Candidate Statement From Charles Adkins Everett School Board Position 5

Editor’s Note: On June 18th candidates in the August 1st Primary Election for Everett City Council Districts, Everett School Board and Port of Everett Commissioner along with Snohomish County offices including Everett voters were invited to send a statement up to 500 words to MyEverettNews.com introducing themselves to our readers. Invitations were sent to the email address on file with the Snohomish County Auditor. Not all of the candidates responded but we are publishing unedited statements from those that did reply by our deadline. We think this is a good way for you to hear directly from the people running. All City of Everett offices are non-partisan, other offices vary. MyEverettNews.com does not endorse candidates or issues but does accept paid political advertising.
 

My name is Charles Adkins, and I am running for school board because our students, teachers, and families are struggling and in need of support.

Students are having trouble socializing with their peers in healthy ways, paying attention, and behaving appropriately in the classroom. They are experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety and report that they feel unsafe at school. Teachers and school staff are overwhelmed and burnt out by the high behavioral and mental health needs of their students since returning to in-person classes. They are reporting feeling unsafe in school as well. In order for kids to reach their full academic potential, they need to be in a safe learning environment and have their basic physical and mental health needs met.

I came to this city as a homeless teenager. I lived at Cocoon House, a local youth shelter, while attending Everett High. I know how difficult it is to try and focus on school while in crisis. And I know how vital school programs like Kids in Transition can be for disadvantaged students to succeed.

Today, over 1500 students and families in the Everett School District are experiencing some form of homelessness: a record high. We need someone on the school board who understands the challenges these students are facing and who has the professional experience to make the changes needed.

I have been working on these issues for a while now. I am a legislative policy analyst for the Tulalip Tribes, specializing in child welfare, education, housing, and transportation. I research and advocate for policies to help Native youth succeed in school and at home. Previously, I was the Director of Health Policy for the Children’s Alliance, where I advocated for more mental health support for students, and school-based health centers.

On the State Legislative level, I worked with Senator Emily Randall on writing and passing Senate Bill 5800, which created a pilot program for 4-year and community colleges to provide wrap-around support for homeless and foster youth. I’ve worked on other state bills as well, including the 2019 sex-ed bill and legislation to expand dental care in rural communities.

I am currently the vice chair of the City of Everett Planning Commission and the interim executive director of the Blue-Collar Fund, which assists disadvantaged folks seeking a career in the trades. I’m on the board of Cocoon House and I serve on the Snohomish County Children’s Commission. I’m also a founding member of Best Schools Marysville, an organization that ensured the passage of the 2023 Marysville School District Levy, after several successive failures.

I am proud to be endorsed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, The Everett Education Association, State Rep. and former Everett School Board Member April Berg, The Snohomish and Island County Labor Council, The Snohomish County Dems, State Senator John Lovick, Snohomish County Treasurer Brian Sullivan, UFCW 3000, and more.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions, and I hope to earn your vote.

charlesadkinscampaign@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofAdkins
Votecharlesadkins.com