Submitted by Paul Wagemann, Director #5 CPSB.
During the November 2019 election the Clover Park voters elected me to serve as a
Clover Park school board director with over 60 percent of the votes cast.
I have served as a director since April 2009 and have done my best to support the
District, the Board, our students and the voters of our community.
Unfortunately, my efforts to have open and informed debate of the issues have resulted in me being the minority dissenting vote on many recent decisions without prior debate.
Board President Schafer, during the League of Women Voters forum on 23 September 2021, stated “It isn’t about debate folks” and went on to say that we only need to listen and then collaborate on solutions. This removes the critical step of debate between listening and taking action.
My assumption after being elected by such a large margin is that citizens want a debate of the issues and my voice, representing them, heard at the school board table.
Board President Schafer earlier announced during several board meetings that after 16 years on the Board he would not run for re-election. I then worked with community members to find concerned citizens to run as candidates for the two open positions on the board for this year’s election.
We are now just over two weeks away from our election where ‘We the People’ can vote for board members who reflect your values and concerns for the education of our children.
I am endorsing Jeff Brown and David Anderson and encouraging voters to vote for them on November 2, 2021.
I am always willing to hear your voice and to facilitate a response to your concern. Our community loves our children, and we know academic excellence is a key component in helping our children succeed.
Jeff and David are committed to academic excellence as am I. We have many
wonderful teachers serving our children who need leaders who want educational
excellence to return to Clover Park District.
There is no reason for the district to continue languishing near the bottom one-third of Districts in the State of Washington but that requires change.
If you agree, please vote for Jeff Brown and David Anderson.
As a former CPSD Board member, I agree!
#1) Paul Wagemann, it takes great courage and a strong commitment for supporting what is best for the students in the Clover Park School District for you to speak out as frankly as you have done in your article above. Thank you for sharing your observations, views, and opinions.
#2) I know Timonthy Johnson. I know Tim Johnson knows what he is talking about. That being said I have confidence in Tim’s 8 word comment above.
Voting for Jeff and David is at the very minimum highly worthy of each voter’s consideration.
Joseph Boyle – Former Lakewood Resident 51 years.
Congratulations, Mr Waggeman, for being elected to the CPSD school board by such a large margin. It should be noted that you also ran unsuccessfully for a state legislature position as a Republican while serving on the school board.
You are now endorsing not one but two candidates running in this CPSD board election.
I have no issue with either candidate, but they should be running on their own merits, not as a “team”.
For you, a sitting board member, to publicly endorse them is inappropriate. There is a very partisan feel to this endorsement and if both are elected, you and those two will be the majority.
Where is the “debate” in that?
Please tell me then how you feel about Board member (20+ years!) Carol Jacob’s endorsement (or for that matter Clover Park Education Association’s endorsement) of incumbent Board members Schafer and Pearson? Out of bounds too? You don’t lose your freedom of speech or freedom to endorse candidates just because you hold public office. It is also quite possible to hold both non-partisan and partisan elected positions.
Carol Jacobs endorsed both Alyssa and Marty. Was that unprofessional of her as well?
Elli Falk there is absolutely nothing wrong with Wagemann endorsing either Anderson or Brown. It is the just the opposite, parents need to understand that the high range of votes Wagemann received was due to parents wanting change from bottom of the barrel leadership to top of the barrel.
What you currently have is 1 on top being Wagemann, the rest have zero interest in the parents or the students only their own agendas. If the 1 on top feels 2 more on top in leadership will bring CPSD in alignment with education & graduation results then Anderson and Brown should be voted in and remove the the 2 who are nothing but dead weights!
Thank you Mr. Wagemann for endorsing this 2 fine men. If elected then we should see some awesome results coming out of CPSD for a long awaited change.
Public boards, council and commission meetings are not designed and should not be and are NOT structured nor ever intend to be places for lengthy ‘debates’
The meetings are held to conduct business and listen, …the community listens to the board (or the council agenda etc) and the board or council has a chance to listen to the community in the public comments.
