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WEDNESDAY, November 6, 2013 VOL. 46, NO. 45 75¢ islandssounder.com Rebecca Herman photo
Superintendent Kline Straight from the senator announces retirement The Islands’ Sounder profiles Kevin Ranker and hears about his latest bills
by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Publisher
Kevin Ranker is a surfer, family man, gourmet cook, environmentalist and avid runner – and he also happens to be a state senator. His jovial, laid-back attitude has been a breath of fresh air among his fellow politicians. He is the same person at his home on Orcas Island as he is discussing carbon tax bills in Olympia. “I like to laugh but I’m also very deliberate,” he said. “Everything I do, I think through. Even when I make foolish decisions, I’ve thought it through.” Ranker, who is a Democrat, says there are three issues that define him as a politician: equality (for the LGBT community, for education), choice (health care access, family planning, safe abortion options) and the environment. “Marriage equality was my proudest moment ever,” he said. “I think it has impacted more people positively than anything else.” Ranker expects to continue defending Referendum 74, the marriage equality act, which was approved by voters last year. In February 2012, Governor Christine Gregoire signed the marriage bill. It was set to take effect that June, but opponents submit-
ted enough signatures to suspend the bill and require a state-wide vote. In November, it was approved by voters – overwhelmingly so in San Juan County. “I was naive to think we were done when we passed the equality act two years ago,” Ranker said. “I anticipate having to defend equality and a woman’s right to choose. It’s going to be a constant battle.” Ranker’s father is gay, and while he was raised by his mother, his two dads have been a big part of his life. “My mom and my dad are still best friends,” he said. Ranker’s dad was married to his long-time partner in New York at the age of 71. When the legislature is in session, Ranker lives in Olympia. After a long day, he goes to the 24-hour market and picks out ingredients for a three-course meal. “I usually don’t sit down to eat until midnight, but it’s how I relax,” Ranker said. He runs at least four days a week, works 16 hours days and gets very little sleep. And that is exactly how he likes it. “Sleep is over-rated,” he laughs. Ranker sponsors no more than 10 bills per session. In 2014, the legislative session is set to run from January to April, but Ranker says it often goes several months past the expected date. His wife Tina and daughter Elsa, who is in kindergarten, live full-time on Orcas Island. “When the senate is in session, it is very difficult to maintain commonality with your family,” Ranker said. “When I get back to Orcas, it’s my sanctuary.” Because the senate only pays $40,000 a year, he also consults institutions and CEOs on climate, energy and ocean policy and strategic development.
Upcoming 2014 bills Ranker is excited about advancing “bold” climate strategies in the 2014 Legislative Session based on his year’s research as a member of the Governor’s Climate Legislative Executive Workgroup. He assures that there will be climate legislation. “I believe that dealing with climate is one of the most critical issues we are facing,” he said. “We are currently researching models
SEE RANKER, PAGE 6
by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Publisher
Orcas Schools Superintendent Barbara Kline has announced she will be retiring at the end of this school year. “It has been an amazing experience to work with great staff members, students, parents and an overwhelmingly supportive community,” she said. Kline has been an educator for more than 40 years. For the past 24 years, she has been at the Orcas School District. “This is a good time to retire because it is good timing for me and because the district is in a good place,” she said. “We have two very excellent principals, an experienced school board, and a bond project entering the building phase before the end of this year.” Board member Janet Brownell said there were many times when she would drive past the school after working hours and see Kline’s light on in her office. She calls her a “relentless champion” of students and public education. “I have been with the board long enough to have worked with four superintendents,” Brownell said. “Barbara Kline was principal of the high school when Glenn Harris left and the district was in a financial crisis. She offered to become a part-time superintendent so that the district could save money ... She helped us become fiscally stronger, helped us pass bonds and levies and brought two new extraordinary principals to the district.” Kathy Page is principal of kindergarten to sixth grade and Kyle Freeman is principal of seventh to 12th grade. The board will discuss the search for a new superintendent at a special meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. in the school library. Kline says there is a lot to do before her last day on June 30. The school is implementing a new
Contributed Photo
Barbara Kline is leaving June 2014.
evaluation system for both teachers and principals, working on the bond and facilities and completing educational work on the common core. “Planning the transition to a new superintendent will take time,” Kline said. “I know that the Orcas School Board members will want to carefully consider the qualities and experiences the district needs in their next superintendent. They will also need time to plan the selection process and determine how they will involve staff, parents and community members.”
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