I met with Ron after the school board meeting on September 28. This is what I learned about the candidate for Kennewick School Board position 4.
As a young man growing up in rural North Carolina, Ron experienced low expectations from his teachers who advised many students to plan their futures on the farms around his town. He was determined to find success in engineering and is now with PNNL managing a facility dedicated to improving national security at U.S. borders.
He wants all students to have opportunities to be their best. Ron supports early education so students develop a good foundation in school and appreciates that students also need classes which enable them to enjoy experiences which fit their needs and interests. Kids need to be kids.
Ron and his wife, DeVon, have lived in the Tri-Cites 20 years and have been Kennewick residents for 17. They have two teenage children in Kennewick schools.
After reading a Tri-City Herald editorial encouraging community members to contribute through participation in public agencies, Ron decided to run for Kennewick School Board. His wife is his campaign manager. He has consulted with friends and neighbors for support.
Ron has been active on the City of Kennewick Civil Service Commission for over 3 years.
With an MBA, Ron is familiar with budgeting and expects the school district to be fiscally responsible. He is concerned about potential mid-year budget cuts impacting Kennewick schools this year.
His work experience in both unions and management enables him to understand both sides in contract negotiations.
He was pleased that the school board reversed its decision on school clubs and believes all students should feel safe and be free from bullying.
Ron believes school board members must be held accountable and be able to explain and defend their decisions to the community. He also thinks diversity of opinion on the board is healthy for discussion of issues which will lead to making the best choices about school district operations.
Note: Wendy London has left the Tri-Cities and is no longer an active candidate for school board position 4.
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/03/22/1418336/lack-of-diversity-in-politics.html
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/09/29/1660369/kennewick-school-board-reverses.html
Ron has been endorsed by the Kennewick Education Association (KEA) for school board position 4.
Thanks again for the nice write-up!
Wendy London, former Kennewick School Board member who was a candidate for position 4, has recommended voters elect Ron Mabry to position 4. Her letter to the Tri-City Herald was published 10/9/2011.
The Tri-City Herald editorial board selected Ron as their recommendation for Kennewick School Board position 4 in the Sunday (10/16/2011) edition.
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/10/15/1681246/kennewick-school-board.html