The design of elected boards and council is not to turn their business meetings into fiascos of endless political or otherwise lengthy ‘debates’ …they are about doing business and listening to and giving input, and if need-be to ask for, and collect and to provide more information as needed in a follow up.
And all across the country, it’s the same way, and the meetings are not set up nor ever intended to be structured as weekly ‘debate’ sessions.
To think or believe otherwise is naive to their function and misinformed about the workings and purpose of the regular business meetings of our county’s public boards, councils or commissions.
As a past City of Lakewood Council member and Deputy Mayor I can say you are wrong about debate. The Council often debated the issues, some times generating heated discussion, in order to arrive at decisions that passed the test of critical thinking. To assume you can go directly from listening to action without debate is to omit the process of critical thinking and the arrival at logical conclusions. Or would you prefer decisions to be arrived at in “back room deals” only to be brought public for an obligatory vote?
There is no debate in Marxism, Maoism, communism, socialism, totalitarianism or Critical Race Theory-ism. “Resistance is futile” or so they say. Comply or be investigated (National Education Association), labelled a terrorist (US Attorney General’s Office), libeled as a racist (Clover Park Education Association), and marginalized as a stakeholder (Clover Park School Board). Beware any time that someone tells you that the issue is beyond debate! They’re signalling, even if they don’t know it, that their position is indefensible.
Apples and Oranges: The board members on the school board and city council member do debate each other in their turns to make their comments, points, and opinions known on issues on the agenda,
And that already happens on the city council and the also CP school board, however this ‘debate’ concept within the letter is NOT that… and not what you are talking about or are familiar with in your experience.
Wrong again Russell! “Debate in their turns”? What a joke! That’s a forum not a debate. Want to see “in their turns” then go review the League of Women Voters forum on 23 September. Even the Supreme Court debates the issues, back and forth, point for point, with interaction between and among the members.
Have you listened to the inane Board member comments during their meetings about personal visits, self congratulation, meetings, administrative issues; everything and anything that has nothing to do with academics? Please don’t tell me what I am talking about or am familiar with. I served on Council for 4+ years. Perhaps some day when you actually win election to public office you too will become familiar with what I’m talking about.
Mr. Wagemann,
I have learned first hand that you will say and do anything to advance your own personal political agenda in order to control our school board. We currently have a conservative school board and you personally recruited two sitting members on this board. I believe our board members are all republicans and one conservative independent. Now, you turn against all of them as they have too much integrity to follow your conspiracy theories and extremist views. You went out and recruited Jeff Brown to replace Alyssa Pearson, who is a smart and level-headed young mother. You had to try and replace her because she decided to do right by students and this community. She did not condone politics being forced into decisions for our schools and you decided she needed to go! You stand out as the only member on the board who is a pure political rubber stamp. All four of your board colleagues actually do the hard work of making informed decisions while you want to delay and debate. You simply repeat the same extremist rhetoric as your “reasons” to vote “no”. You now are undermining the entire school board in the hope you will finally control our schools along with your political buddies. You claim our Lakewood City Council, the commander of JBLM and all who recognize that our schools need to address diversity, equity, and inclusion are engaged in the spreading of communism. You simply are unable to disconnect from well-documented conspiracy theories perpetuated by extremists. That type of thinking is not in the best interest of our schools. Did 60% of voters know you held these views during the last election?
On October 11th at the board meeting, I asked you to answer questions concerning your approval of and involvement in the Equity in Excellence plan from 2012 when you were a board member. It was a policy that was speaking to the very things you, David Anderson and Jeff Brown now claim are Marxist attemps to turn our students into communists. I asked that you respond in writing. You were quite flustered! Suddenly you had no memory that for 8 years “Equity” was directly in front of you and you had zero concerns in all those years…nothing! The Equity plan was just fine for you! It was never the evil Marxist plan you now peddle in order to get Brown and Anderson elected….how is that? It was never the CRT you now claim. You have been intentionally deceptive to the citizens and voters in this district. I look forward to receiving the answers to the questions I asked at the board meeting.
