News/Update/Blog

9/10/2025 Another summer has drawn to a close and now our kids are back in school, settling back into their daily school routines and adjusting to new schedules. Some are making new friends or even starting fresh at a new school; for others, they're excited to see their old friends and get back on the playground at recess or hang out with friends at lunch. But one thing that remains constant, however, is the dedication and hard work of our teachers.

As you send your children back to school, remember that teachers are not just instructors; they are mentors, encouragers, and advocates who give their time and energy to help every student succeed. They spend countless hours preparing lessons, finding new ways to reach each learner, and making sure every child feels valued.

Let’s take a moment to thank them, support them, and work together as a community to make sure our schools are places where both students and teachers can thrive.

8/6/2025 I want to extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to every single person who cast their vote for me in the Yakima School Board election. I cannot believe the support you showed, not to mention the encouragement. So far, of the 4,610 ballots counted, I have 2,822. That is 61.21% of the vote (with approx 500 left to count according to the auditor's office). BUT...before we really celebrate, we still have the General Election in November. The fight isn't over yet. Please continue to tell your family and friends who live within the YSD boundaries to vote in November and to mark the box for me, Pam Shelton, and for Jonathan Babcock. Together, we can make a difference, but only if we get elected!!! 

7/13/2025 Good morning. Just an update and a few comments. Last night I was going over the required filings for the state that I must complete as I go through the election process. I thought about the other candidates running in this race and wondered how they are structuring their campaign. So I decided to go and look at their websites. I have to tell you that I was dismayed at Ryan Beckett's page, https://www.ryanbeckett.us/ .  I know it's not professional to "bash" another candidate, so I won't. But I will copy and paste statements he put on his site. "FROM RYAN Thank you, Yakima! It’s been an honor to serve for the last four years. We face serious fiscal and academic challenges in our district, and I would like to continue to be a voice of reason for our parents and taxpayers."

I'd like to say I have no words except that I do....YES, Yakima is facing serious fiscal and academic challenges and, as he stated, he's been on the board for 4 years. How did we get to a position of fiscal challenges? Academic challenges? You've had 4 years to fix it but it keeps getting worse! $20 million in the hole and staff cuts last year and again this year! I keep hearing the blame for much of this on Covid. We need to STOP. Blaming. Covid. The excess of federal funds during that time were temporary and the district was well aware of that. 

Ryan further states on the Issues tab of his website, that he wants to "continue to be a voice of reason." ??? Again, 20 million in the hole and major staff cuts. Remember, he voted to cut teachers, support staff, janitors, librarians, and student resources! Sorry Ryan, I don't think you are, as you state, "a voice of reason." Furthermore, he also makes this statement: 

"Public schools are very good at reacting to events. But they aren’t very good at planning for the future.  Our community deserves a dynamic Strategic Plan that truly “shoots for the stars.”  The Yakima School District’s strategic plan is up for review in 2026. We need leaders managing that discussion.

Okay....now I can honestly say I have no words! 

7/10/2025 Hello friends! As I sit here this morning on my patio sipping my coffee, I'm reflecting on the last few months and my decision to run for a Yakima School Board seat (position 1). For those who are not aware, a school board director is not a paid position unlike the mayor, assistant mayor, city council members, as well as various county-level positions. I was recently told by a retired teacher that "a school board seat is a thankless job." Regardless, it is a VERY important job and one I will dedicate myself to with unwavering commitment. I don't fee the current board members are listening to district staff nor the community. This is part of the job!!! This is something that frustrates me greatly and is an issue I intend to not only bring up (repeatedly) but also fight for as a board member. If we don't listen to our district employees and know what is going on, hear what they need, and listen to their concerns, then the board is not effective nor in-tune with the realities of our schools. Board members must do more than show up to meetings — we must actively engage, ask questions, and create an open line of communication with those who make our schools function every day: our teachers, paraeducators, support staff, students, and families.

I believe transparency, accountability, and trust are built through listening and action. My campaign is grounded in that belief. I'm running because I care deeply about the success of our students and the health of our school system, and I believe it's time for a fresh, responsive voice on the board.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me — your encouragement, ideas, and most importantly, your vote. Your support mean the world to me. Let’s work together for a stronger, safer, and more responsive Yakima School District.

With gratitude,
Pam

6/25/2025 Very exciting news...

I’m honored to share that I am being endorsed by the Washington Education Association - Political Action Committee (WEA-PAC)! 

If you or your organization is interested in supporting me and my campaign, please feel free to reach out. We can set up a zoom and discuss our mutual interests and goals.