Swinomish health advocate makes school board run

At her job, Marlys Baker is a healer.

She hopes to do the same as an elected official.

“I want to be a unifying force rather than a dividing one,” says Baker, the first of four La Conner School Board candidates to respond to questions posed by the Weekly News. “I believe we can work together for positive change.”

Baker, a registered nurse who serves as community health representative at the Swinomish Medical Clinic, is vying for the Board seat held by Janie Edwards Beasley, who chairs the five-member school panel.

Beasley is a sister of the late Susan Edwards Wilbur, the first Native American elected to La Conner’s School Board and for whom the Swinomish Early Childhood Education Center is named.

Baker’s candidacy comes in the aftermath of a tumultuous spring and summer within the local school district. Two staff union groups issued votes of no confidence in Superintendent of Schools Dr. Whitney Meissner, seeking her ouster at one point.

The Board rejected calls for Meissner’s dismissal, opting instead to honor her three-year contract.

Baker’s motivation for making a run for the Board has more to do with student achievement than with politics.

“My first priority,” Baker told the Weekly News, “is the students. I want to help all students achieve success and have a great educational experience.”

She and her husband, Ace Baker, are fully invested on that score. The couple has five sons, one of whom graduated last year and four who currently attend La Conner Schools.

“I have a genuine want for all our kids to succeed,” she says, “and be provided the best educational experience.”

Baker is an example of the opportunities education can provide.

“While raising my sons and while my husband served in the Army,” she reflects, “I was able to work toward my nursing degree.”

Baker is now pursuing a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree while providing in-home care to Swinomish Tribal Community members.

Baker’s role as community health representative involves providing a variety of health promotion and disease prevention services, in essence bringing wellness education to Swinomish households.

Her husband, who is from the Standing Rock Reservation and served three tours in Iraq, is himself on track to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.

Despite busy schedules, the Bakers are able to keep up with their sons’ sports and cultural activities.

The candidate is a Swinomish Tribal Community member who serves on its Education Committee.

“Our family,” she says, “is very involved in the community and education is a huge priority.”

Baker is campaigning as an agent of positive change and outcomes for La Conner students.

“My goals,” she says, “would include creating and strengthening community relations.”

A forum Oct. 2 features the four candidates for the Fidalgo Island La Conner School District District 1 and 2 director positions. It is at 7 p.m. at the Swinomish Social Services Building, 17337 Reservation Road, La Conner.

The Weekly News will profile each candidate as they respond to interview requests.