Shannon Turner (Bremerton School District school board Position 4, Washington, candidate 2025)

Shannon Turner

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Bremerton School District school board Position 4

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 5, 2025

Education

Associate

Olympic College, 2018

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army

Years of service

1987 - 1997

Personal

Birthplace

Circleville, Ohio

Religion

Christian

Profession

Community Development

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Shannon Turner is running for election to the Bremerton School District school board Position 4 in Washington. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source] He was on the ballot in the primary on August 5, 2025.^[source]

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

Biography

Shannon Turner provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 7, 2025:

• Birth date: August 26, 1967
• Birth place: Circleville, Ohio
• High school: Circleville High School
• Associate: Olympic College, 2018
• Military service: United States Army, 1987-1997
• Gender: Male
• Religion: Christian
• Profession: Community Development
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Building Brighter Futures
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for Bremerton School District school board Position 4

Jenny Farley and Shannon Turner are running in the general election for Bremerton School District school board Position 4 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Jenny Farley (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Shannon Turner (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= 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 Bremerton School District school board Position 4

Jenny Farley, Shannon Turner, and Chris Warthen ran in the primary for Bremerton School District school board Position 4 on August 5, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Jenny Farley (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Shannon Turner (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Chris Warthen (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= 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.

Endorsements

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

• Kitsap County, Wash., Democratic Party
• Adi Hayduk - Kitsap County, Wash., Democratic Women Chair

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am first and foremost a family man that is happily married to my amazing wife Danielle. Together we have four children that rang from 6 to 18. They all attend a school within the Bremerton School District expect our oldest because she is a graduate from Bremerton High School.

I am a U.S. Army veteran, community advocate, parent, and passionate supporter of public education. I’ve lived in Bremerton for over 15 years and have dedicated my life to serving others, both in uniform and in my civilian roles. I’ve worked in state government as an Executive Legislative Assistant, served as Student Body President at Olympic College, and currently hold leadership roles on regional committees focused on transportation, equity, and disability rights.

I am a proud graduate from Olympic College and earned my AA in Human Services. I’m currently pursuing my degree in Human Services at Western Washington University, and I bring both lived experience and formal training in equity and budget management. I’m also a proud dad who understands firsthand the hopes, worries, and dreams that families bring to the school system.

My life’s work has centered around making systems more inclusive, accessible, and accountable. Now, I want to bring that experience and heart to the Bremerton School Board to ensure every child has the tools and support they need to thrive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Putting students first is my top priority is ensuring that every student—regardless of race, income, ability, or background—has the opportunity to thrive. This begins with a commitment to student-centered decision-making. When we evaluate policies, programs, and budgets, the central question must always be: What is best for our students? I understand that students thrive when they are supported not just in the classroom, but as whole people. Putting students first means making decisions through the lens of what’s best for their growth. It means protecting critical services like special education, mental health support, and academic enrichment programs. It also means listening to students, families, and educators when setting district goals.
• As a former student body president and legislative assistant, I bring experience in leadership, budgeting, and advocacy. Key takeaway is accountable, transparent leadership. I’ve managed multimillion-dollar budgets and collaborated with stakeholders at all levels. I believe in clear communication, community input, and fiscal responsibility. I’ll ensure that families know how decisions are made and why. Transparency builds trust—and trust is essential for a strong school system. I’ll ask tough questions, share information with the public, and make sure district priorities reflect student needs. I’ll also advocate for more accessible meetings and engagement tools so the community can participate meaningfully in decisions. I am here to serve.
• Equity and inclusion are not just talking points—they’re foundational to student success. Every child in our district deserves to feel safe, respected, and represented. With my background in DEI work and service on regional equity committees, I’ve helped shape policy to reduce disparities and promote access. I’ll bring that same focus to the school board, ensuring our district reflects the diversity of our community—in staffing, curriculum, and student support. I want to make sure policies are followed and improved when necessary, especially around discipline, special education, and cultural responsiveness. I’ll also advocate for inclusive practices that lift up students with disabilities, English language learners, and LGBTQ+ students.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about education equity, mental health access, and family-centered community support. I believe every student deserves a high-quality education, culturally responsive curriculum, and strong support systems. I support school-based mental health services and early intervention. I’m also committed to reducing disparities in student discipline and ensuring equitable funding across schools. Beyond education, I care about policies that support working families, expand housing access, and remove barriers to healthcare. I believe public policy should center people, not politics.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother. My mother taught me what community means and that it takes a village to raise a child. When I was growing up my mother worked to raise two children on her own. She treated everyone with respect and dignity. She worked hard to ensure her kids had what they needed to help make them successfu. She nevered wished any harm on anyone if they treated her wrongly for being a person of color. She taught my brother and I to never be ashamed of who you are and the color of your skin. The communiyy that we lived in was mixed with black, whites and philpinos and we all looked after each other, but more importantly we treated each as family and never let the color of our skin become an issue. My mother showed my brother and I that if you work hard you can achieve things that makes your life better. This is where I get my drive to help my community because you never know when your support or contribution change someone's life.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