Wake up, Lakewood! You have a conservative school board that is exceptional and they are under a purely political extremist attack by Paul Wagemann, Jeff Brown, David Anderson and their political supporters. Evidently, they will say and claim anything to get elected. These two candidates remained silent while their supporters launched an ugly campaign of continuous personal attacks against our superintendent, board members, teachers, our Lakewood City mayor, and anyone who deviated from their conspiracies. They brought this ugly political divisiveness into Lakewood on purpose…to create fear that children were being “indoctrinated” by anyone speaking of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Alyssa Pearson and Marty Schafer are class acts! They deserve to be re-elected. They kept their promise to voters to be nonpartisan. This Board has been recognized in the State as The School Board of the Year; 5 times a School Board of Distinction in the last 6 years. They have not failed this school district or the students! They are fiscally conservative and make wise choices. They recognize that our students need more support and are acting on it! Decide: Do you want sound leadership or the politically motivated chaos Paul Wagemann endorses?
“They have not failed this school district or the students!” Oh really???
Then just take a look at the academic performance during Schafer and Pearson’s tenure on the Board. By the way they are the President and Vice President who call the shots on the Board! Leaders are accountable for results: no excuses!
Yet during their tenure the District has fallen from about 46% to 35% academically and once as low as 32%! Too bad that the 88%+ graduation rate fails to account for grade level skills of 50% English language Arts; 38.4% for Math; 39.8% for Science with only 85.4% of students attending class regularly. That’s failing the school district and students.
This is the inequity and iniquity that is the current equity policy. Students who strive to succeed are given the same diploma as those who are failing academically. Talk about dumbing everyone down to the same level so they can all be equal!
Sadly, Clover Park School District has become something of a diploma mill instead of an educational institution. What chance does a successful CPSD student have in adult life with a debased diploma regardless of their skills when compared to a less capable student with a real diploma that has value? That’s what “equity” has become and Schafer and Pearson are responsible for that trend.
“conservative school board”
LOL. Where? The “R’ they claim to be means nothing when you don’t vote in presidential primary to verify that.
You must not know what “conservative” means.
You said at the board meeting that people believed in “conspiracy theories.” Either you don’t know history, or don’t know what a “conspiracy theory” is. Here’s a quick lesson for you.
https://thesubtimes.com/2021/10/12/letter-history-on-equity/?fbclid=IwAR170oLxqq-nelF8-mF10Exp6gjXoF2dXQeyCd0FIvNpOycrjMzQq7XcdY4
All that aside, the lack of transparency speaks VOLUMES to what a majority of this board believes. Does this board forget that I am a taxpayer, community member and more importantly a parent? They don’t own my kids, or their minds. Paul is trying to probe them to be more transparent, but Mr. Shafer shuts him down every time. Why? What does he not want us to hear? Why isn’t he listening to pleas for transparency?
Also, that award that is consistently being flaunted is weird posturing.
It’s not based on anything truly academic and they APPLIED for it.
Kinda weird.
Cheri, do you want sound leadership for the sake of the children or for the sake of your contract.
I’ve got a copy of the CPEA minutes that clearly explains why the teachers are fighting so hard for the incumbents. It’s definitely not for the children.
I’d prefer a board that actually reads your CONTRACT before voting on it (the “draft” doesn’t count).
Talk about an ulterior motive!
David and Jeff are the ones who have stepped up and said “Education not indoctrination”, and have made it clear that politics have no place in our schools.
Marty and Alyssa have done nothing but play politics. Thus, are FAILING academic scores.
Rebecca,
You seem confused. I am not an employee of the school district. I have no contract. Check your facts before posting.
Cheri, I stand corrected. You are no longer with our district, but you were a teacher in our district for several years. You are connected to current staff, and I’m sure you’re highly aware of the contract situation.
Again, its not about the kids for you.
Cheri, it’s a non partisan race. However, since your felt the need to get political, all four claim to vote Republican. We are voting for a Republican unless we do a write in.
I’m going to vote for the people who will serve our children, families, and community best. David and Jeff.
I’m going to vote for the people who promise transparency so parents don’t have to navigate a maze to get questions answered or find solutions to problems we encounter. David and Jeff
It’s not about politics, it’s about our kids! Period!
