Pair of incumbents face challenges for Ridgefield School Board

District 2

Wendi Morris

Age: 42

Background: Morris is a liability claims adjuster for Farmer’s Insurance. She is a Ridgefield High School graduate with three children in the Ridgefield schools. She is involved in the community through youth sports, the Ridgefield Lions, Ridgefield Leo Club, Union Ridge PTA and Spudder Boosters.

Money raised: $685.

Endorsements: Building Industry Association of Clark County.

Joe Vance

Age: 43

Background: Vance is a graduate of Prairie High School, Brigham Young University and the University of Washington. He is a lawyer and partner with Miller Nash in Vancouver. He is the father of seven children, four of whom attend Ridgefield schools, and is involved in the community through youth sports, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Vancouver Rotary Club. He is a past board member for the Vancouver Symphony and is an Eagle Scout.

Money raised: None.

Endorsements: None.

District 5

Scott Gullickson

Age: 47

Background: Gullickson works in property development at Gateway National Corporation. He graduated from Oregon State University and has been involved in the community through youth sports programs, the Cricket Pre-School Board, the Salmon Creek Business Group, and was the Ridgefield school levy precinct captain from 2009-2010.

Funds raised: None.

Major endorsements: Building Industry Association of Clark County.

Robyn Morales

Age: 47

Background: Morales is a Ridgefield graduate who received an associate’s degree in fashion merchandising and now works as an events coordinator. She has two sons in Ridgefield schools and is involved in the community through the Ridgefield Booster Club and PTA.

Money raised: None.

Major endorsements: None.

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Incumbent Wendi Morris, 42, has served on Ridgefield School District’s board of directors for 12 years. This November, she is running for the District 2 position against Joe Vance, a litigation attorney with Miller Nash law offices in Vancouver.

Vance, a father of seven, has lived in the district for 13 years and is involved in many community and school organizations. Vance said he has no criticism against Morris but feels the district needs a new perspective.

A common concern for the candidates is the tremendous population growth in the district. Morris, who has three children in the district, said she considers long-term planning for growth a top priority.

“Our district continues to have an increase of students, with very little space to accommodate them. We are at a critical stage to make needed investments in our schools and, in turn, our community,” Morris said.

Vance said it is unfortunate that school district leaders have been unable to bring the community together to support the measures necessary to provide adequate facilities for students. He hopes to improve communication between the district and the community to enhance outdated facilities and manage growth in school programs.

Bringing community members together will be important because the board approved the district’s 2011-17 capital facilities plan to improve facilities and construct new buildings. Improvements to facilities alone will cost $28 million, which would require passing a bond, according to the plan.

District 5 position

Scott Gullickson, who has served on the board since May 2008, will also face competition in November. He said he is proud of the work the board has done in the past three years by being fiscally sound and improving communication by being better listeners.

Robyn Morales, who is running against Gullickson, has two sons in the Ridgefield district and was encouraged to run by fellow parents. She said she hopes to be a neutral voice willing to listen to the community.

“I just don’t think people are listening to the community and looking to the taxpayers,” she said. “… Their taxes are what makes the school able to function. … I have no agenda other than what is best for the kids and the community.”

Morales, who also is a Ridgefield graduate, said she hopes to see the best things come from her community, but wants to achieve it without maxing out taxpayers.

“We are still providing what the kids need. It doesn’t take a big building to provide kids with what they need,” she said.

Gullickson echoed his fellow board members’ concerns about capital improvements in the face of economic turmoil.

“Budgets are tight for everyone and it’s important that we use every dollar in a way that positively impacts learning in the class room and provides the opportunity for all students to excel,” Gullickson said.