Julie Watts: A Voice for Safe, Inclusive, and Supportive Schools

Some things shouldn’t be political—like the safety and dignity of our students. I’m Julie Watts, a Tumwater parent and public policy professional who has spent my career bridging divides to solve problems for kids and families. I’ve worked across party lines because progress isn’t about agreeing on everything—it’s about showing up, listening, and treating people with respect. That’s what I expect from our school board, and it’s what our students deserve.

But right now, our district is caught in unnecessary political fights—like banning transgender athletes—instead of focusing on what matters. These aren’t abstract debates; they’re about real kids who just want to belong. When a school board tells students they don’t deserve inclusion, it’s heartbreaking. And when we let culture wars distract us from learning loss, mental health struggles, and educator burnout, we fail our kids twice.

The pandemic left deep scars—academically, socially, and emotionally. Anxiety and isolation are daily realities for too many students, and our teachers are stretched thin. We need real investment in support staff, better pay for educators, and schools that see the whole child—not just test scores.

And safety isn’t just about physical security—it’s about creating environments where every student feels valued. That means mental health resources, strong safety plans, and a commitment to belonging.

Our kids get one childhood. Let’s make sure Tumwater schools are places where they can heal, learn, and thrive—because every student deserves to walk through the door knowing they belong.

About me:

My mom was a pre-school teacher and my dad was a federal employee - both graduated from public schools; they entrusted my education to public schools; and now my own kid is attending high school in the Tumwater School District. Public education is in my veins, along with a strong commitment to public service.

Public education helped prepare me for a career as a policy professional where I’ve spent over 25 years helping lawmakers understand the real-life impacts of the choices they make. I have a long track record of working hard to solve problems that impact children and families in Washington.  

As the Deputy Director for Government Affairs at the Department of Children, Youth and Families, I work every day to analyze the impacts of government budgets and public policies on children and families and communicate with elected officials so they can make the right decisions for Washington families.

Prior to joining state service, I worked at the Washington State Budget and Policy Center to help fix our upside-down tax code, advance the state capital gains tax and the Washington Working Families Tax Credit, and protect and improve social safety net programs. 

During my K-12 years, I learned the importance of active listening, asking questions, and exchanging ideas. I am forever grateful to the teachers who believed in me and helped me become a critical thinker and life-long learner. 

As a policy professional, I’ve learned how skilled public officials can contribute to the health and well-being of communities through smart and compassionate policies that leverage hard earned taxpayer dollars. Now, I am ready to step up  to represent you and your kids’ interests on the Tumwater School Board.

Tumwater Schools deserve leaders that believe in public schools, value teachers, understand budgets and financial stewardship, and will fight for policies to help every student succeed. I ask for your support and hope you will join me in this fight.