Smith for School Board
FATHER
VETERAN
EDUCATOR
Vote for TIM
Tim Bullus for North Thurston School Board Director #2
About
My name is Tim Bullus, and I would be honored to represent District 2 on the North Thurston School District Board.
I’m a father, veteran, coach, educator, and engaged community member who believes we have a shared responsibility to ensure every student receives the best education possible.
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I’m running for North Thurston Public Schools District 2 because I believe our district’s decisions don’t always place students at the center — and I want to be part of the solution.
I stand for high expectations, empowering teachers with professional autonomy, investing in 21st-century career-ready CTE programs, and ensuring financial transparency across the district.
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Above all, I’m committed to listening, collaborating, and working with families, educators, and community members to give our students the support and opportunities they deserve.
NOTICE: I truly believe a school board director is and needs to be a non-partisan position. Therefore, I will not be seeking or accepting any endorsements from Partisan organizations, nor will I be asking for or accepting any financial donations. My campaign will be self-funded.
Priorities
Career Readiness and CTE Pathways
One of my top priorities is ensuring every student leaves our schools prepared for life after graduation. Too often, our system emphasizes a one-size-fits-all approach that pushes students toward college while overlooking the many high-demand careers that require industry-recognized certifications and technical skills. I will advocate for stronger Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways aligned with workforce needs so that our students graduate not only with diplomas, but also with credentials that open doors to living-wage jobs. By expanding access to programs in fields such as technology, healthcare, and the trades, we can give our students multiple pathways to success and strengthen our local economy.
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Community Engagement and Parent Voice
Strong schools are built on strong partnerships with families and the community. I believe parents deserve a real seat at the table when decisions are made, and that our district must work harder to build trust, transparency, and two-way communication. Too often, parents feel left out of the process or that their voices do not matter. As a board member, I will prioritize open forums, consistent communication, and clear opportunities for families to contribute to the direction of our schools. Engaging the community is not just about listening. It is about building policies that reflect the needs, concerns, and aspirations of those we serve. Building strong schools also means building strong relationships with the broader community. I believe in fostering partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and law enforcement to create a safe and supportive environment for our students. A strong working relationship with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and our School Resource Officers is essential for ensuring safety, trust, and collaboration. By strengthening these connections, we not only keep our schools secure but also help students see the community as an active partner in their success.
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Financial Responsiblity
I am committed to ensuring that our district operates with full financial transparency and responsibility. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being used, and families deserve confidence that resources are reaching the classroom. If budget cuts ever become necessary, they should begin at the top, not at the expense of students and teachers. Administrative costs and non-essential expenditures must be reviewed first, while funding for instruction, student support, and essential programs should be protected. By maintaining a clear, open budget process and putting students at the center of our financial decisions, we can build both trust and sustainability in our schools.
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Student Centered Decision Making
At the heart of my campaign is a commitment to put students first in every decision. Whether it is academic programming, financial priorities, or district policies, the central question must always be: how does this improve student outcomes? I believe in high expectations for all learners, while also recognizing the importance of supporting teachers with the resources and autonomy they need to help students succeed. By focusing on students’ well-being, safety, and opportunities, we ensure that our district remains accountable to the people who matter most, the young people we are entrusted to educate and prepare for the future. All students, including gifted, deserve the have an education that provides them the engagement they need to be successful. Discipline must also be handled in a way that empowers teachers to feel safe in their classes, and ensure the education of the many isn't damaged by the few.
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