Ty Kuehl for Tumwater School Board

I understand and respect the concerns many community members and families have shared about the real or perceived inequities between Tumwater High School and Black Hills High School. I grew up during the time when the district transitioned from one comprehensive high school to two — and I remember how emotional and important that moment was for the community. I also have close family and friends connected to both schools, and I care deeply about the success of every student, regardless of which side of I-5 they attend.

As a board member, I believe we must take those concerns seriously — and that starts with transparency, listening, and looking at the data. Equity doesn’t always mean equal — it means making sure all schools have what they need to support their students and staff. That includes everything from academic offerings and extracurriculars to facilities and staffing resources.

I believe strongly in having two excellent, thriving comprehensive high schools — and I want our community to be proud to cheer for both. Our students, staff, and families deserve nothing less. There isn’t a stronger advocate for this cause on the board, and I will continue working to ensure that every school is supported, every concern is heard, and every student has access to the opportunities they deserve.

First, we have to acknowledge that this is a serious and complex challenge — and that there are no easy fixes. Like many districts across the state, Tumwater is facing declining enrollment and rising costs, especially in areas like special education and transportation, where state funding doesn’t fully cover what it actually costs to serve students.

To move forward responsibly, we need to make data-driven decisions that are transparent, student-centered, and sustainable. That means understanding where every dollar is going, evaluating the impact of programs, and making tough calls when necessary — but doing it with community input and clarity.

We also need to keep pressure on the state to address the structural funding issues that put districts like ours in this position. In the meantime, I believe we can find smarter, more efficient ways to operate, while still protecting what matters most: students in classrooms, strong staff support, and access to programs that keep kids engaged. Our budget is a reflection of our values — and I’m committed to making sure we’re thoughtful and fair in how we manage it.

No, the Tumwater School Board did not ban transgender athletes.

What the board did was pass a non-binding resolution expressing concerns about the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy that allows students to participate in sports based on their gender identity. This resolution did not create or change any district policy, and it did not ban participation. Transgender students in Tumwater continue to participate under existing WIAA and district guidelines.

This action was taken in response to a specific request from the Superintendent, who asked the board for formal guidance ahead of a proposed WIAA amendment and upcoming league-level discussions. More than 20 other school districts across Washington have passed similar resolutions in recent months.

We did not break any Tumwater School District policies or procedures, nor did we fall out of compliance with state law or WIAA rules. It was never our role to determine legality or enforce changes — we simply provided the guidance we were asked for, in a formal and transparent manner.

I understand this is a deeply personal and complex issue, and I believe all students deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported in our schools. I’m committed to continuing these conversations with empathy, honesty, and a focus on student well-being.

School board members are elected to represent the community and provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction for the school district. While we don’t manage daily operations — that’s the superintendent’s responsibility — we are responsible for setting the vision, approving the budget, adopting policy, and holding the superintendent accountable for implementing the plan we set.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that board members don’t control every decision in the district — and we’re not supposed to. Our role is not to micromanage, but to stay focused on the big picture: student outcomes, staff support, financial sustainability, and community values.

It’s also critical to balance the dual responsibility we have — to represent the district and to reflect the broader community. When that relationship is healthy, it leads to trust, transparency, and good governance. When it gets out of balance, decisions can feel disconnected or overly reactive. My goal as a board member is to be thoughtful, grounded, and consistent — working in partnership with district leadership while staying closely connected to the community I represent.

To me, access means making sure every student has the opportunity to fully participate in all that our schools offer — regardless of their background, income, learning style, or neighborhood.

That includes:

• Access to rigorous academics and career pathways

• Access to extracurriculars, clubs, arts, music, and athletics

• Access to mental health supports, counseling, special services, and alternative learning options that meet students where they are

• Access to welcoming, inclusive school environments where all students feel safe and supported

Access is about removing barriers, not lowering standards — and it goes hand-in-hand with maintaining high expectations for all students. Every student deserves the opportunity to rise, be challenged, and reach their potential — and that starts with ensuring they can access the tools, programs, and support they need to succeed.

I believe what sets me apart is my unwavering loyalty to this community. I was raised here. I went to school here. And after leaving for college and early adulthood, my wife and I chose to come back to raise our own children here. There’s no place like Tumwater — and I won’t be convinced otherwise.

I’ve served on the board since August 2024, when I was unanimously appointed, and I’ve approached every meeting and decision with a focus on students, transparency, and long-term impact. I’m not running on ideology — I’m running to serve. I’ve lived the experience of being a student here, and now I’m living the experience of being a parent of four kids in this district.

I don’t believe there’s a candidate who knows more about or is more passionate about our community, our schools, and our kids. I care deeply about doing what’s right — not what’s loud — and I bring local knowledge, real-world leadership experience, and a grounded, team-first approach. I’d be honored to continue this work and to earn your trust and your vote.

I’ve chosen not to seek or accept public endorsements — and that’s intentional. School board positions are nonpartisan for a reason, and I believe deeply that they should stay that way. I’m not running to represent a political party, a union, or any outside organization — I’m running to represent Tumwater students, families, and staff, and to serve with a common-sense, community-first approach.

In my view, public endorsements often come with strings attached — or at the very least, the perception of them. I don’t fit into a box, and I’m not interested in being aligned “for” or “against” any group. My one and only commitment is to TSD and our kids. That means listening to everyone, doing the hard work, and making decisions based on what’s right — not what’s politically convenient.

If voters want someone grounded in local experience, who shows up without an agenda and puts kids first every time — I’d be honored to have their support.