facilities need to be looked at immediately for improvement in the next couple of years," he said.