To the editor:

I would like to endorse Dale Perry for Bainbridge Island School Board, District 2.

I’ve known Dale since he and his family moved to the island and have been continually impressed by his motivation, openness and integrity. Dale is great at identifying key issues, critically thinking about innovative ways to solve problems, and understands how to bring community members into the process to ensure acceptance and effective implementation. His background in engineering and international business gives him a direct understanding and appreciation of the importance of a STEM education and working in a global business environment, both factors critical to the success of our education system in the future.

I have seen him deal directly with difficult issues as president of our local community association and know that he is remarkably effective at understanding the perspectives of all parties in an honest and open-minded manner.

We are fortunate to live in a community that strongly supports our schools and the education of our children. The district has a mission statement and goals for our schools that are in line with Washington state standards and guidelines.

I think most of us feel, correctly, that the Bainbridge Island School District does a fine job meeting these standards. I think Dale would push us further, challenging us to be one of the best districts in the country, not just the state. He would be a catalyst for sharing ideas and best practices while working tirelessly toward implementation of programs and making appropriate resource tradeoffs.

I am confident that Dale will be able to achieve positive outcomes that will make a significant difference to the education of our island’s children.

COLETTE BOEKER

Wing Point