Elect Clarissa Ruston

ENDORSED BY THE AUBURN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION!

Auburn teachers choose Clarissa Ruston for School Board Position No. 5! Mail in your ballot with a vote for Clarissa Ruston!

(AEA is a member run organization representing certified staff of the Auburn School District #408, visit www.auburnea.org for more information.)

King County voter pamphlet statement

I have had the opportunity to create positive and meaningful experiences for our community as a recreation coordinator for the City of Auburn for over 17 years and service on the Auburn School Board will allow me to ensure that our children have the best educational experience in our schools and that teachers are afforded the best tools to make that happen.

I have been actively involved in the district for many years and currently serve as co-chair of the Auburn Citizen’s for Schools; on the board member for the Communities in Schools of Auburn and the White River Valley Museum.  I served on the districts 2004-05 Citizen’s Ad Hoc Committee, co-chairing the childhood fitness and nutrition subcommittee and the 2008 Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee.

I am a graduate of the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound and a Washington State PTA outstanding service award recipient.  My husband and I have two children in the Auburn School District.

Pierce County voter pamphlet statement

Education:	Associate of Arts, Green River Community College Bachelor of Arts, Western Washington University
Occupation:	Recreation Coordinator, City of Auburn
Professional Qualifications:	I have had the opportunity to create positive and meaningful experiences for our community as a recreation coordinator for over 17 years. Service on the Auburn School Board will allow me to ensure that our children have the best educational experience in our schools and that teachers are afforded the best tools to make that happen.
Personal Information:	My husband and I have two children in the Auburn School district.
Community Involvement:	Auburn Citizen’s for Schools co-chair; Communities in Schools of Auburn and the White River Valley Museum, board member.  Auburn School District 2004-05 Citizen’s Ad Hoc Committee, co-chair, childhood fitness and nutrition subcommittee and the 2008 Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee.
Personal Views:	I care about our school district - students and staff, am committed to service and connected with our community.

Connected with our Community

These are the agencies and organizations that I have been happy to support over the years with my time, resources and attendance at functions.  I believe in building a strong community by investing in our community and lending my support.

• American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, donor, participant
• Auburn Citizens for Schools, current co-chair, committee member, donor, event attendee
• Auburn Food Bank, donor, volunteer, event attendee
• Auburn-Kent-Tamba Sister Cities, donor, event attendee
• Auburn Police Officers Association, event attendee
• Auburn School District, volunteer, committee member, board director
• Auburn Valley Kiwanis, event attendee
• Auburn Youth Soccer Association, donor
• City of Auburn, volunteer-Clean Sweep projects
• Communities in Schools of Auburn, board member, donor
• King County Board of Health, Obesity Prevention, committee member
• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, donor, event attendee
• National Recreation and Park Association, volunteer
• Parent Teacher Association (PTA), member, state award recipient
• Soroptimist International of Auburn, donor, event attendee
• Susan G. Komen:  3-Day Breast Cancer Walk and Race for the Cure, participant
• Washington Recreation and Park Association, member, committee member,
• scholarship and award recipient
• White River Valley Museum, board member, donor, event attendee

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Questionnaire for The News Tribune:

Civic Experience:

• Auburn Citizen’s for Schools co-chair; Communities in Schools of Auburn and White River Valley Museum, board member.  
• Auburn School District 2004-05 Citizen’s Ad Hoc Committee, co-chair, childhood fitness and nutrition subcommittee
• 2008 Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee, and 2009 Communications Focus Group.  
• King County Board of Health, Obesity Prevention, committee member.  PTA member and state award recipient.

Education:

• Associate of Arts, general studies, Green River Community College, 1985
• Associate of Applied Arts, recreation leadership, Green River Community College, 1985
• Bachelor of Arts, parks and recreation, Western Washington University, 1988
• Risk Management School, National Recreation and Park Association, 1999
• Revenue/Marketing School, National Recreation and Park Association 2000 and 2002
• Graduate, Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound, 2006

What do you see as the three top issues facing the district?

• Success of the capital improvements levy would provide updates to district facilities such as energy efficiencies, health and safety, accessibility, and building infrastructure.
• Changing demographics of our community.  District staff members need training and resources to meet the educational needs of students to attain academic standards.
• Ensure that citizens are involved and informed on district matters. All community members have a vested interest in the success of our schools.  Community input is valued and necessary.

What measures would I support to keep the district living within its means?

The community expects the district to be good stewards of public funds.  Expenditures for propriety acquisition and building maintenance need to be made with the future in mind.  When cuts are made that might impact educational programs, the process should involve all educational stakeholders.  I support the board’s ability to utilize the bond and levy process as a financially responsible process to provide funding for large scale building projects and continuing programs and operations.

What more should the district do to improve student achievement?

Provide high quality, well supported educators with curriculum and training is a factor in improving student achievement.  As well as professional development for both certificated and classified staff members.  Increasing parent and family involvement in our schools is key to student academic success.  Involving families in the school house and classroom, from Kindergarten through high school, will strengthen each of our schools and the entire educational community in the Auburn School District.

Personal Statement:

I have had the opportunity to create positive and meaningful experiences for our community for 17 years. Serving on the Auburn School Board will allow me to ensure that our children have the best educational experience and that teachers are afforded the best tools to make that happen.

I care about our school district - students and staff, am committed to service and connected with our community.  My husband and I have two school-aged children.

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