
Five Questions Asked of Each Candidate:
- Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?
- What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target their healthcare?
- Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
- What are your thoughts on restricting discussion about race, gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools?
- What are your thoughts on banning books, particularly those with content that include sexual orientation and gender identity?

North Beach School District Board
District 1
Candidate Jeff Albertson
- Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?
My main experience working with LGBTQ youth came in the 1990s and early 2000s, when I volunteered with overnight shelter and meal programs for homeless youth and young adults in Seattle’s University District. A significant number of the kids we served identified as LGBTQ, and lack of family support was often a factor in their becoming homeless.
With respect to LGBTQ families, I served as co-chair of the board at Equal Rights Washington, a civil rights advocacy group, during the 2012 campaign to establish equal marriage rights in our state. We were part of a broad coalition which was successful in persuading legislators, the governor, and voters to support basic but critical legal protections for thousands of couples and their children all across Washington.
Finally, there’s my own life experience. I’m a gay man, I’ve been in a committed relationship with my spouse Ben for 25 years, and we’re the parents of a young son who’s a student in the North Beach School District.
- What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target their healthcare?
I think these anti-trans bills we’re seeing in many states, and the harassment, discrimination, and violence directed at trans Americans more generally, are inconsistent with the American values I was raised to respect and practice, like equal treatment under the law, compassion for others, and living together respectfully in a pluralistic society. We should turn our backs on politicians and other grifters who are trying to score points or raise money by dividing us at the expense of persecuted minority groups.
- Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
An important challenge for our school district (and many others) is finding ways to prevent bullying and harassment; to hold aggressors accountable for their words and actions; and to promote mutual respect, reconciliation, and personal growth. There’s no single solution to this challenge — it requires a combination of clear and enforceable policy, staff training in how to intervene, family engagement, and strong peer leadership in the student body to make progress in creating a safe and supportive environment for all.
- What are your thoughts on restricting discussion about race, gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools?
Public schools are a forum where students and teachers should explore a wide range of knowledge, ideas, and history together to broaden their perspectives and prepare them for life in our infinitely diverse society. I trust our NBSD teachers to provide a well-rounded education, while respecting the wishes of individual students (or their parents & guardians) who may choose to temporarily opt-out of engaging with curriculum that they personally find objectionable.
- What are your thoughts on banning books, particularly those with content that include sexual orientation and gender identity?
This is the Washington coast — we read books (often on dark, stormy nights) but we don’t ban them. Any person or group that wants to ban books in the North Beach School District will have to overcome my strong opposition. The best choice for anyone who objects to a particular title is simply not to read it.
Contact information:
jeff@albertsonforschools.org
www.albertsonforschools.org
https://www.facebook.com/albertsonforschools

North Beach School District Board
District 4
Candidate Joe Lomedico
- Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?
Over my lifetime I couldn’t tell you any certain experiences working with anyone from the LGBTQ Community, because I’ve never found it any different then working with anyone else. In the end we all have the right to be happy with who we are.
I do take pride in knowing that multiple people have felt comfortable knowing that they can come to me and tell me their personal identity or sexual orientation when they couldn’t to others.
- What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target their healthcare?
Just like with most things, I think the government needs to stay out of issues that deal with personal rights. The pursuit of happiness is our given right. That’s not just for some people, but for all people.
- Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
My belief when it comes to any and all topics being taught in school, we should be teaching the honest and accurate accounts of the subjects we teach. This includes LGBT education.
- What are your thoughts on restricting discussion about race, gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools?
Public education should be set up for ALL kids to succeed. No matter race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This is the time when kids are trying to figure who they are. It is not the job of the staff to push them in any direction. It is their job to teach and nurture the students so they can figure out for themselves.
- What are your thoughts on banning books, particularly those with content that include sexual orientation and gender identity?
This topic for our school district is an even bigger issue, because our Jr/Hs doesn’t even have a library which I believe is a main factor in our insanely low reading levels. So we cant even get to the discussion of what books should be allowed, because first we need to have a library to fill with books.
As for my thoughts on books, I am very much against the banning of books. The 1st Amendment is by far the most important one and what separates us from so many other countries.
Contact information:
r.lomedico@hotmail.com
425-503-6431
Candidates below for North Beach School District Board declined to respond to two requests, remaining silent on questions of LGBTQ inclusiveness, restricting discussions in schools, anti-trans efforts, and book bans:
North Beach School District Board, District 2, Candidate Robert Doering
North Beach School District Board, District 2, Candidate Susan Rogers
North Beach School District Board, District 1, Candidate Rickie Day
North Beach School District Board, District 1, Candidate Francelle Jordan
North Beach School District Board, District 4, Candidate Jessica IIiff
North Beach School District Board, District 4, Candidate Halvar Olstead