There is no book, essay or film that i would like to share at this time.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that Integrity, Accountability, Commitment to the Community and Equity and Fairness. When your an elected official it is important that you are honest, ethical as well as trustworthy. This helps build public confidence that can help ensure that the decisions you make fair and ethical.

When you get elected the community/public expect for you to be held accountable for your actions and decisions.
When you become a public servant the community expects for you to be very commutative. You are there for the community and not your own agenda. This is where you show up and be an effective listener. When you are listening then you can effectively reflect the values and priorities of the community.

I believe that the Equity and Fairness is something that you have to use every time you make a decision because it effects everyone and not just one person or population. This allows every voice to be heard and that everyone has the same opportunity to the achieve their expected goals. This is very important for those who have been marginalized.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The qualities that I posses that would make me a successful officeholder is my way to communicate and build relationships while networking. I know how to build long lasting relationships that have a foundation of trust and understanding of community and community needs. I have worked at the Washington State House of Representatives in that has allowed me to strengthen my organizational and strategic skills. When you work in that environment you have to have integrity and professionalism.
I bring a unique ray of personal experiences that allows includes 2 terms as Olympic College's Student Body President for two terms. Where i had to manage a budget between 3 million and 5 million dollars and also had to manage five Vice - Presidents. I bring a well - rounded mix of public engagement experiences and personal integrity and this allows me to thrive in office by serving my community and building strong partnerships.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe the following are the core responsibilities for someone elected to office:

You have to represent your community or the constituents in your district. You become the voice of those you were elected to represent. You become the advocate for that community. You address their needs, priorities, and interests. this allows you to make the appropriate decisions for your constituents of that community.
You have to be able to address the policies and that means the ability to review them and adopt them to help ensure that it works towards the long - term goals that have been laid out.
There is a budget that will always be at the top of the list. You have to be able to approve as well as monitor how the funds are being used or where they are being allocated. This is an area that needs to be transparent to the public/community because you are using tax payers dollars.
You also have to be able to hire and then evaluate the superintendent. This also shows the community that you and the board will support the right leadership that holds the administration (Staff) accountable.

You have to ensure that academic success, equity and community engagement is high on the priority list. This allows you to promote high standards for student achievement and their well being for them to be able to graduate. This is an effective means to ensure that you are ensuring that all students regardless of their race, gender, income and those with disabilities have equal access to a quality education.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be one of service, equity, and lasting impact. I want them to say that I led with integrity and stood up for those who were voiceless and overlooked.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that happened that I remember is the when the space shuttle "Challenger" blew up. This happened in 1986. I was 18 when this happened.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working for a contractor for DuPont Industries as a delivery specialist. I held this job for 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Hobbit because it is a story of someone whom everyone thought could not make a difference , but in the end he proved everyone wrong and saved the day.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Optimus Prime of the Transformers

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Celebration by Kool and the Gang

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The primary job of a school board member is to ensure that every student receives a high - quality equitable education. The school board member should be providing strong governance by using or setting clear polices and holding the school district accountable for the policies results.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are those who live with in my school district.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

This begins by listening, learning and using equity. I would work towards the insurance that every student regardless of their background, ability, race, gender identity or their income status had the access to resources and opportunities and the support they need to thrive. This would mean that I would advocate for a inclusive and equitable curriculum, culturally responsive teaching as well as equitable access to advanced programs.

When it comes to the staff i would support professional development, fair compensation and a safe and respectful working environment. This would help reflect the value that they bring to our schools.

