Hoffman hopes to continue serving

Bus barn, math issues facing district

SOAP LAKE - Since 1989, Linda Hoffman has served on the Soap Lake School District Board of Directors.

"I'm there for the kids, no other reason, just the kids," Hoffman said.

She hopes to continue benefiting children in the Soap Lake School District as incumbent for Pos. 3.

Hoffman said the district seems to be in a good state.

"It's a group effort, but I think we've got a very, very good district," she said. "Always little things that can be fixed, but I think it's good."

Qualifications Hoffman has for the position include her knowledge of the district and staff, and her rapport with the superintendent and principals at the three district schools. She said she went to school in Soap Lake and is familiar with the job.

"I just would continue to do a good job," Hoffman said.

Coming into the district as a new board member can be tough, she noted.

"Not that they can't because they certainly can, but it's a challenge," she said.

Overall, the district is in good state this year, Hoffman said.

"We just hired a principal in the elementary (school) for the first time in a long, long time and so I think we're going to start out with a good year," she said.

When asked how the district can improve facilities, Hoffman said the facilities are fairly new.

The bus barn on Cannon Street is separate from other district facilities. She said she would like to see the bus barn moved so it is closer to other facilities.

Other changes she would like to see relate to the high school math program, which is her biggest issue this year.

"I feel that we're not teaching regular math, we're teaching more to the WASLs," she said. "I just think we need a stronger math program."

Because the district is trying to meet state benchmarks, which continue to change, a focus on basic math is being lost, she said.