Meet Annie Fitzsimmons, Candidate For The University Place School Board

Annie Thompson Fitzsimmons

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I am self-employed. I am an attorney, specializing in real estate and representing home owners, homeowner associations, and the Washington REALTORS®, among others.

When and Where Were You Born?

1965, West Point, NY

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

University Place. My husband and I have lived in this home since November 1992, almost 19 years.

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

My husband is Mark Fitzsimmons.

Children:

Griffin Fitzsimmons is 14 years old, attending Curtis Jr. High. Hannah Fitzsimmons is 12 years old, attending Narrows View Intermediate.

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

University of Washington, School of Law; Juris Doctorate cum laude, 1992.

Pacific Lutheran University; BA in Secondary Education for English and Science; 1987.

Clover Park High School; 1983.

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

None of my own.  Proud Army brat for first 11 years of my life.  My dad served a 22 year career in the Army.

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

PTA member every year of my children’s academic careers, Member of University Place Presbyterian Church

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: N/A

Email address: atfitz@comcast.net

Phone number: 253-460-2988

Campaign manager: self

Campaign manager: N/A

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: PTA Board Member at Sunset Primary (2005-2006; 2006-2007; 2007-2008) and Drum Intermediate (2008-2009)

Other campaigns for public office: University Place City Council, 1994.

THIS CAMPAIGN:

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

I love the University Place Schools. The school system has provided an excellent education and a productive learning environment for both of my children, inside and outside the classroom. The greatness of the schools originates from its staff and the programs they enable.  Academically, UP schools prepare our children for whatever career path they choose. In the sports arena and the auditorium, our programs are without equal. 

Yet, our staff and programs are threatened by a weakened economy and declining revenue stream. Historically, UP voters could always be counted on to fill the gap left by state funding. However, our real estate market finds many homeowners owing more on their homes than their homes are worth. In this economic climate, our school district must find new ways to maintain excellence on a smaller budget. We need economic problem solvers who refuse to resort to the typical fallback position of cutting staff and cutting programs.

My real estate law experience has provided me many opportunities to work with families on the verge of losing their home, their credit and their dignity. Every case requires creative, outside-the-box thinking to create new opportunities for solving age-old debt issues. Creditors, vendors and employees want to work with the School District to solve problems and keep the district healthy. However, it takes a person with budget-crisis experience to make solutions a reality.

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

1) The biggest issue facing the University Place School District is money. Shrinking revenues threaten staff and programs that make University Place an exceptional school district. UP voters, who have always supported levies, cannot be expected to carry an increasing burden in a failing economy with home values upside down. My top priority will be setting the district on a course that preserves its academic and extra-curricular excellence in a financially streamlined manner.

2) UP students typically excel in reading and writing yet struggle in math and science, based on state testing scores. Science programs in the lower grade levels are lacking, with some classrooms not even having text books. One of my top priorities will be to renew a focus on math and science at all grade levels, K-12.

3) For all of its strengths, the UP School District is failing its low income students. While testing scores for students who are not low-income increase, testing scores for low-income students remain the same or decline. The district must close this gap by increasing the academic achievement of all students, including low-income students. 

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

As counsel to the Washington REALTORS® and to many families struggling to keep their homes, I have a unique view on this devestating economy. I understand the crisis that grips a family or a school district when bills exceed income and I know that in a panic, poor decisions are often made. With my experience, I bring a calm, creative approach to resolving budget issues. I have been hands-on dealing with banks and other creditors as homeowners wrestle to maintain their homes. I know approaches that will work and others that won’t. My unique experience will be critical to the School Board as it overcomes the deficit created by shrinking revenues.

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

$500 - $1,000

Official endorsements:

Dick Muri, Denise McCluskey, Judge Robert H. Peterson (Ret.), Rob Freeby, Rob and Sharon Tillotson, Darci Buck Price, Seleta Arroyo, Art and Jan Broback, Steve Garber, Darlene and Mike Davis, Gaylen Masters, Pat and LaRene Garlock, Debbie Johnson, Diane Arnold, Wayne and Judy Buck, Laura and Kirk Wald.