In the Nov. 7 general election, voters in the Rochester School District will determine the next director to represent district 3 on the Rochester School Board.
The two candidates vying for the district 3 position are Penelope Mena and Susie Hawes.
The candidates were sent identical questionnaires over email. Mena’s responses are below, with one answer condensed for space. Hawes was aware of the questionnaire but was not able to respond with answers ahead of The Chronicle’s deadline, so information on her was instead pulled from the voters’ pamphlet.
The 18-day voting period began on Oct. 20. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Penelope Mena
What is your name, and how old are you?
I am Penelope Mena, and I am 49 years old.
Why are you running for the Rochester School Board?
I am running for the Rochester School District Board because I believe in the power of education and want to be a part of the decision-making process to support an environment conducive to learning where students can thrive in the new century. One program that I will continue to support is the dual language program.
Knowing more than one language has many benefits, including stronger brain development, higher academic achievement, increased job opportunities, and positive and respectful attitudes toward different languages and cultures. Emerging from the pandemic, Rochester needed to provide non-academic supports, and the Rochester Integrated Supports for Education (R.I.S.E.) was born. It builds wraparound supports with social-emotional, reengagement strategies, and basic needs for the students who need it the most. I am very proud of the work the district is doing and want to continue to support it.
Do you have previous experience as an elected official?
This is my first time running for public office, so I am very excited to participate and be part of the change.
What other relevant experience do you have in work, life, and/or as a volunteer?
My educational background includes a master's in public administration from The Evergreen State College in 2015. This education has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive effective change and improvements within our school district.
Also, my connection to this community runs deep. My family and I became a part of the Rochester School District family when we arrived from Mexico in 1990. The district provided us with a safe and nurturing environment that allowed us to learn English, excel academically, and ultimately graduate. Our family remains actively engaged with the district; I am proud to have great-nieces and nephews currently attending Rochester schools, following in the proud Warrior footsteps.
With over 15 years of public service experience at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), I've had the privilege of working in various roles, starting in the Multilingual Education Department and progressing to the Equity and Civil Rights Office, where I currently serve as the Title I, Part A program lead. This extensive experience has given me valuable insights into the intricacies of the education system and the challenges it faces.
Additionally, my volunteer experiences, including my involvement with the Dual Language Task Force, volunteering for One America's Citizenship Day Events, teaching at Centro Integral Educativo Latino (CIELO) in Olympia, and soon, I will also be involved in volunteering at Ground Mound Elementary and the R.I.S.E program, further underscore my commitment to improving our educational landscape.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I am fluent in both English and Spanish. Given that our Hispanic student population in Rochester is now around 29%, I aim to be a point of contact for their parents, providing them with a platform to communicate in their native language. This will enable them to better understand the school system and the workings of the board. I believe that academic success begins at home and is strengthened at school. To make this happen, families and schools need to work together closely. It's all about building trust and keeping the lines of communication open between families and schools for this partnership to thrive.
What do you think sets you apart from your opponent?
What sets me apart from my opponent is a combination of my unique background, extensive professional experience, and deep community engagement. With over 15 years of service at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in education and family engagement to the table. My Master's in public administration equips me with the necessary skills to drive effective change within our district.
Moreover, my personal connection to the Rochester School District, where my family and I have been part of the community since 1990, gives me a profound understanding of the district's strengths and challenges. My involvement as a Dual Language Task Force member at Rochester School District, volunteering experience showcases my ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
Susie Hawes
Elected experience
No information submitted.
Other professional experience
I owned and operated our family business since 1977, managed rental properties, and was a church secretary.
Education
Graduated with an associate’s degree from Centralia College and attended classes at Saint Martin’s College.
Community service
I served as treasurer for the Larch Mountain Little League board, co-founded and managed the Rochester Community Closet for over 10 years, was a Sunday School superintendent, and served on the board of Rochester Youth Dynamics. I am currently serving on the board of The Beacon of Hope. I volunteer for JustCare Animal Rescue, and I founded the JustCare Animal Pet Food Bank.
Statement
Rochester School District had a history of excellence. The key to regaining educational excellence is by parental guidance, involvement, and by creating a partnership between our families and our schools. Every education dollar matters, safety of our children matters, and your children need a solid foundation upon which to build their future. We must give children a quality education. Let’s work together for that high level of academic excellence for your children.
District policies should be the result of parental engagement in educational decision making through open communication and transparency. Common sense solutions are paramount. A solid foundation for our students of local values and priorities is necessary for your children to compete in this quickly changing and challenging world. I will work diligently to represent Rochester parents, children, and community.
As a parent and grandparent, I believe that the greatest generation is not behind us, but standing before us. Your children are your most valuable, most precious investment, so let’s work together and stand united securing a bright future for them.
