Candidate Statement From Caroline Mason For Everett School Board Director Position 3

Editor’s Note: On September 19th candidates in the November 2nd General Election for Mayor, Everett City Council Districts, Everett School Board and Port of Everett Commissioner were invited to send a statement up to 500 words to MyEverettNews.com introducing themselves to our readers. Not all of the candidates responded but we are publishing unedited statements from those that did reply by our deadline. MyEverettNews.com does not endorse candidates but thinks this is a good way for you to hear directly from the people running. All offices are non-partisan.

Caroline Mason Candidate Statement

I am honored to be serving as an Everett School Board Director since January 2014. Never did I imagine how disrupted our educational system would become when I took office and believe experienced leadership is essential as we recover from the challenges created by the pandemic. From the spring of 2020 and as President of the school board, I have helped lead the District in transforming how we educate our youth and provide critical services to our students and families.

With the return of students to the classroom, we must now respond to the social-emotional, academic and equity impacts of the past year. My primary focus has been and will continue to be on the health and safety of our students and staff, including support for both mental and physical health.

The pandemic has exacerbated the disparities in education and while some students found success in a remote learning environment, others have fallen behind. I understand what resources and strategies it will take to give students the best opportunity to reach their highest level of achievement. I’m also committed to identifying and removing obstacles that prevent some of our students and families of color from educational achievement.

As we move forward, it is my goal to ensure every diploma earned reflects a high level of academic rigor and provides students with the knowledge and skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow. As the job market shifts and a higher level of education is required to enter well-paying positions, our graduates need to be prepared for their next step whether it’s college, technical training, or directly into the workforce. Our high schools need to provide robust and applicable career pathway programs so every student can make a successful transition in pursuit of their life goals.

In addition to my work on the school board, I am an active volunteer in the community, previously serving on several boards and providing pro bono professional expertise to local non-profits in the arts, financial services, women’s health and youth sports.

My professional experience includes former owner of a strategic marketing and communications company founded in 2001 and eight years in the high-tech industry. I hold an MBA from Seattle University and BA from University of Washington and am the proud parent of two Everett Public Schools graduates.