I know what’s possible when we work together.
From working with my family to build our home in Pierce County to working to pass the first bond measure for Peninsula School District in two decades - throughout my life I’ve learned when we work together, we can get big things done.
I’m running for the 26th district state senate appointment because for too many families a good life is out of reach. Everyone should have the opportunity to thrive—that starts with strong schools, access to healthcare, affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, and quality job opportunities.
As a former school board member and strong advocate for education, I’ve seen firsthand the difference my work has made in unifying our community to build schools together. Now, I’m ready to continue my work for a brighter future for all our families.
Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for everyone.
ABOUT DEB
Growing up in Pierce County on her parents’ farm, Deb learned early on the importance of hard work and what can be accomplished when we work together. Along with her parents and brother, Deb helped build their family home that they enjoyed for over 50 years.
In 1990, Deb became the first in her family to graduate college and saw firsthand the power education has to create opportunity. Since then, she has dedicated herself to ensuring children, families and teachers in our community have the resources needed to be successful. Throughout her career, Deb has given back - first as a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as a PTA volunteer, and later as School Board Member for the Peninsula School District.
In 2008, Deb and her husband, Baiya, moved with their three children to Gig Harbor where she became deeply involved as a full time public school volunteer.
In 2015, Deb was first elected to the Peninsula School District Board of Directors. She served as President of the School Board from 2018-2020. During her time on the board, Deb formed a public schools advocacy group, Stand Up for Peninsula Schools (SUP) to secure local funding in our schools. She led successful school enrichment levy campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2023 and moved the approval rate from the 50s to over 70% in 2016 and has kept the approval rate above 60% since.
Alongside SUP, Deb also ran a successful bond campaign in 2019, with an approval of 67%—the first time the Peninsula School District passed a capital project bond in 20 years. Our elementary schools were severely overcrowded and outdated; the bond funded four new elementary schools and modernized and expanded two middle schools.
Deb has received many awards for her public service:
Citizen of the Year, Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce (2023)
Hugh McMillan Award, Peninsula School District (2023)
Community Leadership Award, Washington Association of School Administrators (2019)
