Legislative candidates weigh in on STEM education at Wenatchee forum

WENATCHEE – Legislative candidates from Districts 7, 12, and 13 shared their thoughts on the future of STEM education and career-connected learning for youth through a forum on Oct. 7. 

The forum was hosted by the Apple STEM Network in partnership with the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) and NCW Tech Alliance.

“I was really excited with how many of the candidates came forward and participated, and they all seem to have done their homework and really [tried] to educate themselves about education through connected learning…It was really enlightening to get a sense of their thoughts around what we do here,” said Holly Bringman, NCESD STEM Network Coordinator.

Wenatchee Valley College President Dr. Faimous Harrison moderated the discussion for 7th Legislative District position two candidates, Andrew Engell and Soo Ing-Moody and position one candidate Hunter Abell.

Apple STEM Network data shows that 68 percent of family-sustaining jobs in NCW require some sort of credential after high school, but only 28 percent of local youth are on track to earn one. 

Position two candidates were asked what the most important actions needed to ensure more students are prepared to fill those roles in the next year.

Both Engell and Ing-Moody were in favor of early exposure to different pathways. Engell encouraged career fairs that provide access to pre-apprenticeship programs, while Ing-Moody stressed the importance of legislative support in collaboration, addressing concerns shared by community colleges and school districts of having to compete for enrollment due to Running Start.

“If [kids] don't see the clear pathways, it's a challenge. Depending on what your interests are, you need to find your way,” said Ing-Moody.

When posed with a similar question, Abell said he was interested in promoting messaging that supported alternative pathways in addition to traditional four-year degrees.

“I'm interested in having different messages that are out there, one that models technical programs, one that models community colleges, and one that really shows these students that there are various other pathways out there,” said Abell.

Candidates also addressed the challenges of utilizing a High School and Beyond platform for students to connect to opportunities beyond school. Ing-Moody addressed the need to ensure access to technology is equitable, and the opportunity to utilize partnerships with Microsoft and other organizations for tools and training. While Engell was in support of more educational opportunities, he stressed the need for more options and less mandates, especially for rural communities.

“And when we do have mandates, we need to make sure the state's fully funding them,” said Engell.

In a panel led by Big Bend Community College President Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, District 13 Representatives Tom Dent and Alex Ybarra, who are running unopposed and for separate positions, discussed digital equity, early learning, and rural access to postsecondary resources.

Rep. Ybarra discussed the work they are currently doing, such as increasing broadband access, and promoting digital equity through programs that provide technology education and financial assistance for computers.

For early learning, Rep. Dent stressed the need to increase support for childcare centers who are overburdened by regulations, and said he was working on a bill to make childcare centers more viable and promote early learning. 

“Early learning is a pathway out of dependence. Okay, we don't need welfare reform. We need to teach people so they can take care of themselves…I truly believe that, and to give them a pathway out of attendance to me the way to go,” said Rep. Dent.

When addressing access to secondary education, Rep. Ybarra and Rep. Dent emphasized the importance of having conversations with experts from community colleges and school districts to learn what they need on a legislative level.

Lastly, the panel for District 12 candidates was moderated by Dr. Tracey Edou, Superintendent of Cascade School District. Participating panelists included candidates for position one Brian Burnett and Heather Koellen, position two candidates Daniel Scott and Representative Mike Steele, and Representative Keith Goehner.

Edou asked Burnett and Koellen how they would ensure digital equity with a number of online requirements such as the High School and Beyond platform. Burnett said he would work across the aisle to ensure broadband access is expanded.

“I don't necessarily have the answers, but I know that we need to come together and work as a team to make that happen,” said Burnett.

Koellen said there was a need to increase accessible and consistent broadband, as well as expand education on how to use technology.

“We also need to ensure strong partnerships between local industries, community colleges and high schools to create a seamless transition from school to work in fields like healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing and tech,” said Koellen.

Edou asked Scott and Rep. Steele how they would ensure schools in rural and under-resourced areas would have access to necessary technology and qualified teachers in place to meet a proposal to have computer science as a graduation requirement. 

While the efforts would be challenging, Scott said he would bring unique insight to the legislature with an engineering background.

“We do need to make sure that we educate the teachers on how to educate the children, on how to use these devices, and we need to make sure that there are systems in place to do that. This proposed requirement, this computer science requirement for all students, I think it's pretty valuable,” said Scott.

Rep. Steele emphasized the importance of ensuring that the class fits appropriately into the school day and students’ curriculum, with proper state to ensure the proposed mandate doesn’t become another burden on students and educators.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media