Director District 2
4-year term
Meridian School District 505
Whatcom*

Coming Soon
Rob Horgen

Elected Experience: No information submitted

Other Professional Experience: No information submitted

Education: I am a 1982 graduate of Meridian High School. I have fond memories of my time there, and great respect for my teachers (some of whom still teach there). My wife and I have been involved with the FFA Booster Club since we returned to the district in 2000. All three of our children graduated from Meridian. 

Community Service: In addition to being heavily involved with the FFA Booster Club, I have been an officer in the Bellingham Central Lions Club, a member of my church board, and at one point in time the President of the Washington State Grange.

Statement: I believe that Meridian is one of the best schools in the state, and truly reflects the values of our community. We face certain challenges with regard to our tax base that other districts don't simply because of our location. We have to be diligent in our spending to ensure that we are getting the best return for investment that we can. I do believe our current board and administration have been doing a good job of that. Having helped raise money for the HS barn, I am familiar with stretching dollars for maximum benefit. Meridian has many diverse opportunites for students to prepare for a successful life after school; The arts, career curriculum, leadership training, music, sports, etc. I would fight to preserve, and even expand these opportunities whenever and wherever possible. Whatever it is, our students excel, setting high goals and achieving them. They make us all proud. Go Trojans!

Contact:
(360) 319-8657



Director District 2
4-year term
Meridian School District 505
Whatcom*

Coming Soon
Jeannie Castro

Elected Experience: No information submitted

Other Professional Experience: I managed a successful landscape business for 13 years. I performed the duties of payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and made sure the work assigned to the employees was completed. I am extremely detail oriented and am familiar with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

Education: Santa Monica City College    WSU Extension - Training for Strengthening Families

Community Service: No information submitted

Statement: As a 9-year resident with two children in the Meridian school district, I am devoted to giving back and serving our community that we love. Education has always been an important part of my life. I am someone who loves to learn, search, and read about new things. I enjoy sharing my passion for learning with my family.

My experience at Meridian Schools includes working as a leave replacement secretary for Meridian Parent Partnership Program (MP3) and a noon aide. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer for the music program, Young Life, sports, and highly capable program teaching the Great Books curriculum. I currently work for the Ferndale Academic Community Transitions Program and am a trained facilitator for Strengthening Families.

If elected, my goal is to represent all members of the community and increase communication between the schools and families. I embrace the challenges that come across my path with both authority and compassion. Thank you for your consideration and I hope I get the opportunity to serve on the Meridian School Board.

Contact:
(360) 312-6025



Director District 2
4-year term
Meridian School District 505
Whatcom*

Coming Soon
Renier (Beaver) Elenbaas

Elected Experience: First time running for public office

Other Professional Experience: Currently employed at BP Cherry Point - Operator; Small Business Owner - Residential Construction

Education: Attended Meridian K–12; diploma 1992; Two years at WCC. Both my children are currently in the middle of their education at Meridian.

Community Service: Have been coaching football at Meridian High School for 20+ years; Samaritans Purse; Bellingham Christ the King; Young Life

Statement: One of the things Meridian has excelled at over the years is its level of consistency. This consistency is a significant reason why parents that attended Meridian are now sending their children there. It’s why many employees, teachers and others, have chosen to return and be part of the legacy they enjoyed as students. It’s why there’s a loyal group of people that form a community in a place that doesn’t have a real town. And it’s also why I’m proud to put my name on the ballot and commit to serving the Meridian district.

I look forward to being part of a team that works together in an effort to make things the best they can be for our children, and at the same time preserve the framework that has elevated us to where we are today. Because while progress cannot happen without change, not all change is progress.

Contact:
(360) 933-4462