Community member calls on YCS board members to find their ‘why’ at meeting

Community member Kay Anderson, discussing struggles amidst levy failures during a community comments portion of a Yelm Community Schools (YCS) Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 26, called on the district’s board members to find their “why.”

Anderson said that many of the board members have met her or know her in some way, shape or form, as she’s “been an advocate” for the district. Additionally, she’s served on the special education advisory board for 10-years.

“I don’t just advocate for my own child anymore, because my child can’t be schooled here. He’s actually out of district,” Anderson said. “I advocate for all students for our district because I do have another student that’s here. Some of you were here when our journey began. Our journey began because something happened to my child that should have never happened in an elementary school.”

Anderson said, at that time, the school district administration “failed to protect her child.” Instead of the district taking accountability, she claims she was met with finger pointing.

“There never was an apology to us or to my son. I get emotional about this because of the fact that now I see why our levy is failing again,” Anderson said. “I ask each of you, ‘what is your ‘why?’ Why are you here trying to navigate this? What’s your why of being here for our kids?’ Because I shared my ‘why.’ My ‘why’ is to ensure that all students get the education that they deserve. Whether it be on our campus or off our campus.”

While Anderson didn’t get into specifics, she stated the reason her student isn’t attending YCS isn’t because of anything that anyone did.

“Everyone came forward that needed to come forward. Things were pushed through,” Anderson said. “I have to commend Shannon Powell, because without him, we wouldn’t be where we’re at today.”

Anderson stated that it’s extremely important to provide education to all YCS students, not just some students.

“When the levy fails, it isn’t the fault of a single person. There’s been a lot of finger pointing in our school district. Instead of accountability, accountability to students, accountability to parents and accountability to the voters who placed y’all in these positions,” Anderson said. “I’ve seen the superintendent host so many forums and Q&A’s, but I’ve never seen you guys, as a group, host a Q&A or a forum where parents can come in and ask the tough questions.”

Additionally, Anderson said the ongoing levy failures aren’t just about tax dollars to local parents. She stated it’s “actually about our kids.”

“When you get us parents involved and you actually start listening to what we have to say, it makes a huge difference in ways you wouldn’t even believe. I’m a loud advocate. I’m very loud with my voice, but I only fight for what’s right. I only fight for the things that really, really matter,” Anderson said. “You guys need to, I think, honestly, standing up and saying ‘hey, lets hear your questions,’ instead of doing it behind closed doors. This has been the essence of our school board for as long as I can remember is we’re never allowed to address you guys directly. I know that. I’m not calling any one person out, but maybe we need to be able to do that.”

At the end of the meeting, school board member Ryan Jewell said he knows in the specific platform of YCS board meetings, there isn’t an opportunity for a back-and-fourth discussion. With that being said, Jewell stated each of the board member’s email and phone number are available for the community to get in contact with.

“I appreciate it when the community gets involved, so please do,” Jewell said.