Peninsula School District No. 401 - Director District No. 1
Chuck West
Jack Mende
(253) 761-6699 chuck-west@hotmail.com
jack.mende.vote@gmail.com
Elected Experience Peninsula School district Director 2019-2023, Key Peninsula Community Council Director (president) 2013 to present Other Professional Experience Retired Battalion Chief, KP Fire Department; General Contractor Education Peninsula School District Graduate, Electrician thru WA LNI Apprenticeship program, Washington State Fire Academy where I returned to teach, Certified IFSAC Fire Service instructor, EMT and Fire Officer. Community Service Previous Board member of Peninsula Schools Education Foundation, School District Capitol Facilities Planning Group, Pierce County Flood Control Advisory Board, Chair of Key Free Clinic, Board Member Key Peninsula Community Council, Key peninsula Land use Advisory Board. Statement 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. This is my home where I raised my family. I want to assure that my grandchildren will have the same opportunities for a great education as I did in our Peninsula Schools. With my background in construction, I will continue to make the checks and balances for efficient, cost-effective construction while assuring the buildings, with proper maintenance, will endure the test of time. We should never have leaking roofs! Recognizing the need for higher education, I will strive to see more offerings in trade schools and apprenticeship programs. We need electricians, welders, and mechanics as well as doctors and scientists. I am dedicated to making this community a great place to raise and educate your family. It would be my honor to continue to serve you as a member of this amazing board. With your support this board has led the effort to build the four new elementary schools, modernize two of the middle schools, and has pushed our focus on career trade programs expanding our offerings, including the JROTC program.
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Elected Experience No Information Submitted Other Professional Experience No Information Submitted Education No Information Submitted Community Service No Information Submitted Statement As a life long learner I am passionate about self-development and find reasons to celebrate learning. I believe that a safe space is needed to learn and I am a strong advocate of mental/emotional/physical health and inclusivity. In my k-12 experience, I was 3 years varsity in sports and VP of my FFA and I understand the importance of and believe in building community through learning. As a Public Servant, I want to inspire a love of learning and share my enthusiasm for the arts, trades, health and stem programs. I am an advocate for people with disabilities and a strong believer in adaptive learning/teaching 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. I want to bridge connections and find ways to help students feel like they matter. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to support and serve our community.