What is the School Board?
Why should we care about the school board election as residents of Tumwater? Why should we be aware of who’s running? Well, if you’ve been wondering, Tumwater Talon is here to inform you. A school board is a group of elected or appointed citizens of the community who oversee a public school district. Their main job is to make sure schools in the community are well-run, students get a quality education, and taxpayer money is used responsibly. Tumwater residents, at the end of each term you have the right to vote for the election and choosing of the next school board members. It’s important to do your research and learn your options before making your vote.
Who are the candidates?
In District No.1 Julie Watts and Sarah Overbay are running for your four year term for School Board Director. Julie Watts has had no previous elected experience, but her statement says “every student deserves a high quality education, to feel, and know they belong.”(Watts 57)
Sarah Overbay is a first time candidate after serving on Tumwater School District Budget Advisory Committee and District Equity Committee, her statement says “I’m running for Tumwater School Board with a vision for our district to be a model of academic excellence and sound financial stewardship. (Overbay 57).
Running for your District No.3, School Board Director for Two Year Unexpired Term is Ty Kuehl and Daniel Mies.
Ty Kuehl was appointed Tumwater School Board Director in August 2024, his statement says “I’m passionate about both Tumwater and Black Hills High Schools, and I believe equity across our two comprehensive high schools is essential.”(Kuehl 58)
Daniel Mies has no previous elected experience, his statement says “ I’m running for school board to help fix what broke when the board voted this last year to deviate from Tumwater’s history and exclude students; all people are deserving of being a part of our community no matter who they are and no student should be excluded.”(Mies 58)
Running for your School Board Director for the No. 5 District for the Four Year Term is Rob Warner and Mike McGowan. Rob Warner has no previous elected experience, his statement says, “ As a member of the School Board, I will work with the other members, teachers, para-educators, staff, and administration to prioritize the academic excellence for which Tumwater has been known. (Warner 60)
Mike McGowan has previous elected experience; he was Yelm City Council, from 2006-2015. Thurston County Home Consortium. Solid Waste Advisory Committee. His statement says “ All Tumwater students deserve a safe environment to learn. Tumwater teachers deserve our support to continue their work. Taxpayers want to see effective use of their tax dollars.”(McGowan 60)
When is voting?
If you are 18+ and eligible for voting. Remember to register by mail, received by: October 27, 2025. If you are registering online by: October 27, 2If you are doing in-person registration that’s due by: 8:00pm November 4, 2025. Election Day is November 4th. Do not forget to register! Every vote counts.
