GoodParty.org candidate

Kim Martin

Lake Washington District 414 School Board - District 4

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About the Office

Local school board members are responsible for overseeing school operations within the district, typically including employment decisions regarding a district superintendent.

Term Length

4 years

Election Date

Nov 4, 2025

About Me

Party

Independent

Occupation

Small business owner

Fun Fact

In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, crafting, hiking, and exploring new places. I also love working on woodworking projects, which allow me to be both creative and hands-on. I'm a very social person and enjoy spending time with others, whether it’s through community activities or simply taking time to relax with friends and family. One of my favorite ways to unwind is by taking vacations—especially now that our family took our first cruise this past year. I absolutely loved the experience and have been hooked ever since!

Past Experience

I bring over 20 years in hospitality, retail, and service industry worker—opening hotels and high-end shops, and serving as the welcoming face of customer service. This past school year, I was entrusted to lead our End-of-School-Year Bash on just a few weeks’ notice—and it became our most attended event since COVID, a true community milestone. I also volunteer every Sunday at my local church and last year returned from my first mission trip to Mexico. There, I witnessed families facing immense challenges with scarce resources—and an unshakable spirit that moved me to tears. That trip deepened my dedication to serving with empathy, understanding, and action. Why I’m Here Leadership under pressure: Launching the Bash with limited time and seeing record attendance shows I can plan, mobilize resources, and execute community events successfully. Service-driven mindset: Whether greeting hotel guests, helping retail customers, leading volunteers, or working abroad, service is central to who I am. Our Shared Values We all want schools that bring our community together and support every child. The Bash showed me what teams with shared purpose can achieve—and it mirrored our goal of building inclusive, supportive environments. Call to Action I stand before you seeking to serve on the school board so I can bring this service-first, results-driven leadership to our schools. With experience in event planning, community organizing, and compassionate service, I promise to: Enhance community engagement by creating inclusive events and forums that bring families together. Champion equity and support—drawing on what I learned in Mexico, I’ll advocate for resources that uplift all students. Deliver results with urgency, by applying my leadership skills to real issues, just as I did with the Bash. Thank you for your time. I would be honored to serve as your advocate on the school board.

My Top Issues

Invest in local public education

As a concerned community member and advocate for a well-rounded education, I am deeply troubled by the decision to eliminate band and orchestra programs in our district due to funding issues. Music education is not a luxury—it is a vital part of student development, offering benefits that extend beyond the classroom into academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and lifelong skills. Given this decision, I intend to take a closer look at how our district’s funds are being allocated. I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that every dollar is used effectively, transparently, and in the best interest of our students. I will be reviewing public budget records, attending meetings, and seeking clarity on the district's financial priorities. My goal is not only to understand the reasoning behind this cut but also to explore potential solutions and advocate for the restoration of programs that enrich and inspire our students. I welcome anyone who shares this concern to join me in this effort. Together, we can ask the necessary questions, seek transparency, and work toward ensuring that our schools continue to offer opportunities that nurture the whole child—not just academically, but creatively and culturally as well.

Invest in STEM programs

Investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs is essential to preparing our children for the future. These fields drive innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that are in high demand in today’s rapidly changing world. Our students deserve access to quality STEM education that inspires curiosity and opens doors to meaningful careers. As a community, we must advocate for increased support and funding for STEM programs within our school district. This means not only introducing more hands-on, engaging STEM opportunities at all grade levels, but also ensuring that schools have the resources, technology, and trained educators needed to sustain them. STEM should not be seen as an optional enrichment—it should be treated as a core component of a modern education. By prioritizing funding for these programs, our district can empower students to become the thinkers, builders, and leaders of tomorrow.

Invest in after school rec programs

After-school recreation programs are not just an added benefit—they are a necessity for many families, especially those with working parents. These programs provide a safe, supportive environment where students can continue learning, build social skills, and engage in enriching activities long after the school day ends. I believe our school district must recognize the vital role these programs play in both student development and family stability. Investing in after-school care is an investment in our community, our workforce, and most importantly, our children. I am committed to helping find sustainable funding solutions to support and expand after-school programs in our district. Whether through grants, partnerships, or community initiatives, I will work to ensure that no child is left without access to safe, engaging, and meaningful after-school opportunities.

Who I'm Running Against

Aspen Richter (Democrat Party)

Has every democratic politician endorsing her

Mark Stuart (Democrat Party)

13 yrs incumbent
 

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