• Cassandra Sage for Position 3 on the Lake Washington School Board is the right choice.

I know Cassandra through the PTSA, an organization dedicated to students’ success and welfare. Volunteers serving the PTSA are the most hardworking, dedicated and organized people I know. The PTSA awards volunteers for their work and the Golden Acorn award is their highest honor. Cassandra has earned FOUR Golden Acorn awards over her 22 years of service to the PTSA from four different schools. Being awarded once is no small matter, but four awards tells you something about Cassandra. This is an amazing achievement and few are in her elite class of volunteers. The award criteria language states: “awarded to an individual who has given outstanding volunteer service to ALL children and demonstrated commitment to helping them achieve their potential, beyond what is recognized as part of their responsibilities, duties of office or job in the PTSA.”

Not only has Cassandra dedicated herself to the PTSA, as a parent with special-needs children, she has years of experience with the issues of special-needs students throughout the district. She is a thoughtful listener, speaker and writer and would serve the district well as it continues to grow as one of the highest rated school districts in the state. I have no doubt in my mind that Cassandra will dedicate herself to this position. She should be your No. 1 choice as well.

Lile Ellefsen

Kirkland

• There is probably no elected position that has a greater direct impact on our families and communities than that of director for our school districts. These individuals have a profound impact on the lives of all of our children, helping to build knowledge, skills and abilities that will help our students achieve their full potential in life.

This year, we are especially fortunate to have the opportunity to elect Cassandra Sage as our Lake Washington School District (LWSD) director for District 3. Cassandra has been an outstanding leader and advocate for education for more than 20 years. With a degree in early childhood education, experience owning and operating a pre-school and active service to the LWSD that resulted in her receiving four Golden Acorn awards, she is the clear choice for District 3.

Cassandra is a strong advocate for ensuring the needs of ALL students are met. She will work for more inclusion of special education students, expanded vocational education opportunities and greater assistance with college preparation for those going on to university studies.

Endorsed by retiring LWSD board director Nancy Bernard, who has served as LWSD director for District 3 for the past 20 years and is not seeking re-election this year, Cassandra has also been endorsed by former LWSD directors Jackie Pendergrass, Doug Eglington and Johanna Palmer, and is endorsed by the Lake Washington Education Association, the labor union that represents educators in the LWSD.

Cassandra Sage is the right choice for our students and communities!

Sherie Valderrama

Sammamish