WARDEN — There are two candidates running for the Warden School District Director District 5 position. These candidates are incumbent Shawn Clausen and candidate Ryan Arredondo.  

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

Q: Can you introduce yourself to the Warden community and share what prompted you to run for the position on the Warden School Board? 

CLAUSEN: My name is Shawn Clausen. I was born and raised in our small town. I am a Warden graduate and currently have four children attending Warden schools ranging from elementary, middle school and high school. I take great pride in saying I was a product of the Warden School District, and I would like to see my kids have the same great opportunities and experiences that I had. A board position opened up in the summer of 2024, so I applied, interviewed, and was appointed to the position. I am now running for election to keep my seat on the board. 

ARREDONDO: My name is Ryan Arredondo, a lifelong Warden resident and proud graduate of Warden schools. I now help manage my family’s trucking company, Arredondo Custom Hauling, and coordinate youth baseball tournaments across Eastern Washington. Both roles require leadership, problem-solving, and community focus. I’m running for school board because I want to give back to the district that shaped me and ensure our students have strong opportunities, whether in college, trades or the workforce. 

Q: What is your vision for the future of the Warden School District, and what specific goals do you hope to achieve in your term, if elected? 

ARREDONDO: My vision is for Warden students to graduate with confidence and options. I’d like to strengthen both academic and vocational pathways, continue investing in safe, modern facilities and increase parent and community engagement. Just as I plan long-term in business and event operations, I’ll work to make thoughtful decisions that position our district for success years down the road. 

CLAUSEN: Students’ education and safety should always take priority while operating it like a fiscally responsible business. I would like to see a curriculum with seamless transitions between every grade level. I plan to look into expanding our CTE program so that high school students can be exposed to a diverse range of skills. This will lead to job opportunities right out of school if they choose to not go the college route. 

Q: What do you identify as the main challenges facing the Warden School District and how do you plan on addressing them if elected to the board? 

CLAUSEN: The main challenge right now all boils down to money. School is a business. We will have to explore other sources of income to make up for the funding shortfalls we receive on the state and federal levels. If none can be found, we will have to look into budget cuts. 

ARREDONDO: Our district faces challenges with limited resources, staffing and ensuring students have equal opportunities. I believe in tackling these with transparency, smart budgeting and stronger community partnerships. Supporting teachers and connecting students to real-world career paths are key priorities. Running a trucking business and organizing tournaments has taught me how to manage resources, solve problems quickly, and balance competing needs — skills I’ll bring to the board. 

Q: How would you handle the district’s budget to balance the financial constraints with the need to improve school facilities and educational programs?  

ARREDONDO: Managing budgets in trucking and event planning has shown me the importance of priorities and accountability. For Warden, I would focus on directing funds toward what impacts students most, maintaining transparency and seeking outside support through partnerships, grants or state programs. Balancing immediate needs with long-term planning is essential, and I’ll apply the same disciplined, forward-thinking approach I use in my business operations. 

CLAUSEN: Budget cuts are not easy. I feel we need to keep on the current track that we have started this year, which is focusing on creating better efficiencies in all departments. I believe if every department is honest with themselves, they will be able to find an area or two that we can improve on. I believe it is important to maintain our student-to-teacher/para ratios and will look at all other areas of budget cuts before looking at staff reductions. We will have to continue applying for grants as a revenue source for facility and education program improvements in the short term until we can run a bond or levy. 

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

CLAUSEN: Voters can contact me at my email: [email protected].  

ARREDONDO: I want to be accessible and listen to the community’s needs. Voters can reach me directly by phone or email at 509-760-8518 and [email protected]. I also plan to hold informal gatherings in Warden where families, staff and community members can share input. My campaign is about serving this community, and I welcome every chance to connect. 

Editor’s Note: Arredondo did not submit a photo in time for deadline.