Cascade School Board race pits challenger Ellen Beardsley against incumbent Cindy Puckett

The race for Cascade School Board seat number one pits incumbent Cindy Puckett against challenger Ellen Beardsley. Puckett, 59, has served one four-year term on the school board. She said she has learned a lot over that time. 

“I’ve learned the processes as far as approving the policy and procedures that run the schools and the administration and how we take care of our kids in the proper way. I’ve learned what it takes to pass bonds and M&O,” Puckett said. “Being out there in the public, asking questions is a big part in passing it. If you can get the answers, people are more understanding and are more apt to vote yes.”

Puckett, a lifelong Leavenworth resident, was on the school board when the bond was passed to build the new schools. 

“That was a big deal, having our big boards out through town with pictures and descriptions. We had the in-home visits by Bill Motsenbocker. That was a huge aspect to pass that bond. He was in the home answering questions. I do the same thing at the store,” Puckett said. 

Since passage of the bond, Puckett and her fellow board members have overseen the construction process. She said it has been eye opening to understand the costs involved. 

“Being able to approve moving forward with the different bids and seeing the bidding process. I learned how to buy the bonds. It is interesting to follow and learn. It is worth it. We’re building something these kids will enjoy for many years, just like the old buildings have been,” Puckett said. 

Puckett hopes these new schools last a long as the old Osborn School. 

“It has lasted 50 or more years.There is generally more money spent in repairs than to build new and have it last longer,” Puckett said. 

She would like to see more parent involvement in schools. Leading the charge against preventing bullying is also very important. 

“The bullying aspect is another issue. I will not back down from that. We don’t want kids to be in that position. If you can be friends with everyone, you’ll have a better outlook on life,” Puckett said. 

Even though her grandchildren have moved from the district, Puckett said she wants to remain on the school board to see the construction finished. She likes being involved in the decision making. 

“I would like to see the faces of the kids and teachers when they move into their new classrooms,” Puckett said. “This is something the community can look back and say, I don’t mind paying for it because it’s bettering the classroom atmosphere.”

Ellen Beardsley, 52, moved to Leavenworth two years ago, but her family has been coming to town much longer. She has two children in school, a fifth grader and a sixth grader. 

“We first really became part of the community in 2012, when my oldest daughter was cast as Gretl in The Sound of Music,” Beardsley said. “We essentially lived here that summer. We lived North Bend. We got to know families here. Isabel (daughter) has been in the Sound of Music as Gretl, Marta and this past summer, Brigita. We instantly fell in love with the community. Even though we’ve been here two years, we’ve been part of the community for longer.”

Beardsley has been a corporate attorney for Expedia for the past five years. Her job gives her much flexibility, so she does not have to travel much. Plus, her experience as a corporate attorney gives her great insight in serving on the school board. 

As a corporate attorney, one of her responsibilities is corporate governance. 

“As a corporate attorney, it is my skill sets, which include being able to talk with a lot of different stakeholders. I’ve helped small businesses. I’ve helped large multinational corporations,” Beardsley said. “I do acquisitions, employee differences. No matter what the issue that needs to be discussed, there is negotiation, there is understanding of different stakeholders. That’s what I do day-in and day-out.”

She also helps to implement the laws and regulations that turn into policies and procedures for the business. As a company, she said they are looking to make money, but they’re looking to do it in a very legal, ethical way. 

Beardsley feels that is the same role and responsibilities for the school board. 

“We are looking to insure the best education for our children. I think we have a very unique situation in Leavenworth with our teachers, administration and staff. They’ve either grown up here, moved away and come back or they are transplants because they really want to be here,” Beardsley said. “We have teachers, administrators and staff that really want to be here, so I don’t think we have any issues with commitment from that group.” 

As for the school construction, Beardsley feels it has gone well. 

“I think with any large construction project, there’s going to be things in the plan that are not going to go according to plan. There are the known risks and the unknown risks and you do your best to plan for them,” Beardsley said. “There are next phases in building and I’m sure there are things going to come up and we’ll deal with it. Overall, I think it is looking great. The town is pretty excited.” 

As a board member, she said she is not only making sure her daughters are getting the best education, but they also need to look further down. She doesn’t see any real issues per say. 

“I’m running because I think I can add value to our board. I think the school board has been doing a great job. I commend them for the schools being built. That is wonderful,” Beardsley said. “Our children are our future and we need to keep that education ball going from generation to generation, so they are prepared for the changes happening.”

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.