MATTAWA — Elia Mendoza, a candidate for the Wahluke School Board, said her background and diverse experiences have helped shape her commitment to enhancing opportunities and fostering community partnerships, if elected to the board.  

"I have always been dedicated to providing education and technical assistance, whether it is with small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic or as a substitute teacher," she said.  

Mendoza, a single mother of three, moved to Mattawa at the age of eight and graduated from the district. She said she has extensive experience in education and public service, currently working as a substitute teacher while providing technical assistance to small businesses through the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises.  

Mendoza is running against Wahluke Board President Luke Jenne. Jenne did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.  

When asked about her motivation for running for the Wahluke School Board, Mendoza reflected on the unique challenges that single-parent households face. She said she wanted to see greater involvement from parents and the community in the educational process.  

"I just want to be there for the community, the parents, and the teachers so that everyone can work together to provide better educational support for families and students," she said.  

Mendoza emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in financial matters, advocating for parents’ involvement in decisions that directly affect their children’s education. 

Mendoza said she is a firm believer in bridging gaps between parents, teachers and school administration. Her primary goals include improving communication between these stakeholders and increasing parental engagement.  

"Communication is key,” she said. “I know how hard it is to assess a government agency, so we need to strengthen the trust between teachers, administrators, and parents.” 

Expanding Career and Technical Education programs is another priority for Mendoza. She said there was a need for increased CTE opportunities within the district. 

"I have seen how beneficial CTE programs are in neighboring school districts," she said. "I wish that we had more options for students in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and various other fields. There is new funding available for these initiatives, and I want to be part of this decision-making process." 

To foster greater engagement among parents and students, Mendoza advocates for face-to-face interactions rather than relying solely on online communications. She acknowledged the cultural context of the district, primarily composed of a Hispanic community and emphasized the need for culturally relevant communication.  

"It's not just about translating information," she said. "We need to ensure that the community truly understands the messages being communicated.” 

Mendoza identified funding as a significant challenge facing the district. Repeated cuts in educational funding over the years have posed hurdles to providing quality education. She believes that community involvement and support can play a crucial role in addressing these funding challenges.  

"It takes a village to raise a child," she said. "If we involve the community and educate them on how they can help, they will be willing to assist because it is their children and their community." 

Her educational philosophy centers on ensuring every student receives an equitable education enriched by teacher training and community involvement.  

"Every decision we make should be driven by data collected over the years and should include input from parents and the community," she said. "Education is a business in some respects, and we need to manage our resources for the benefit of our students effectively." 

Regarding health and safety in schools, Mendoza underscored the importance of mental health and a secure learning environment. She proposed creating avenues for students to express their safety concerns and encouraging dialogue about mental health issues.  

"Students cannot learn if they do not feel safe," she said. "We need to listen to them and make the necessary adjustments to ensure everyone's safety." 

As for her qualifications, Mendoza humbly noted that many parents in the community are qualified to serve on the school board.  

"I hope that by running, I am opening up space for others to get involved as well," she said.  

To learn more about her campaign, visit EliaForWahluke.my.canva.site.