No, Rebecca. It is not about the kids when adults decide to drag their politics and conspiracy theories into the schools. There is a national organized political effort to take over school boards. It is well documented. Perhaps you should try being more transparent?
Cheri, I’m very transparent. If you want politics left out of our school district, then you can’t support the incumbents. Our current board, with the exception of Paul, has turned our district into a political circus, and left academics behind.
Marty Schafer has been on the board for 16 years. Go look at our academic scores for that time. He’s had more than enough time to fix things.
Alyssa has her father, the mayor of Lakewood, writing articles endorsing her.
You are correct that politics have no business being in our schools. That’s why it’s time for new people, and a new direction….academic focus!
Cheri Arkell – thank you for pointing out the elephant in the room. It is obvious that this whole attack on the sitting school board is a power grab by Paul Wagemann who hasn’t been able to get the power he seems to crave by any other means, and he has tried. This attack has nothing to do with educating our children and supporting and listening to our families. Having three very old (at least over 65) white men controlling a school district of young families, of which at least 60% are people of color makes no sense. And I’m not being ageist (I’m over 65 and white) but looking at the reality of the situation. Again, thank you Cheri. I know my comments will bring a far right rant (often coated in pretend politeness and reasonableness) but that’s what I expect from posting in the Suburban Times.
Elizabeth,
It’s always the same people attacking. Most are money donors to Anderson and Brown. It is interesting that they parrot the exact same conspiracies associated with QAnon, the Proud Boys, Tucker Carlson, Jason Rantz, Steve Bannon, and other right wing extremists, organizations and groups. Mr. Arbeeny actually made a direct reference in a post to the QAnon belief that our current president belongs to a “cabal” that does unspeakable things to children. I believe he is the largest single donor to Anderson’s campaign. He claimed he knew nothing about QAnon….as if belonging to a “cabal” is normal verbage. Perhaps trying to be the next Marjorie Taylor Greene is their goal? Truth seems to be a foreign concept. Let their attacks roll of your back and consider it a compliment.
Cheri, thank you for your intelligent reasoned analysis of the QAnon far right wing attempted take over of the CPSD. Day after day, I read the same hysterical voices repeat the same hysteria and fear promulgated by Trumpian zealots. It is frightening, as this same movement, led by and fueled by big far right money.
That’s the funniest thing I have read all day.
You are historically inaccurate.
It’s fine. I won’t post my article again.
Just remember, brown-shirt, that as soon as they are done and you have no use for them you will be along with us in the re-education camps. 😂😂😂
Wagemann was a 2016 Republican candidate for District 28-Position 2 of the Washington House of Representatives. He was unsuccessfully for the same seat in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Let’s hope the voters reject his choices for CPSB in 2021
What have past partisan elections have to do with non-partisan school board elections in 2021? Nothing! By the way Wagemann has been very successful in past non-partisan school board elections to the tune of 60%+ majority in the last one……..a land slide. He has also done this against tough competition. Schafer has never run against an opponent since he was first elected to the Board in 2005: 4 terms unopposed! Is that democracy in action? Sounds kinda like the old Soviet Union’s elections.
Perhaps its understandable. Schafer just happens to live in the tiny affluent enclave near Gravelly Lake that happens to be included in District 4 which includes all of Tillicum and Woodbrook, some of the poorest sections of Lakewood. David Anderson on the other hand has lived his entire live in the middle of Tillicum. Who do you think will represent that district the best? Hands down: David Anderson.
Thank you, Mr. Wagemann, for creating some transparency regarding Clover Park School Board proceedings and for having the courage to do so. Investigation and Informed debate are the backbone of decisions which affect a community. Even the United States Supreme Court integrates dissenting opinions into deliberations and decisions. Hopefully, if new blood is transfused into the Board, Clover Park School District, academic achievements will recover from very poor health; and parent opinions will once again be valued.
Didn’t Wagemann also run unopposed when he got 60%? If a person run runs three times and loses don’t folks wonder why?
