Experienced, Committed, Engaged

Meet Debra

I am Debra Strawhun, a career educator, wife, mother of three and grandmother of three, athlete, life long learner, daughter of an educator. 

I have worked as a speech/language pathologist (SLP) in public schools since the early 1980s. In addition I have been the classroom teacher for language impaired kids, and a teacher on special assignment (TOSA). After moving to Poulsbo in 1997, I worked for a year in the Bainbridge Island School District, three years in North Kitsap and since 2002 in the Bremerton School District (BSD). I retired in 2021, however with a nationwide shortage of SLPs I continue to work for BSD, now as a contractor. As a TOSA, I was the early childhood coordinator that oversaw the district special education preschool programs and was responsible for regulatory guidance and compliance with special education laws. I am very familiar with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in the area of special education. Special educators work as part of a team that includes at least the parent, general education teacher and administrator. We never work in isolation. 

I strongly believe in the power of collective bargaining. Good teaching conditions are good learning conditions for students. I represented special education on the Bremerton School District executive board, the representative council and on multiple bargaining teams.  I learned a tremendous amount as bargaining brings issues from all aspects of public education to light. 

My husband Bill Reedy and I raised three boys who all graduated from North Kitsap High School after attending Poulsbo Elementary and Poulsbo Middle School. They were involved in sports (cross country, track, swimming), and in clubs such as Technology Students of America (TSA). They took many AP classes, went to college and now are working in their chosen careers. They had excellent teachers and coaches that set them up for success as adults. 

While the boys were in school I volunteered in their classrooms, was the PTA president of Poulsbo Elementary, was a member of the facilities advisory committee as well as co-chair of the citizens groups that campaigned for the bond that built Kingston High School. 

I have been a runner since the mid 70’s. I have run a marathon (too far for me), many half marathons, 10 Ks and 5 Ks. I also love swimming in the pool and at lakes and have done many triathlons, the longest being the Olympic distance. I love hiking, camping, gardening and generally being outdoors.

I love learning new things like how to campaign for a position on the school board. I read one - two books per week on all kinds of topics. My favorite genres are mysteries, historical fiction and autobiographies.  

My father was the principal of the elementary school I attended and became the superintendent by the time I got to high school. He talked about the role of the school board and always spoke with great respect for the community members that volunteered their time.