On the University Place School Board, T’wina is a strong partner with school district leaders. In her role, she is tasked with developing equitable policies that reflect what community members want and expect from the school district. She led the discussions that shaped policies around racial equity and ensured that the needs of the students were the priority, while providing accountability for School Board Members and district leaders. 

T’wina understands that every student should have the support they need to thrive in school regardless of their background, zip code, how they identify, or socioeconomic status. This includes an education that is honest and inclusive, textbooks and curriculum that are accurate and up to date, and enough faculty to provide a safe, healthy learning environment that supports the whole student. 

As a University Place School Board Member, T’wina knows that access to student resources and a quality education can change a child’s life. Since she was first elected in 2015, she has focused on closing opportunity gaps for students based on race or income and promoting student excellence. To ensure no students are left behind, University Place School District (UPSD) maintains an academic intervention system that decreases gaps. As a group, University Place students who participate in Title/LAP intervention services demonstrate growth rates 1.4 times higher than their classmates. This work to close opportunity gaps has led to 90% graduation rates for students across race and ethnic backgrounds and had UPSD low income students graduating at twice the rate of low income students across the state. Since T’wina’s election to the board in 2015, the overall graduation rate at Curtis High School has risen from 86.4% to 94.5%.

When schools reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, T’wina’s work ensured that the school district’s resources were used effectively. For the last five years, the district has received clean audits and per pupil spending is lower than most Pierce County Districts. Throughout her term, T’wina has ensured that the board prioritizes spending that enhances student achievement, as evidenced by the district’s high graduation rates. Managing how public funds are used has been a priority for T’wina and it has allowed University Place to continue its recovery from the pandemic while making sure students can still receive a quality education.

Through her work in the community, T’wina has stepped in to fill the gaps when students needed it most. T’wina supported the purchase of school planners, championed covering costs for homecoming activities, founded the T’wina Nobles Young Professionals Scholarship for college and high school students, and last year sent 40 students in Pierce County on tours to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), all cost free for the students. 

As an active citizen in the community, T’wina has worked hard during her time on the School Board to improve engagement with community members and parents. She is always listening and soliciting feedback that she can take to the district to ensure parents are active participants in the education of all the students. This is the kind of leadership we need to keep on the University Place School Board.