Community Education

Incumbent West faces challenger for board seat in Peninsula School District

Only one of three school board races in Peninsula School District is contested in this year’s Nov. 7 general election.

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Chuck West, incumbent candidate for the District 1 director seat, faces challenger Jack Mende of Gig Harbor. Running unopposed to defend their respective positions on the school board are incumbents Lori Glover, running for the District 3 seat, and Natalie Wimberley, running to represent District 4.

District 1 race

Chuck West

West, elected to the board in 2019, highlights accomplishments within the district during his tenure, including the addition of four new elementary schools and renovations of two middle schools, as well as expansion of “career trade programs,” such as NJROTC.

Chuck West

“I’m just so proud of what we’ve accomplished and the other people on the board,” West said during a recent interview with Gig Harbor Now. “We were really a good team, and I want to continue that.”

West, a resident of Vaughn, works as a general contractor and is a retired battalion chief for Key Peninsula Fire Department. He has served on several community advisory boards and is president of the Key Peninsula Community Council. West ran in 2022 for the Pierce County Council District 7 seat but did not advance past the primary.

West, in the Pierce County voter’s pamphlet, said he would continue to use his background in construction for cost-effective project budgeting, while assuring the district has high-quality facilities that will last over time. He said he would continue his efforts to expand offerings in career and technical education that could lead to apprenticeships, trade schools or degrees in higher education. Two fields he’d like the district to consider are agriculture and environmental science.

“As a school board member, I want to continue to work with our teachers and staff to assure that all students have the tools and opportunities needed to learn,” West said in his statement. “This is my home where I raised my family. I want to assure that my family will have the same opportunities for a great education as I did in our Peninsula schools.”

Jack Mende

Mende, in his voter’s pamphlet statement, described himself as a lifelong learner and an advocate of inclusivity.

“I believe that a safe space is needed to learn, and I am a strong advocate of mental/emotional/physical health and inclusivity,” he said in the pamphlet. He believes in “building community through learning.”

Jack Mende

Mende did not submit for the voter’s pamphlet information on his professional experience, education, community service or any past elected experience. And he did not respond by deadline to requests from Gig Harbor Now for information on his background.

His statement continues, “As a public servant, I want to inspire a love of learning and share my enthusiasm for the arts, trades, health and STEM programs.” He is an advocate for people with disabilities and a proponent of adaptive teaching and learning styles.

“I want to help support and develop existing school communities and mentor the creation of new ways for kids to connect. I feel that connecting with the kids and understanding their morale is an important part of being a director,” Mende said. “I want to bridge connections and find ways to help students feel like they matter.”

Unchallenged races

Lori Glover

Lori Glover

Glover, running to retain her District 3 seat, joined the Peninsula School Board in 2018, when she was appointed to fill a vacancy. She ran and was elected to the seat in 2019.

Glover’s background is in the banking and airline industries. She notes, in the voter’s pamphlet, that she’s lived in Gig Harbor for 33 years and raised three children in Peninsula School District.

Glover’s primary focus is improving learning outcomes in core areas like literacy and math. She also has her eye on capital facility needs at both high schools.

“Our aging high school facilities now demand attention,” she said. “We must ensure that our students and staff have access to safe modern facilities, and foster an environment conducive to learning and growth for future generations.”

Natalie Wimberly

Wimberley, the District 4 incumbent, has served on the board since 2019 and is its current president. She has a background in adult basic education and is the former military liaison for Alamogordo Public Schools in New Mexico.

Natalie Wimberley

“Four years ago, I prioritized hiring a high-quality superintendent and developing a strategic plan focused on increasing student achievement. I am proud to have delivered on these goals and more,” she said in the voter’s pamphlet

Wimberley also highlights the district’s receipt of grants to increase access to STEM programs, expansion of the Transitional Kindergarten program, launch of NJROTC, and the district’s role in passing legislation to support military-connected students.

If re-elected, she would focus on creating additional graduation pathways, enhancing district safety programs, and targeting efforts to boost literacy and academic achievement among other initiatives.