Tacoma School Board needs proven leaders. TNT’s pick for Position 2 fits the bill
In 2019, when Enrique Leon’s name first appeared on ballots as a candidate for the Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors, The News Tribune Editorial Board lauded the clinician and teacher’s background in medicine in its endorsement of him, writing that “voters should embrace this skillset.”
Of course, at the time, we had no idea how prescient those words would be.
Fast forward two years — through a global pandemic that has already disrupted public education as we know it and could send kids home again at any moment — and the value of Leon’s expertise is hard to argue with. While no one had any idea of the challenges ahead prior to COVID-19, the last 18 months and counting have made Leon’s utility on the school board —and the perspective he’s been able to offer as the district navigates a public health crisis — crystal clear.
This year, the continuing threat of the coronavirus is just one of many reasons The News Tribune is again endorsing Leon in his campaign for Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors, Position 2.
When Leon, 52, was appointed to the board in 2018, he was chosen from a field of more than two dozen applicants to fill a vacancy created by the departure of Catherine Ushka. A year later, consistent with school board rules and procedures, voters elected him to fill out the remainder of Ushka’s term.
Both were wise decisions, and reelecting Leon to a full six-year term of his own is the smart move now.
Leon’s challenger, Sarah Hendrix, did not respond to an invitation to The News Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsement interview. According to the Pierce County Voters’ Pamphlet, Hendrix owns and operates a general contracting business with her husband and is concerned about “comprehensive sex ed curriculum, Critical Race Theory, revisionist history, and feelings-based science” infecting our schools. In a diverse urban district that serves roughly 30,000 students, these are distractions and dog whistles Tacoma voters should ignore.
What they shouldn’t ignore is the trial-by-fire experience Leon has gained during his three years in office. Even before COVID-19 hit, Tacoma Public Schools had weathered a contentious teachers’ strike, been forced to slash budgets and endured rounds of painful layoffs. Throughout, Leon has provided a thoughtful and measured voice of reason.
A practicing physician and a clinical instructor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Leon told The News Tribune Editorial Board his “main goals” include improving the “mental and physical health and safety of students and staff.” In his medical career, Leon said he’s seen the impact the loss of in-person learning has inflicted, including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and cases of domestic violence that have gone unreported. Speaking last month, he supported the district’s return to the classroom, and while he acknowledged COVID cases “will probably happen,” he described the district’s plan as safe and said that teachers and staff are prepared to transition to remote learning if necessary.
Beyond COVID-19, Leon said Tacoma Public Schools must continue to focus on improving the education it offers to all students, with an “eye toward equity.” He noted that the district is home to thousands of students who live in conditions that meet the federal definition of homelessness, and many more living near poverty.
Leon also highlighted the many special needs students and families who depend on the district for education and services, describing this as another area where Tacoma Public Schools can improve.
“What each student in each school might need, it might be quite different,” Leon said.
Thankfully, Leon has proven himself capable of leading on behalf of every Tacoma Public Schools student.
We’re confident the challenges he’s already faced on the school board have prepared him for those to come.
News Tribune election endorsements reflect the views of our Editorial Board and are written by interim opinion editor Matt Driscoll. Other board members are: Stephanie Pedersen, News Tribune president and editor; Jim Walton, community representative; and Pamela Transue, a community representative who serves during election season. The Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom and does not influence the work of news reporting and editing staff. Endorsements are merely recommendations based on candidate interviews, research and discussions among the board. We do not endorse any candidates who do not interview with us. For questions, email matt.driscoll@thenewstribune.com
This story was originally published October 6, 2021 at 5:00 AM.