Voters will decide on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 who will represent Director of District 2 on the Highline School Board, as two candidates with distinct backgrounds and priorities face off in a closely watched race.
Ballots began arriving last week for the upcoming general election, and the deadline to submit your ballots is 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.
To help inform voters ahead of the election, South King Media invited each candidate to respond to a standardized set of 11 questions covering topics relevant to education, school politics, students and other issues in the Highline Public Schools district.
In the race for Highline School Board Director District 2, incumbent Angelica Alvarez is seeking re-election, highlighting her experience and continued commitment to supporting students and families in the district. She is being challenged by Sue-Ann Hohimer, Normandy Park’s current deputy mayor and a former Chicago Public Schools teacher.
NOTE: Photos and links are from the King County Elections website. We do not correct punctuation, grammar, or fact check candidate statements.
Sue-Ann Hohimer vs Angelica Alvarez*
EDITOR’S NOTE: Alvarez did not respond to our emails.
*denotes incumbent
1. Why are you running for School Board? What drove you to throw your hat into the ring for this election, and what makes you qualified to be on the Board?
Hohimer: I’m running for the Highline School Board because I care deeply about public education and the limitless potential of our students. The district has many strengths, but to meet today’s challenges we need a renewed focus on academic outcomes, shared community values, and providing more choice and opportunity for families.
Fresh perspectives can help spark progress—especially when change is needed. With nearly 60 cents of every property tax dollar supporting our schools, we must make sure those investments deliver the strongest possible results. My experience as a two-term mayor, current Deputy Mayor of Normandy Park, former Chicago Public School teacher, and years of work with youth and families give me a strong foundation in public service, accountability, and results. I’ll bring the fresh perspective we need at this time.
2. What do you consider to be the three biggest issues facing the school district?
Hohimer: Three biggest issues facing the district:
- Ensuring every child is reading proficiently by third grade.
- Building transparency and trust between the district and community.
- Supporting teachers and staff to create safe, engaging learning environments.
3. If elected, how would you prioritize levy-funded programs, and how do you plan to ensure those services equitably reach students across the entire district?
Hohimer: I will work collaboratively with the board, district leadership, staff, and community partners to ensure levy dollars are used efficiently and equitably. That means balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility and making sure every neighborhood sees the benefits.
4. Some parents are concerned that the district’s current reading and language arts program is not giving students the skills they need to become strong readers. If elected, what are the first steps that you would take to ensure all students are taught to read with an evidence-based approach?
Hohimer: I will advocate for evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in the science of reading, with a strong focus on phonemic awareness and structured literacy. We will engage teachers, parents, and community members in shaping these programs so all students—whether in dual language or traditional classrooms—can become confident readers.
5. What measures would you support to increase transparency in board processes and decision-making, especially around appointments, policies, and district planning?
Hohimer: Decision-making should be data-driven and should explain decisions clearly. I support seeking community feedback, and being willing to adjust when outcomes fall short. Along with other ideas for improving transparency, I support student-led journalism or podcasting projects to make district issues more accessible and engaging for the community.
6. How will you uphold and measure the district’s commitment to personalized support amid growing enrollment and diverse student needs?
Hohimer: Even with shifts in enrollment, we must expand pathways that reflect students’ interests and strengths. The district’s academy and choice-based programs are a great foundation; I’d like to grow these options to ensure every student finds their best fit.
7. How will you ensure equitable access to innovative schools, such as Raisbeck Aviation and Maritime High School, for students across the district?
Hohimer: We should expand awareness of specialized programs, address transportation barriers, and empower parent-teacher groups to strengthen local schools. Success isn’t “better” versus “worse” schools—it’s finding the right fit for each student to thrive. Every school environment should feel welcoming and special in some way.
8. What strategies would you advocate for to enhance resources, instruction, and outcomes for multilingual learners across district schools?
Hohimer: Dual language programs in Highline give students a powerful early advantage. I will work to strengthen these programs, ensure families fully understand their options, and provide resources to help multilingual students excel in all subjects, especially literacy.
9. What are your priorities regarding facilities upgrades and new construction to support enrollment, safety, and learning needs across Highline neighborhoods?
Hohimer: Highline has a strong record of delivering new schools on time and on budget. Moving forward, I’d like us to lead the state in designing modern, safe, and flexible learning environments—schools that also serve as community hubs and showcases a wise use of our tax dollars.
10. The district’s data shows that a significant percentage of students are not making at least one year of growth in reading each year. What do you think this data tells us and what specific metrics would do you think should be taken to measure progress and ensure accountability?
Hohimer: If too many students fail to make a year’s growth in reading, the entire system is impacted. We must commit to structured literacy programs and track progress closely. I’m open to proven approaches—including targeted interventions before a student moves to the next grade—always ensuring that decisions are based on individual student needs.
11. Many districts are facing legal and logistical challenges over inclusion of trans students in sports. What criteria or principles would guide your decisions when crafting school board policy on this issue?
Hohimer: I will be guided by federal and state laws, respect for every student, and a commitment to fairness, and safety in athletic programs. The goal should be ensuring all students can participate in a supportive, safe, athletic environment.
