SNOHOMISH — Educator Sherri Larkin, who came out on top of a tight three-way primary this August, is trying to unseat incumbent Sarah Adams, a licensed mental health counselor who was appointed to the board in summer 2022.
Adams leads a team of mental health professionals for a local community agency, and has served on the district’s Citizens' Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC) and the board of the parent-teacher association for Cathcart Elementary.
Larkin taught private elementary students for 14 years and has continued in education as a substitute teacher and tutor. She's been involved as a parent supporter for Glacier Peak sports and Snohomish MCJROTC and some of her children graduated from Glacier Peak High.
Concerns about the national "parents-rights" group Moms for Liberty injecting itself into Snohomish's school board races has emerged as a topic on the campaign trail.
Larkin said in an interview she is not being supported by Moms for Liberty, was not asked to run for school board by a Moms for Liberty chapter and is not backed by Moms for Liberty.
“I didn’t hop in the race for some other interest,” Larkin said, and her financial support is from her friends across the region.
She said she has heard the same question about her candidacy a couple of times on the campaign trail, though.
The Snohomish teacher’s union said it has not issued any statements tying any candidate to Moms for Liberty, its president Justin Fox-Bailey said Sunday.
“We put out nothing about any candidate except positives on the candidates we support,” Fox-Bailey said.
Moms for Liberty gained national attention because in other states, member activists have challenged against books that depict LGBTQ+ people, and challenged classroom material that instructs or introduces the topic of gender identity such as using personal pronouns, as well as diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI) subject matter. The organization sees these as agenda-driven items which do not belong in classrooms; its founders say they want parents to have a more direct command over what their children are taught.
A close three-way primary saw Larkin win by 440 votes over Adams, who narrowly beat third challenger Monica Weber by 20 votes, or less than one percentage point.
The Tribune asked both Larkin and Adams four questions and is reprinting their written answers:
1. What makes you the candidate who should be elected?
Adams: "I have two children enrolled in Snohomish public schools and am the only board member and candidate with children in the district. I am passionate about ensuring our schools serve our children and community well. During my time on the board, I have met with educators, parents, students, and community members to hear their concerns and address challenges, including ensuring the district remains financially solid, improving student safety, and meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of students. As a long-time district volunteer and board member, I have a proven track record of putting students’ needs first and getting things done."
Larkin: "I am an active, informed candidate. I have been attending school board meetings and sharing publicly on behalf of parents and community members, examining curricula used in our district, taking school site tours, studying current policy of the district, and meeting with parents around the district. I am learning well the needs of our student community and plan to represent parents and our community. My 20+ years in education, teaching elementary education and now as a substitute teacher is practical experience I can apply as a board director that gives me a unique insight to champion excellent educational outcomes and encourage educators and parents to partner together."
2. What is the top educational priority for our children?
Adams: "My number one priority is ensuring our schools are providing a high-quality education. We know that many students got behind during COVID, so we need to provide the resources and support necessary to help kids catch-up. This should include providing targeted interventions for the students who are struggling most."
Larkin: "The top educational priority for our children is to teach foundational subjects well. Our focus as a district needs to be on core subjects first- Reading, Writing, Math, Sciences. Students then can take the well-learned basics and critically think and analyze advanced learning subjects as they grow and mature in learning."
3. How do you feel about the goals of the group Moms for Liberty?
Adams: "My understanding of The Moms for Liberty group is that they 'desire to stand up for parental rights.' I also support efforts to increase parental involvement in schools. However, I also believe that they have unfairly used fear and misinformation to try to undermine and disrupt public education."
Larkin: "Not applicable."
4. Is there anything you believe should change in the Snohomish School District, and how would you advocate to change it?
Adams: "I believe the school district needs to continue working to strengthen partnerships with families and the community. Ensuring our children’s success requires us to work together. We need to make sure that parents and community members are aware of opportunities to get involved. The district is always working to improve communication with students, families and the community, but I believe there is more work to be done. One step the school board is taking to improve communication with students is to work with the Student Advisory Council to gather input on what communication strategies are working and how we can improve. "
Larkin: "Every decision made by the board needs to consider this question, 'Is this policy or program going to enhance and grow student academic learning and are we partnering with parents?' Snohomish Schools spend on average $16,500/student. Scores show more than 40% of our students are not proficient in English Language Arts, less than 50% are proficient in Math and Science. Currently our district has options like AIM, Running Start, Sno-Isle, and PPP to meet unique student needs. Expanding flexible options for learning, including offering tutoring at all grade levels is one solution to get student learning back on track to develop responsible young citizens."
