In Their Own Words: Meet Shoreline School Board District 5 Challenger Lisa Pyper

CANDIDATE PROFILE INFORMATION:

What is your full, legal name? 

Lisa Marie Pyper

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Heery International, Commercial Construction QA Inspector

When and Where Were You Born?

Nov. 13, 1963, Seattle, WA

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there? 

Shoreline since 1989.

Spouse or domestic partner if any: 

None

Children: 

Four…ages 11, 14, 15, 24.  One is in Briarcrest and 2 are in Shorecrest High School.

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

University of Washington – 1982 to 1985.  Additional specialized training and certifications to become an inspector and required annual continuing education.

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):

None. 

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

President of North King County Little League for ’08, ’09, ’10 seasons and remain on the Board as Post President.

Member of Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?  No

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

 Web site: none

Email address: lmpyper@comcast.net

Phone number: 206-390-4706

Campaign manager: myself

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: None

Other campaigns for public office:  None

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

With $150 million at stake in construction projects, I’d like to bring my expertise in school construction to the table.  I’ve seen school districts saddled with the burden of budget overruns, delays and poor quality workmanship.  Ultimately, the parents (taxpayers) are left frustrated and disappointed with their finished school.  Worse, the kids and educators are left to function in chaotic, sometimes hazardous situations.  Most of these issues could have been avoided had the right people been at the table to make timely decisions, keep contractors accountable to the schedule, and foster good communications with the project team.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

1) Make sure the schools are built on time and within budget.  Construction is underway and it’s important that the school district gets what it paid for and the kids, parents, and taxpayers are satisfied with the finished projects.

2) Foster better rapport with the City of Shoreline and Parks Department, community organizations such as the Little League, Shorelake soccer as well as the community at large.

3)    I would like to like to see more ninth grade sports programs brought back.  It’s important for ninth graders (13 – 14 yr olds) to find a constructive outlet and a sense of belonging.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

I bring a new and relevant skill set to the board applicable to the task at hand - rebuilding our high schools.  Over the next four years of construction, the board will be asked to make many decisions.  They are also going to hear much complaining from the parents and the students.  Most anxiety comes from lack of understanding.  I can help foster peace of mind through my knowledge of construction and open communications with the kids, parents, and the construction team.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

I’m hoping that it won’t cost me more than $500.00.   Remember, this is not a paid position.

What groups or individuals are your major endorsers?

This is my first campaign for office and I haven’t looked for endorsements.  In my line of work, you never ask for favors because you must always remain impartial and independent.  Ethically speaking, as an inspector, you can’t be “beholding” to anyone and as a school board director, I would believe the same to be true.  The kids are the only ones that matter in this position.