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Natalie Anderson (Issaquah School District school board District 2, Washington, candidate 2025)

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Natalie Anderson
Image of Natalie Anderson

Candidate, Issaquah School District school board District 2

Elections and appointments
Last election

August 5, 2025

Personal
Birthplace
Seattle, Wash.
Profession
Manager
Contact

Natalie Anderson is running for election to the Issaquah School District school board to represent District 2 in Washington. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source] She was on the ballot in the primary on August 5, 2025.[source]

Anderson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

[1]

Biography

Natalie Anderson provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 2, 2025:

Elections

General election

General election for Issaquah School District school board District 2

Natalie Anderson and Chinmay Nagarkar are running in the general election for Issaquah School District school board District 2 on November 4, 2025.

Candidate
Image of Natalie Anderson
Natalie Anderson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
Image of Chinmay Nagarkar
Chinmay Nagarkar (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Issaquah School District school board District 2

Natalie Anderson, Darren Cheung, Lovenia Hardin, Jarrod Huffaker, and Chinmay Nagarkar ran in the primary for Issaquah School District school board District 2 on August 5, 2025.

Candidate
Image of Natalie Anderson
Natalie Anderson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
Darren Cheung (Nonpartisan)
Lovenia Hardin (Nonpartisan)
Jarrod Huffaker (Nonpartisan)
Image of Chinmay Nagarkar
Chinmay Nagarkar (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Election results

Endorsements

Anderson received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Anderson's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Natalie Anderson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Anderson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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My name is Natalie Anderson and I am a candidate running for the Issaquah School District, Director District No. 2 position. As a dedicated advocate for our community's educational excellence, I believe I can help to make a significant positive impact on the future of our schools and make sure every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. If elected, I will champion policies that promote equity, academic excellence, and community engagement through volunteerism. I will be a voice for the students, educators and families attending and working at the schools in my district and I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to create a nurturing and empowering educational experience for our students.
  • The schools within the Issaquah School District that are located in Renton appear to be underrepresented on the School Board. I am committed to being a strong voice for this community, advocating for both educators and families. By ensuring their perspectives are heard and their needs addressed, I hope to foster greater equity, support, and engagement across the entire district.
  • My educational path is different from other candidate. I entered the workforce right after high school instead of attending a four-year university. This choice gave me over two decades of experience in administration, office management, and customer service, leading to my current role in Aerospace Quality, where I’ve worked for the past 21 years. I believe this real-world experience brings a valuable perspective to the School Board. I strongly support Career and Technical Education, ensuring students have access to diverse opportunities after high school, not just college, but also skilled trades and career pathways.
  • I am running for this position because our democratic values guide us in striving for a fair and inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. In this spirit, I will advocate for transparent decision-making processes, active community involvement, and policies that uphold the principles of equity and fairness.
I’m passionate about public policies that expand access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and support multiple pathways to success after high school. Not every student’s path includes college, and we must invest in programs that prepare them for skilled trades and workforce opportunities. I also care deeply about equity in education, ensuring underrepresented schools like those in Renton receive fair resources. In addition, I believe in the power of volunteerism, engaging families and community members in our schools builds stronger, more connected learning environments.
An elected official should lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability. They must listen actively, represent their entire community fairly, and make decisions based on what’s best for the public—not personal interests. Empathy and open-mindedness are essential for understanding diverse perspectives, while collaboration and respect help build trust and effective partnerships. I also believe in being accessible and responsive, so constituents feel heard and valued. These principles guide my approach to leadership and public service.
I bring a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to service. With over 20 years in the aerospace industry, including leadership roles in administration and quality. I’ve developed skills in problem-solving, accountability, and clear communication. I’m also an active volunteer who values community engagement. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with people, listen with empathy, and build trust across diverse groups. I approach challenges with practicality and compassion, and I’m committed to being a responsive, inclusive, and effective school board member.
The core responsibilities of a school board member include setting policies that support student success, approving budgets that reflect community priorities, and ensuring accountability and transparency in district operations. It’s also essential to listen to and represent all voices, especially those from underrepresented communities. A board member should work collaboratively with families, educators, and administrators to create safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments where every student can thrive.
I want to leave a legacy of equity, opportunity, and connection. I hope to be remembered as someone who amplified underrepresented voices, championed Career and Technical Education, and helped create pathways for all students to succeed, no matter their background or goals. I also want to be known for building strong relationships with families, educators, and the broader community, based on trust, transparency, and shared purpose. My goal is to leave the district stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared to support every student’s future.
The child in me immediately thinks of Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. It was the first book I remember truly connecting with as it taught me about friendship, loyalty and perseverance in a way that stayed with me.
As an adult, I’d choose The Pillars of the Earth series by Ken Follett. I’m drawn to historical fiction that immerses you in the past, letting you experience life through the eyes of richly developed characters. It’s a powerful way to understand history, not just through events, but through the people who might have lived it.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Superman. Not just because of his powers, but because of what he represents: hope, integrity, and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. He uses his strength to protect the vulnerable and stand up for justice, all while staying grounded in humility and compassion. What inspires me most is that, despite being an alien, he chooses to dedicate his life to saving and serving humankind; a powerful reminder that belonging is defined by our actions, not our origins. I admire how he balances immense responsibility with kindness and empathy, qualities I strive to bring into my own life and leadership. Plus, who wouldn’t want to fly once in a while? I’m especially excited for the new Superman movie coming out in July. I could watch Superman in 50 different versions and never get tired of it!
My 10-year-old daughter is currently obsessed with Dua Lipa, we even surprised her with tickets to see her live this October for her birthday! Lately, we’ve had Houdini on repeat, and it’s become the unofficial anthem of our spontaneous living room dance parties. Dua Lipa is always our go-to artist when we want to turn up the energy and have fun together.
I would support the diverse needs of our district by listening actively, advocating for equitable resources, and promoting inclusive policies that reflect the unique backgrounds and experiences of our students, staff, and families. I believe in expanding access to programs like Career and Technical Education, supporting culturally responsive teaching, and ensuring safe, welcoming environments for all. Collaboration with educators, families, and community partners is key to meeting the evolving needs of our district and helping every student thrive.
My approach to school safety is grounded in the principles of prevention, inclusion, and collaboration. Every student and staff member deserves to feel physically and emotionally safe at school. I support policies that promote mental health resources, anti-bullying initiatives, and clear emergency preparedness plans. Safety also means creating a culture of respect and belonging, where concerns are taken seriously and addressed proactively. I believe in working closely with families, educators, and local agencies to ensure our schools are secure, supportive, and welcoming for all.
I would advocate for increased access to school counselors, mental health professionals, and wellness programs. It’s also important to provide training for staff to recognize signs of mental health challenges and respond with empathy. I support creating a school culture that reduces stigma, encourages open dialogue, and prioritizes emotional well-being alongside academic success.
Why did the baby strawberries cry?
Because their parents were in a jam.
Issaquah Education Association (IEA)

5th Legislative District Democrats
King County Democrats
FairVote Washington

Alliance for Gun Responsibility
To build strong relationships with parents, I will prioritize open communication, accessibility, and trust. I plan to attend school events, connect with the Principals and PTA's at each school I represent, and maintain open channels for feedback, whether through email, community forums, or in-person meetings. I believe in transparency and collaboration, and I want parents to feel heard, respected, and involved in decision-making. By being present and responsive, I hope to create a welcoming environment where families feel like true partners in their children’s education.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Anderson completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

See also


External links

Footnotes