Compiled by Ralph Nichols

The Times/News last week contacted candidates for Highline-area elective offices whose names appear on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Questions asked in each race and their answers appear below.

All candidates on the ballot are listed. However, due to space constraints only those with opponents were asked to respond to questions.

* incumbent.

1. How will you contribute on a board with a majority of new members?

2. What will you do to improve test scores in the district?

Director, District 1

Sili Savusa

Unopposed

District 4

Bernie Dorsey

1. Whenever a new group comes together they must discover where they agree, where they disagree and find consensus within the long-term strategy. I have served as a PTSA president for three terms, a member of the Board of the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence, and on numerous other advisory boards and committees. This broad range of experience should serve me well as this new board comes together.

2. We must have a measure to determine our effectiveness, but in order to improve a student's achievement we must consider all aspects of that child's life. Can he or she communicate effectively? Is the child supported at home? Does the child have the tools she or he needs to succeed? If we know each child and his or her circumstances, we will, in the end, improve each child's ability to score well.

Melissa Sue Robinson

No contact information.

District 5

Michael D. Spear

Unopposed