Be honest, you don’t know. I will tell you he ran against Tyneisha Lyons.
https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20191105/pierce/
my error November 3, 2015. election Paul had no opponent
Are you, in all honesty, trying to conflate one run unopposed to all runs unopposed?
Here’s the difference, after winning an unopposed election Paul went on to win a race that had opposition by a solid margin. If people were unhappy with him, there was an opportunity to vote him out.
Regarding condemning remarks that Mr. Wagemann lost elections before being elected to the Clover Park School Board, I am reminded of American History. Abraham Lincoln lost several elections–one for state legislator, two for the U.S. Congress and two for the U.S. Senate. He also won an election for state legislator and one for the U.S. Congress before being elected President of the United States twice. President Lincoln was a persistent man committed to service; Mr. Wagemann is a persistent man who is also committed to service. Do we denigrate President Lincoln for having lost elections, or do we recognize him for his character and accomplishments? I recognize Mr. Wagemann for his proven character and accomplishments within our community.
As a former board member I agree with Paul Wagemann. Upon reviewing five years of school board minutes (about 60) I found nothing where the board addressed the overall statewide academic performance of the district. The district’s statewide performance for the last nine years ranges between 30 to 45%. With the addition of David Anderson & Jeff Brown to the board, teaching students math, science & ELA will be the mission. Vote for Jeff and David. Debate or not, come February 2022 “We the people” want to see a chart that shows (% of students that met grade level standards) for the fall semester. Come August 2022 we want to see the same chart for the spring semester. So on and so on! CPSD has the attention of Lakewood’s citizens, Lead, follow or get out of the way!
Mrs. Lathrop,
Yes, I believe your concern is valid. The intent is for our school board to be controlled by only those who belong to the same extreme faction of a political party. The fact that Paul Wagemann is trying to remove the only female republican board member with young children is telling. Alyssa Pearson is highly capable and deserves to be re-elected. She stated that once she saw the evidence that addressing the diverse needs of our students was critical, she could not let her personal politics interfere in her decisions. She knew she would be attacked for doing her job. Paul Wageman then recruited Jeff Brown and David Anderson. Carole Jacobs will be next on his hit list.
An all male school board? That would concern me!
Voting for candidates based upon their race and/or gender instead of qualification got us Vice President “Giggles” Harris. How well did that turn out?
Mrs. Lathrop, regarding your concern about a possible all male school board if David Anderson and Jeff Brown are elected to the open positions, current Board Director Carol Jacobs is female. And don’t forget, the Clover Park School District is now promoting the concept that gender is only what’s in one’s head.
To clarify, Carol Jacobs’ position is not involved in this general election on November 2; she will remain on the board for the next term.
I’m Paul’s younger brother and therefore biased by my firsthand long-term knowledge of this man. Other than our father, Paul is the best example of character and integrity. A better older brother, who led by example, you could not find. I’ll share one example to illustrate. If he found himself in a group that were talking disparagingly about a person who was not present, my brother would say, “That person is one of my best friends!” That would silence the disparaging remarks because they did not want to be exposed for talking behind this person’s back. That’s the man Paul’s naysayers are trying to silence. He is trying to do the “right” thing for the students, teachers and community and he has been willing to stand alone to do it. He gets pushed around and impuned by a four member majority of the board whose track record from what I gather is pretty pathetic. In my opinion you do not deserve a Paul Wagemann. It is unfortunate you do not recognize the treasure you have. He continues to take the slings and arrows ALONE. I hope the community will send him some reinforcements in Mr. Anderson and Mr. Brown.
Rebecca,
You seem confused. I am not an employee of the school district. I have no contract. Check your facts before posting.
Mrs. John Lathrop. do you realize a woman, Carole Jacobs, has been on our board for 20 years?
She’s not up for election right now, so it won’t be an all white male board.
Man, y’all and your equity.
The 2012 policy was inclusive to all children. The current one hardly even includes the IEPs and 504s.
Let’s also address an all male board. Oh no, the horror.
Really though, I want competent leaders not Ideological yes-men for the CPEA. 😂
Who even is Carol Jacobs. She’s even been sitting there for a while.