Statement
As one of your Everett Public Schools school board directors, it is my pleasure and honor to serve the district. All our students deserve the best educational environment and opportunities we can afford. A grounding in required academic subjects is critical to become good citizens, to succeed in the workforce or go on to college. Open and respectful communication between the community and the district ensures trust, transparency and understanding of our challenges and choices.
Student success depends heavily on excellent teachers and staff, equitable access to resources for all students, safe and functional buildings, and a welcoming environment for all. Thoughtful and responsible use of your money, balancing both prudence and vision will yield the broadest collective benefits. These are the priorities that will guide my service on your school board.
Experience
Elected Experience: Appointed Everett Public Schools Board of Directors Position 3, May 2025.
Other Professional Experience: Former Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor Civil Division; Foreign Affairs Specialist, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Director, Henry M. Jackson Foundation Board; Court appointed child advocate; Leader in school parent organizations.
Education: BA in American History, Stanford University (1985); JD, University of Detroit School of Law (1990).
Community Service: Rotary Club of Everett (2019-present); Assistance League of Everett, Kitty Young Auxiliary Board Secretary (2019-present); Trustee Gertrude Jackson Memorial Scholarship (2015-present); and Woman’s Book Club President (2025-2027).
Priority 1:
Student Learning Builds Academic Success
A public education allows all students to explore many avenues of learning to optimize their potentials. To ensure an excellent education and student achievement there must be equitable access to resources. Enhanced learning and development of all students can only occur when policy recognizes and supports all student needs sufficiently. Understanding English is fundamental. Our schools should provide online translation programs to accelerate student interaction and success. Schools should continue to fund professional development for teachers who work with ESL students. Because we live in a multilingual world, continued support for foreign language education is also fundamental to future student gains. Students must have access to resources to support learning regardless of what area of the community they live in. Such resources include early learning programs, flexible learning programs, classroom technology, removing barriers to learning for varied learning styles and implementing consistent instruction and support to students.
The district has prioritized several student outcomes in their Strategic Plan to help elevate students’ achievement standards. The priorities include proficiency in reading by third grade, increased achievement in math and science, and reduced gaps in achievement among student groups. Tutoring and summer learning programs should be considered if they can be funded consistent with maintaining our infrastructure. Supporting these goals is critical to preparing our students to succeed in the workforce or college, and life generally.
Priority 2:
Expanding Student Opportunities through Career and Technical Education
Special programs that support student success in preparation of graduating from high school are critical in our increasingly competitive and technological world. One such program, Career and Technical Education (CTE), has become popular not only for the students headed directly into the workforce after graduation from high school, but also for those going on to college. Students can earn an industry certificate or college credit.
Students learn technical, academic and skills for the workplace through seven different career pathways. These areas include: Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, Communications and Information Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Education, Energy and Sustainability. Each pathway has an advisory committee made up of teachers and industry members to make sure that the most innovative practices are in place. CTE gives students options and aligns with the priority student outcomes of preparing kids for the workforce and college.
Priority 3:
Safe Schools
Students need a physical environment where they feel healthy and safe so they can learn and do well in school. Our buildings must be physically secure where doors are locked. Video intercom is used to control entry into the school and guests are required to sign in and wear a badge. Safety drills for fire, earthquakes, lock-down, as well as updated emergency plans for communication with parents, guardians and first responders are also important.
In addition to physically safe schools, students should feel welcome, supported, and engaged in their school community. Students embracing and acting on key Everett Public Schools core values of equity, integrity, respect, diversity, and collaboration will foster a community of inclusion and support, so all students can thrive.
Endorsements:
Volunteer
Thank you for supporting my campaign for the Everett School Board
By submitting this form and signing up for texts, you consent to receive text messages (e.g. campaign information, donation requests, event reminders) from Anna Marie Jackson Laurence for Everett School Board at the number provided, including messages sent by autodialer. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.
Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for help. Privacy Policy
If you're interested in helping out with my campaign, simply fill out the form and click the "Volunteer" button.