EDITOR’S NOTE: Since our creation in 2007, The B-Town Blog allows residents running for local office one free post for when they announce their candidacy. If you are a candidate running for local office in 2025 and you’d like a free story, please email a press release and photo to scott@southkingmedia.com.
My name is Katie Kresly, and I’m running for the Highline School Board to restore academic excellence, safety, transparency, and trust.
I believe every child in Highline deserves the chance to learn deeply, think critically, and thrive confidently in a safe, supportive environment. Our teachers are capable, our families are caring, and our students are full of potential. What’s missing is leadership that prioritizes academics.
Over the past four years, I’ve attended more than 120 board meetings, watching as district leadership replaced proven academics with politics and promises — while safety concerns continue to rise in our classrooms and hallways.
Under the “proven leadership” of the current board, Highline has dropped from the 50th percentile to the 23rd academically statewide. My opponent has had 10 years in office and access to $84 million in federal COVID-recovery funds, yet only one in three students reads at grade level and one in four meets math standards.
If elected, I will reactivate proven reading-recovery programs — already in place but rarely used — to reverse reading loss. I will also prioritize early-education literacy so every student can read confidently by the end of third grade.
Literacy is the most equitable thing we can do; a diploma means little if students can’t read, write, or do math at grade level.
Just as importantly, I will support policies that ensure safe, respectful learning environments where teachers can teach and students can learn without fear or disruption.
I’m running with Sue-Ann Hohimer and Ken Kemp — three new leaders committed to raising standards, strengthening safety, and restoring accountability. Together, we will make academics — not politics — the top priority.
– Katie Kresly
Highline School Board Director Candidate, Position 3
Katie is capable and very compassionate. She understands what children need from their schools. I highly recommend her for
the school board. She would do a great job. I was a teacher, tutor, and a school board chairman.