LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ‘Our community deserves leaders who know our schools from the inside out’

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified Burien resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]

Dear Editor,

As a longtime member of the Highline community and someone who has dedicated decades of my career to supporting our local schools, I am writing to express my strong support for Joe Van, Angelica Alvarez, and Damarys Espinoza in the upcoming school board election. My perspective comes not only as an involved resident, but as a parent of three successful Highline Public School graduates. 

I Support Joe Van, Angelica Alvarez, and Damarys Espinoza because these three candidates share a vital qualification: they are parents and grandparents of children who attend Highline Schools. Their personal investment in the success of our students is not abstract—it is lived daily, as they advocate for the well-being and education of their own families alongside yours and mine. This connection ensures that their decisions will be grounded in genuine care for our children’s futures.
  
Beyond their family ties, each candidate has a proven track record of community involvement. Joe Van, Angelica Alvarez, and Damarys Espinoza have volunteered many hours, participated in local philanthropies, and worked collaboratively with educators and parents to make our schools better. Their presence is felt in community and school events. This deep engagement with the Highline community means they understand the unique needs and strengths of our district.
 
Each of these candidates also brings a valuable background in education. Whether through teaching, supporting classrooms, or championing educational programs, Directors Van, Alvarez, and Espinoza have demonstrated their commitment to learning and achievement. Their experience ensures they are familiar with the realities facing public schools and are equipped to make informed, effective decisions on behalf of all students.
 
In this election, you may notice other candidates with many campaign signs scattered throughout our neighborhoods. While visibility is important, it does not replace genuine experience or a meaningful connection to our schools. Some of these candidates lack firsthand knowledge of the Highline district and its public schools. Our community deserves leaders who know our schools from the inside out, who have navigated the challenges and celebrated the successes alongside us.
 
School board directors play a critical role in shaping the direction of our public schools. Their decisions affect every aspect of our children’s education, from budgeting to curriculum to school safety. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are prepared, informed, and dedicated to serving all students. Joe Van, Angelica Alvarez, and Damarys Espinoza have demonstrated these qualities through years of service and involvement.

Having worked in Highline for decades, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of strong community support for our public schools. I believe in the importance of electing school board members who understand and value our students, teachers, and families. I urge my fellow community members choose leaders with real experience, a track record of service, and a heartfelt dedication to the students of Highline. Please join me in supporting Joe Van, Angelica Alvarez, and Damarys Espinoza for our school board. Our children—and our community—deserve nothing less.
 
Sincerely,
Joy Milstid
Boulevard Park

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