SOAP LAKE – There are two candidates running for the Soap Lake School District Director position 5 role. The candidates are Rebecca Leavell and Mark Novik.  

Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers. 

Q: Can you tell us about your background and what prompted you to run for the position on the Soap Lake School Board? 

NOVIK: As a Soap Lake and Ephrata native, I’m deeply rooted in our community. My controls degree from Perry Technical and ongoing business communication studies at Lower Columbia College show my commitment to learning. My career in engineering has helped me develop leadership and data-driven decision-making skills. As a father of five, I’ve built homes, contributed to the local church groups, and have helped with many Soap Lake events (Lauzier Park, Beach Improvements, 3 on 3 events). Hearing our high schooler struggles inspired me to run for the Soap Lake School Board. Facing declining enrollment and graduation rates, my goal is to empower teachers, making a strong emphasis on career counseling, and use data-driven strategies to boost student success and secure strong college or technical school placements. I want to unleash our students’ potential and build a brighter future for Soap Lake! 

LEAVELL: I am running for the position of Soap Lake School Board because I want to be involved in the local community and feel that I would be able to have a positive impact in that role. Additionally, I have a personal investment in the school and want to see it be a successful and positive place. My son currently attends Soap Lake and my daughter will next year. I have been fortunate to have experience and knowledge in areas that would benefit me in the school board role, such as policy development, compliance monitoring with federal and state regulations, communication, and human services. Based on those experiences, skills and abilities, I believe I would be able to be successful as a member of the board.  

Q: What do you see as the most important challenges facing the Soap Lake School District, and how would you tackle them if elected? 

LEAVELL: Since moving to the region, I have seen a lot of staff turnover within the district. Additionally, like most schools in our state, there are always financial challenges operating a school. If I was elected, I would need to focus on what is in the scope of the school board and make sure that I am transparent in my actions and communication and supportive to those who help operate the school. Ideally, by having clear communication, transparent actions, updated and reasonable policies and procedures, Soap Lake would be a place where staff understand the “why” behind actions and want to stay. I am still learning how the school board can positively impact other challenges the school is facing by attending some trainings and webinars which may bring new ideas to support tackling the challenges Soap Lake is facing.  

NOVIK: Soap Lake schools trail in graduation rates, attendance, dual credit enrollment, and test score growth. As a long time Soap Lake resident, I’m running to change that. To boost attendance and graduation rates, I’ll focus on Eagle pride by investing in sports programs, celebrating achievements, and fostering a vibrant school spirit. Starting in early grades, we’ll set higher standards, giving students and parents time to build skills before high school. My vision is a high school that prepares students for bright futures, emphasizing career readiness and post-secondary education. Encourage students to take college credits and prioritize technical training. By showing students how education unlocks opportunities, we’ll keep them engaged. The goal is to empower teachers, strengthen career counseling, and transform Soap Lake Schools into a thriving district that our community trusts!  

Q: If elected, how would you ensure transparency in your actions and decisions, and maintain open communication with the community? 

NOVIK: As a deeply engaged member of our Soap Lake community, I’m running for office because of the encouragement from residents who share my passion for progress. I actively participate in volunteer initiatives and welcome questions, feedback, and ideas from our community. To ensure transparency, I commit to keeping my social media, email and phone lines open, providing access for your concerns. Additionally, discuss the potential to host town halls to hear your concerns and collaborate on solutions. Only together, we’ll build a transparent, responsive, and community-driven school system. 

LEAVELL: School Board meetings are open to the public and minutes are taken at each meeting, so individuals can attend or reference the meeting minutes. I have been attending the last few meetings to try to understand more about the process, as well as, if elected, be more in the loop for when the transition would occur. If individuals have questions about my actions, decisions or what is happening, I encourage them to ask me. I believe in transparency and will share what I am able.  

Q: What is your vision for the Soap Lake School District over the next decade, and how would your role on the school board help achieve that vision? 

LEAVELL: My vision is to have the students, staff and community be proud and supportive of the school. As a school board member, I could help support that vision with open communication and involvement in the community and school settings. I encourage families to get involved by attending School Board meetings, volunteering or asking questions.  

NOVIK: My vision is to transform Soap Lake schools into a top-performing district, rivaling neighboring schools within the next decade. I’m passionate and committed to building a thriving educational institution that parents trust to deliver the exceptional education their children deserve. To achieve this, I will relentlessly pursue educational excellence. I’ll collaborate closely with educators, principals, and Superintendent (Angela) Rolfe to address their challenges and explore innovative approaches. Every decision will focus on making Soap Lake Schools a better culture. One critical issue we face is teacher retention, with 60% of our courses taught by inexperienced educators, according to Washington State Education Statistics. By prioritizing support for our teachers, we’ll build a stable, high-quality faculty to drive students to success.  

Q: How can voters get in touch with you and your campaign? Do you have any upcoming events? 

NOVIK: My email is [email protected]. This October, I’m hosting a community town hall at the Soap Lake Public Library to hear your concerns and share my vision. Thank you for your vote, to build better futures and unleash Soap Lake's potential.  

LEAVELL: I am not currently planning any events, but voters can get in touch with me through email [email protected], or if you see me in person, feel free to say hello! 

Correction: Mark Novik's name spelling has been corrected throughout the article above.