Catherine Ushka Announces Re-Election Bid

Tacoma School Board Director Catherine Ushka announced today her intent to run for re-election. Ushka was elected to her current term in 2009 with a position of improving transparency and accountability.

During Ushka’s term, the board completed the first strategic plan in over a decade setting bold goals to ensure every student can succeed in college or the career of their choice. She also led efforts resulting in increased graduation rates from 55 to 78 percent and helped champion Tacoma’s successful effort to become the only innovative school district in the State of Washington.

“When I was elected in 2009, we were facing millions of dollars in budget cuts, a lack of transparency, and no plan for improvement. Today we have a clear strategic plan, are making significant progress on our goals and have created several policies to help ensure that students have greater support and opportunities to succeed.”

Ushka says she is running for a second term because while Tacoma Public Schools has made significant strides there is still a long way to go. “We have an amazing community surrounding students in our city. We need to complete carrying out the vision of equity and success- that work is not yet finished.”

Highlighting several goals for her next term, Ushka noted that, “There are still significant gaps in achievement among ethnic and racial groups, as well as economic disparity, and 22 percent of our students are not graduating in four years. We have come this far because there has been an authentic focus on finding what works. I believe this community deserves a top-quality education system, and I am committed to seeing that we get there.“