Hockinson School District is excited to welcome Sherrie Jones as our newest school board member, representing District 2 in the northeast corner of the district. Jones replaces Patrick Carter, who served on the Board since November 2020. More from HSD Director Sherrie Jones:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I was born and raised right here in Washington. I lived my younger years in Yelm, WA, where I attended K-12. I am a product of a school district that provided unwavering support for a young girl that didn't always have a coat to wear, and a community that ensured she always had a holiday meal and gifts under the Christmas tree. In my high school years, I was lifted up by teachers, coaches, and friends, all helping guide me towards a successful future. After graduating, I stayed nearby while working two jobs and attending community college. I'm proud to say that while I did not complete a college degree, my hard work and determination in those early years of adulthood helped me get where I am today. I'm currently the Executive Director of the Southwest Washington Contractors Association (SWCA), leading a team that supports the commercial, industrial, and infrastructure contractors in our region. Previous to my time with SWCA, I was the Executive Director for Leadership Clark County, bringing together business, non-profit, and public sector leaders to learn and discuss the challenges that they all face, and how the choices that one makes will impact the others.
I met my husband in 2013, just after moving to Clark County. We now have two amazing children who keep us busy with sports and activities. We are also the proud owners of a building materials company, specializing in lighting needs. When not busy with work or children's activities, we enjoy traveling and game nights with friends. With my husband and I both growing up in small towns, we moved to Hockinson to provide that same experience for our children. We value some of the smallest things in life, knowing your neighbors, the beauty of nature, and building relationships that can last a lifetime. Both of us were able to experience these in the small towns we grew up in and hope that our children will love and value these same things as they grow. I personally have friends I've known since the first day of school, and while I no longer live near them, they are some of my dearest friends even to this day.”
2. What drives your passion for education and for serving on the HSD Board?
“My passion for service began when I was in middle school, serving on ASB and participating in multiple clubs. I really began to get involved as a high school student where my ASB time continued. I became a student representative presenting to the school board and later became part of the student group that helped educate and facilitate the passing of a bond to improve our schools. As an adult, this passion has continued through my work over the last 10 years. I would say what really continues to drive my passion for education and serving on the school board is the lasting impact that these experiences have given me. Engagement between staff, students, and the school board is an essential part of the success of the district. All three groups should be openly communicating and working together to achieve what is most needed. I've experienced it first hand as a student, and hope to give back to my community in the same way that those staff and board members did when I attended school.”
3. What contribution to HSD schools are you most proud of?
“The biggest contribution to the HSD that I am most proud of is not really one individual thing, but really a collective effort of things. Over the last several years, I've worked with HHS to implement new CTE programming, specifically with the skilled trades programs. We've adopted a new curriculum, seen an increase in student participation, and growth in Skills USA competitions, even hosting the first team competition our region has seen! Through the connection with the high school, we've expanded programming to offer Construction Summer Camp to our middle school students, and even implemented a Fourth Grade Toolbox Program. The Toolbox Program is particularly exciting to be a part of, as you can see the sense of accomplishment in the faces of these young students, many of whom have never created something with tools before.”
4. What about the Hockinson community inspires you?
“Hockinson is all about community – supporting our neighbors, supporting our schools, supporting our local businesses. We show up for each other and aren't afraid to stand up for what is best in our community. My family sought out a home in Hockinson so that our children can grow up surrounded by a community that cares.”
5. Do you have any children who attend Hockinson schools?
“Yes, I have two children who are currently attending Hockinson Heights Elementary.”
6. What hopes do you have for the HSD?
“My hopes for the HSD are that we continue to provide a safe place for students to learn, grow the opportunities for our young adults to prepare for their options after high school, and increase communication between the schools and the residents in our community. We are all neighbors and should be able to work together to ensure we are meeting the needs of both the community and the schools.”