When youlook at the engaging part I think that this is the real important peice because the community can be very critical of your policies and programs that you currently have in place or you are looking at implementing as a ppart of your long - term strategic planning. I would look at fostering a open and transparent type of communication that includes all voices. I would also be a active listener to ensure that I am truly representing the community voices and their priorities.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

I would go to the city council meetings and introduce myself as well as going to all the non-profits within my school district and get a better understanding of what they do within the community and what resources they offer to help the community. I would target the non - profits and the for profits organizations that would be the most beneficial to the school district.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching is when there is engaging, equitable, student - centered and result driven. I believe that good teaching inspires curiosity, but also builds a strong relationship with students. Good teachers have clear, standard - based instructions with measurable goals.

Measuring teaching would require a balanced, fair, and growth - oriented approach.

I would support this by investing in ongoing, high quality professional development tied to teacher goals, student needs and district principles.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I would look at expanding the advanced technical training or the apprenticeship programs. This would provide more opportunities for those students who can focus on a certain trade that would help them find a job after graduating that program. This would allow more students the opportunity to stay at home instead of attending a 4 year college program that would cost them a lot of money to attend.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

This is where your strategic planning, proactive recruitment, smart resource allocation and continuous evolution. I believe that every school should be fully supported to meet the needs of its students, staff and teachers. I would also have a strong substitute and support system in place (infostructure) that would help with the long - term budget planning.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

The principles that would drive my policies are school safety, transparency, equity and collaboration. When you have safety out front this helps the staff and students feel physically, emotionally as well as psychologically safe. This would allow the students to learn and the staff to teach. My policies would help ensure that the policies would not unfairly target or criminalize certain student groups.
When you have the collaboration with students, staff, and families this allows the work with educators, councilors, school resource officers and families to help develop policies that are in line with the community trust and needs.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

I would support the mental health needs of the students/faculty/staff is to ensure that there are policies in place that allow everyone to have the access to the resources that are needed to help them.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I do not have a favorite joke.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

I would like to implement a way to have better community relations and student relations.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Washington State for Diversity and Inclusion, Kitsap County Democrats, State Representative Addison Richards, County Commissioner Christine Rolfes, KPUD Commissioners Heather Pauley and Susan Smith, Ash Black, Chance Corey, Stephane George, Adi Hayduk, Dr. Jerry Hubert, Daria Ilgen, Laurie Kadet, Auggie Lugen, Leyomi Maldonado, Poulsbo City Council Member Ed Stern, Jewel - Shepard Sampson, Akuyea Karen Vargus, and Carollynn Zimmers

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment for students would be one where every student feels safe, supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed regardless of the income, background and their gender identification.
The students would have equal access to the tools, resources and the support they need to be successful and to have a thriving environment. The students need to feel valued, respected and seen for whom they are which can then turn into a thriving environment.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

I think that they did the best that they could do with the guidelines of the policies that they were required to follow. The way that the information was communicated out to the parents was not the best and trying to ensure that safety measures were followed at all times were somewhat confusing and caused a lot of stress and frustration among family members.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

I believe the best way to build relationships with parents is to be a great listener and to meet them where they are at the current time. You have to be non judgmental and leave your biases at the door. You have to be honest and transparent with them at all times and this would allow you and them to find some common grounds and interest that would help you relate to them.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

My strategy would be to attract, hire, and retain leaders who are student focused, equity - driven, as well as collaborative and committed to the success of every school community member. This would require a comprehensive, value - based approach that priorities both qualifications and character. There is also the prioritization for a mission alignment and to provide a strong onboarding and mentorship.

Strong school systems requires strong value - driven leaders; My strategy would be to focus on finding and supporting those candidates who lead with integrity, prioritizing students and reflecting the diversity and values of the community that they serve.
This would begin with the right leadership profile that has clear, community - informed vision of the kind of leadership that is grounded in equity, transparency and student success.

That person needs to use inclusive and intentional hiring practices that ensure a diverse applicant pools that use multiple channels that include organizations that support leaders of color. This allows a focus of cultural competency, conflict resolutions skills and the ability to lead collaborative high - performance teams.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

My views on financial transparency and government accountability is the government needs to be held accountable for its part of the education system. That would be the finical aspect of the government funding and grants that are allocated to help the school system and there should be transparency to ensure that the community has the confidence in the decisions being made that effect policies and procedures and ensures equitable outcomes.

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Other survey responses

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

• VoteWA Profile

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