After nearly 10 years on the Coupeville School Board, Carol Bishop is running again for a position dear to her heart. But it’s not much of a race: She’s running unopposed for position 4.
“I enjoy it. I’ve learned a lot. It’s been quite an experience and more challenging than I expected but I’ve learned a lot,” Bishop said.
Her work on the school board feels like a contribution to helping Coupeville students get out into the world and succeed, Bishop said.
“I like to have a piece of that,” Bishop said.
The state budget cuts are the biggest issue Bishop said the board will face over the next year. Last year, the funding cuts kept coming, even after the budget was finalized. This year, Bishop said they will plan ahead for similar cuts.
“It’s about just staying focused on student education,” she said.
Bishop said communication is key in dealing with funding cuts. Communication between Superintendent Patty Page and the teachers and staff has been beneficial so that teachers and staff feel respected, understood and they have what they need to do their work, Bishop said.
“We’re certainly not the highest paid district in the area but we work to treat staff fairly. In turn, staff go out of their way to make it work,” Bishop said.
Since extra funding doesn’t seem to be in the school district’s future, Bishop said they are always looking at ways to qualify for grants.
Bishop supported the closing of the Cedar Program, a home-school program, because the state changed the most appreciated aspects of the program so much that it wouldn’t have been the same for students.
“I think it was the right decision for this year and we’ll see what comes up next year,” Bishop said, adding that the rule changes by the state may change again during the year.
Bishop said she works to be open-minded and weigh the opinions of everyone involved before making decisions. She asks questions in an effort to understand everything about the issues Coupeville schools face.
“I think I’m a good listener, thinking things through and caring about a good outcome for the district and students,” Bishop said.
From her time on the school board, Bishop is proudest of the building of the new Coupeville High School.
“It’s really inspiring: the students, families, parents and community. Everyone’s pulling together to do the best jobs for the kids. I enjoy it,” Bishop said.
Prior to working on the board, Bishop volunteered at Coupeville Elementary School for years.
In her free time, Bishop enjoys reading, boating and traveling, including visits to her daughter in Sweden.
