Election 2015--Susan O'Connor, Derek West seek election to the board

Derek West, who is challenging Sue O'Connor for position on the Wahkiakum School District Board of Directors, is a long time area resident who just wants to get involved. He has given thought to running for the school board since 2012. This year he decided to make it happen.

West, who graduated from WHS in 1993, has history here. He grew up here as a son, grandson and great grandson of people who settled here.

After graduating, he studied at LCC and worked as a firefighter for a couple years. It was then that he was offered an opportunity to work as a pipe fitter, completing an apprenticeship program through the pipefitting union.

"I'm not a business or professional type person," West said. "I've got boots and gloves and I go to work."

With three kids in school, he wants to influence where the school is going.

"I want to be involved because it is my kid's education, as well as all the kids in the community," West said. "If I can be there to influence in a positive direction, why not?"

"I want it to be a place where my children can get a good education and feel comfortable," he added. "I care about the kids. I went to school with a lot of their parents. I feel invested in it."

West said that he would like to see the budget used to bring in more teachers, so the students have smaller class sizes. He would like to see the school offer more classes that would teach life skills or prepare students for a university level education. He wants to make sure that students are staying current with ever changing technology.

"I would also like to see repairs made to the school," West said. "I understand school funding is an issue. With my experience working in trades, I believe I will have some great ideas to address repairs."

"I believe collaboration between teachers, students, administration and school board is important," he continued. "I think that I can offer new ideas and a fresh perspective to the school board by asking questions, getting view points of all key players and gathering as much information as possible before making decisions."