Hi, I’m Karin Stark.
I want to help bring a new era to Beaverton Schools where our kids and teachers get the schools they deserve.
Just like Beaverton I’m a lot of different things: a mom of four, ranging in ages from pre-k to fifth grade; a former (and future!) teacher; a dancer; an outdoor enthusiast, especially hiking; a gardener; a lover of quilts; a wife and friend.
This may sound cliche, but I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a teacher. I begged my brother to play school with me constantly when I was little because learning was fun. Later, in eighth grade, I was struggling to understand the math concepts as my teacher taught them. My mom bought me a better textbook and I was able to teach the concepts to myself, using my dog as my student. I still remember the moment when it all came together, my “lightbulb moment.” By high school I was doing paid tutoring for friends, and seeing that happen for them was so fulfilling. By college it was clear that teaching was my calling.
My other love growing up was history; I loved learning about how people made a difference in the world. In my education program I chose that as my focus. As part of my studies I delved in to the social sciences to learn more about all of the different facets of why people act and how movements happen. I learned so much about policy vs practice and how important it is that we include the people who are impacted the most in how we make decisions.
I did my teaching internship at a district school that served kids who were highly impacted students. The more I worked with them the more I realized they needed someone who would make the curriculum come alive for them. I watched them light up just like I had with that math textbook when I was able to reach them. I believed then, and still believe, that every child deserves that kind of education. Every child deserves a teacher who believes in them and has the tools and support to meet students where they are.
When I learned last May that the district was considering closing two-to four elementary schools, I was stunned—and drawn to action. I firmly believe that as community members we are here to lift up the hands that hang down and empower one another. I have spent the last year researching our district and school closures, organizing rallies, handing out flyers, attending board meetings, and joining with educators and other parents to fight for our schools.
I realized one night, after a frustrating board meeting, that I have a unique set of talents and insights with my background in education and service to be a school board member who can make a difference. We need school board members who don’t simply fall in line with the recommendations of the district staff but who bring all of the stakeholders to the table and take the time to ensure that the votes they make uplift those who don’t always have a seat at the table. We are given the trust of every member of our community when we’re elected and it’s our job to work with the families, the educators and staff, and the community to ensure those decisions are in line with our values. Public schools belong to all of us, and I promise to take that trust to heart every day as I serve.
