I believe that elected officials should be evaluated and held accountable for their service and how well they meet their commitments. In the last election my main campaign issues were:

1) Improve communications between the District and the community.

Status: This will be a work in progress until people tell me that they are hearing TOO MUCH from the District. Still, the District has revamped their website, including a new District Accountability Report; publishes the Shoreline Public Schools Update 6-8 times/year; Community Connections 9 times/year; and the Shoreline Flagship quarterly. The Superintendent (and others) have participated in many recent public forums. On a more personal level, I receive a LOT of email from the community and try to reply to as many as possible. (Our "official" Board policy is that the Board President (currently David Wilson) responds to emails on behalf of the Board, though I often also respond, especially when a note is directed to me personally.) I am also available to meet individually or with groups as requested.

2) Improve our financial controls and live within our means.

Status: The District has significantly reduced expenditures to live within its means. Financial systems have been implemented and are continuously improved to improve accuracy and control. I will also note that the District is no longer under the scrutiny of OSPI thanks to the progress that has been made. We also passed our annual state audit with no deficiencies.

3) Recover overpayment of money for the "energy retrofit" contract.

Status: Still in work. It would be inappropriate to say more at this time.

4) Improve our Math curriculum.

Status: We have adopted a new Math Curriculum for the high schools and K-5 (from Prentice Hall). The middle school Math curriculum is next in line. We have been waiting for Prentice Hall to complete their updates to their 6-8 materials before making our selection.

5) Ensure that the technology (laptop) investment is returning value for the dollar.

Status: The District is still working toward increasing the value of the student laptops. There is now an opt-out option for families who do not wish to participate in the 7x24 laptop program. This fall (2011-2012 school year) we will be piloting iPads as a potential replacement for the laptops at Shorewood High School. Shorecrest High School will continue using laptops for the school year. Another technology initiative is the new Data Dashboard that allows students, parents, teachers and principals to actively monitor student progress on a near real-time basis. This enables quick intervention when a student falls behind on homework, grades, etc. so they can receive the assistance they need to get back on track.

Other notable District progress:

Major renovations to many of our school facilities and fields, including the replacement of the old "portables" with modern and efficient modular buildings.

Adoption of the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) approach to student intervention to improve student learning. Rather than trying to explain the concept, here is a link to an excellent book on the subject:

For this election my main campaign issues are:

1) Improve communications between the District and the community.

As I said above, this will be a work in progress until people start to complain that they hear too much about our schools. I will continue to personally reply to messages that are directed specifically to me. I will continue to make myself available to meet individually or with groups as requested.

2) Keep the District living within its means.

This will be a challenge given the severe reductions in school funding by the state. Fortunately we now have the people, tools and systems in place to manage our finances effectively. Maintaining our current level of services will be difficult without community support but we will do our very best.

3) Recover overpayment of money for the "energy retrofit" contract.

Status: Still in work but nearing the finish line. It would be inappropriate to say more at this time.

4) Improve our Math curriculum.

The revised Prentice Hall 6-8 math materials are due soon. Then the evaluation committee can complete their work on the 6-8 math curriculum selection.

5) Ensure that the technology investment is returning value for the dollar.

I will continue to seek metrics to determine the value and return on investment on our technology expenditures. I see real potential in the Data Dashboards and some of the computer-aided teaching programs.

6) Monitor progress on the construction of our two new high schools.

This is an exciting time for the district with the construction of two new high schools. I will monitor progress to ensure that the projects are completed within budget and on schedule.

If you have suggestions, concerns or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me. I also strongly encourage you to attend our School Board meetings to address the entire Board in person.

Thank you for your support! Together we can make a difference!

Link to King County Elections Home page:

Links to my original Home Page and Endorsements page:

Links to my responses to community and other surveys and questionaires:

Links to other school-related web sites:

You can contact me, Richard Potter, at:

18400 15th PL NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
(206) 367-5477 email: Vote4Potter@gmail.com

Paid for by Citizens to Elect Richard Potter. Thanks for taking the time to learn more - your support is crucial to our children!