Natalie Anderson Joins School Board as District 2 Director

As a parent, community member and now School Board Member, Natalie Anderson is approaching her new role with a balance of data-driven decision-making, empathy, and a commitment to listen to all voices.

The district’s newest School Board Director, Anderson says she enjoys the opportunity to help expand Career and Technical Education programs and to serve as the board’s legislative representative, collaborating with state and local lawmakers to advocate for policies that support our schools and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education.

“I’m most excited to strengthen and expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs because they give students practical skills and real-world opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. I’m equally looking forward to serving as the legislative representative on the Board,” Anderson said. “Both areas allow me to help create meaningful opportunities for students and families."

Elected in November to replace board director Marnie Maraldo, Anderson represents Director District 2 in the South End of the district, including unincorporated areas of Renton, the East Renton Highlands, and Newcastle.

One of the things that makes our district special is its strong sense of community and commitment to student success, she said.

“I’ve seen incredible collaboration between educators, families, and staff to create opportunities for every learner. Our focus on supporting diverse pathways and fostering inclusion is a real strength,” Anderson said. “For continued growth, I believe we can strengthen communication and engagement so families feel even more connected and informed. Continuous improvement in these areas will help us serve all students even better.”

One of her aims is to bring a fresh perspective to the board as a parent with children still in elementary school and as someone representing the South End of the district in Renton, where community members have said they have historically felt underrepresented.

“My goal is to ensure every voice is heard and valued,” Anderson said. “In terms of expertise, I bring a data-driven approach to decision-making, ensuring choices are informed and impactful, while balancing that with empathy for teachers, students, and families. I believe combining thoughtful analysis with understanding the human side of education will help us make policy decisions that truly serve our students.”

One of the most interesting parts of serving on the board has been seeing ;the depth of collaboration and strategic thinking that goes into every decision, she said.

“Through WSSDA (Washington State School Directors’ Association) training and conversations with Superintendent Tow-Yick and the executive directors, I’ve gained a new appreciation for how complex and interconnected the work is; from policy development to student outcomes. I’m impressed by the district’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, and I’m excited to contribute to those efforts as part of the Board,” Anderson said.

As a student herself, her favorite subject in school was junior high English.

“I loved diving into all kinds of literature and especially reading aloud in class; it brought the stories to life. Shakespeare was my absolute favorite to read and discuss,” Anderson said. “Exploring his works taught me to appreciate language, creativity, and the power of storytelling, lessons that have stayed with me ever since.”

When she's not at her day job as an aerospace auditor, you might find Anderson volunteering, creating multimedia art, spending time with friends on new adventures, traveling with her family, spending time on the beach, or enjoying a nap.

“While life is busy now, I’d love to get back into track racing at Pacific Raceways; it’s an adrenaline rush I truly miss,” Anderson said. “These moments keep me balanced, recharged, and inspired.”

Asked what else she would like the community to know, she replied: “I’m hardworking, passionate, and deeply committed to serving our students and families. I approach every decision with empathy and strive to understand different perspectives.

“I’m a good listener who values building relationships and connecting with people because collaboration is key to success. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be elected to this position and will not take it for granted,” Anderson continued. “I’m honored to represent our community and promise to do my best with every decision I make, always keeping students at the center of our work.”

We invite you to learn more about our School Board on the “Meet the Board” page of our website, or attend an upcoming board meeting to hear more in person. In the photo at top, Anderson is in the center.