MEET TODD WHITE
EXPERIENCED LEADER • DATA DRIVEN • COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS
Our school district is one of the best in the state and I want to be part of the team that brings effective solutions to important issues surrounding our children’s emotional wellbeing, declining student enrollment and financial sustainability. I feel a strong sense of duty to serve this community that has brought so much to me and my family.
I am a parent with children attending elementary school in the district and understand directly the opportunities and challenges ahead.
As an experimental test pilot with a graduate degree in aeronautical engineering and 20+ years of executive and senior management leadership experience, I understand the importance of a focused academic curriculum enabling our children to be successful both within the district and after graduation. Additionally, I have served in leadership positions within small, medium, and large corporations managing annual budgets and teams of a size similar to the school district budget and staff size.
Working as a professional pilot, I have traveled extensively to most continents spending weeks and sometimes months living outside the U.S. During my travels, I have personally experienced a variety of cultures which has helped me to develop a deep understanding of the importance of diverse experiences and perspectives.
TODD’ S BACKGROUND
Grew up in Columbus, Ohio
Mercer Island resident since 2015
My wife Yang is a Real Estate broker
Traveled globally for work living outside the US for weeks and months at a time experiencing a wide variety of cultures
TODD’S PRIORITIES
KEEP ISLAND PARK
ELEMENTARY OPEN
Doesn’t make financial sense – cost savings are minimal, if any
$144-298 Million levy proposal to rebuild schools, using IP as a transitional space, needs critical financial analysis
Disrupts the social, emotional and academic health of our students
Will cause overcrowding at the remaining elementary schools
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL
WELLBEING
Increase opportunities which foster a sense of purpose and belonging in our schools
Fully fund our school counselors
Support and expand programs and clubs such as music, theater, art, drama, sports.
ACADEMIC
OPPORTUNITIES
Increase training & support for teachers in inclusive learning practices
Better identification of and support for students needing HiCap and special services
Identify and expand life skill services
Prioritize teacher instructional time and academic rigor
FINANCIAL
SUSTAINABILITY
Rebuild our General Fund – District policy is to maintain reserves of at least 8% with a target of 10%
Address declining enrollment
Determine why families are choosing other options – more than 1,100 students have withdrawn since 2019
Stabilize enrollment by attracting students back to the district and retaining existing enrollment
ENDORSED BY…
Todd White is endorsed by a long list of Mercer Island community members, Mercer Island School Board candidates, current and former City Leaders, and the current Mayor of Mercer Island.
