SNOHOMISH — A write-in candidate for school board has sprung up in the southwestern part of the Snohomish School District.
Sarah Ricci is running against Jay Hagen for District 5. He’s been in office for 24 years and is the school board’s longtime president. Ricci said she thinks she can give a fresh perspective.
“I wish her only the best,” Hagen said, noting it’s tough to be a write-in candidate.
Riccci said she got a late start because she thought she lived in the district area represented by board member Brandy Hekker, who lives two miles away. Both are Cathcart Elementary moms.
Ricci openly shares that her own experience growing up in Snohomish Schools during the 1990s left her feeling burned. Mentors in the district and a strong social network helped her as a student, she said. She said she’s seeing others face challenges today, and said she is running to be sure every student is supported.
Ricci said she’s not running in reaction to hot-button topics, and emphasized she’s not running specifically to unseat Hagen. “It’s not a me versus him thing,” Ricci said. Their geographic district just happens to be the same.
The boundary line between District 4 to District 5 mostly splits down state Route 9, but below 196th Avenue SE the line jogs east to split down Broadway Avenue.
While school board seats are by district, the entire district votes in the school board elections. They are district-wide elections.
Hagen said he’s seen quite a lot in his time on the board. “It’s easy to be on the outside, it’s different when you’re on the inside,” Hagen said.
Ricci said that from raising children for 20 years in the district, she carries more current experiences compared to his.
“I think what’s common is Jay and I both want what’s best for the children,” Ricci said.
Ricci said even if she doesn’t win, she will continue working to help in the district.
One other school board incumbent, Shaunna Ballas, has a challenger in Christina Ridges.
