Position #5
“For a Balanced Voice, Gwendy’s Your Choice!”

Dear South Whidbey Community,

My name is Gwendy Gabelein, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the South Whidbey School Board. As a lifelong islander and a graduate of South Whidbey High School, my deep-rooted connection to this community, combined with a passion for education and service, has shaped my commitment to our schools.

I was moved to run after hearing from numerous parents and staff who feel unheard by the current school board regarding their children’s needs. I believe I am uniquely qualified to be a strong advocate for parents, ensuring their voices—and the needs of our students—are prioritized in all decision-making.

About Me

A Dedicated Mother and Student Advocate
I am a proud mother of two boys—one a graduate of our district and the other beginning high school next year. I have navigated various educational paths, including public and private schools, as well as homeschooling. As the parent of a special needs child, I have continuously fought for my son’s educational rights and worked to ensure that all students receive the support and services that they deserve and are legally entitled to.

A Leader in Community Service
Giving back has always been an integral part of my life. My parents instilled within my siblings and I the importance of community involvement. Over the years, I have served on the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee, Island County Fair Association board, South Whidbey Wellness Coalition (since 2019), and the Autism Partnership of Island County (APIC, since 2019). My volunteer work spans HOPE Therapeutic Riding, 4H, youth ministries, and other local community organizations. I currently work as a substance use clinician—where I advocate for both youth and adults.

Education and Experience
I hold a bachelor’s degree in health and human services, earned while balancing family life, my career, and community service. My professional background includes experience as a private school teacher and a district para substitute for our district.  I come from a family legacy of educators—my mother taught in our district for over 30 years, and my brother currently teaches in Coupeville.

Engaged and Informed
For years, I have remained actively involved in school district meetings and workshops to stay informed about the challenges and opportunities facing our students. Previously, as a member of the para education committee, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that engaged community members can have on our students. It is one of my goals to bring back the para education committee to our district and create more committees to give a voice to the staff and students alike.

My Vision

As a school board member, I will bring a balanced, non-partisan voice to the board and prioritize listening to parents, staff, and students. My goal is to foster transparent and inclusive decision-making, ensuring that politics do not overshadow what matters most—education. As educators, our task is to teach students how to think, not what to think. Every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves access to a high-quality education that equips them for a bright future, whatever path they choose.

Working together, we can improve our district, advocate for necessary resources, and create an environment where students and staff can thrive. I invite you to be part of this journey. Let’s come together at town hall meetings and community forums to shape the future of our school district. I believe our district has the potential to be outstanding—one that attracts families to our community seeking a high-quality education.

Please continue to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Together, with your vote and support, we can drive change for our district.

With gratitude and determination,

Gwendy Gabelein

Candidate for South Whidbey School Board Position 5

— — — — — — — — GWENDY’S THOUGHTS — — — — — — — —

Let’s Clear the Air 10/07/25

Throughout the campaign, I have remained focused on the real issues facing our students, families, and staff in our district. Unfortunately, my opponent has chosen to misrepresent my views, so I feel compelled to set the record straight. As I always say, it’s best to get information directly from the source.

Many people have reached out to me with questions about my positions, and I truly value those conversations. Below, I share my actual views on the topics my opponent tried to speak for me. As most of you know, I am a vocal advocate for open dialogue on matters that affect our district and community.

This situation highlights why it is so important to have a board that welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives. When we bring together different viewpoints, we make better decisions that reflect the needs and values of our entire community. A well-balanced board ensures that every voice is heard, and that our schools serve all students and families.

I invite you to join me in fostering honest conversations and advocating for thoughtful, inclusive leadership. Let’s work together to build a school district where diversity of thought is not only respected, but celebrated—because that’s how we create the strongest foundation for our students’ success.

South Whidbey School Bond

On her website, my opponent says: Gwendy opposed the bond, while offering no other solution to the pressing need for capital funding for repairs and upgrades.

I firmly believe our community deserves better than simply accepting costly solutions without exploring alternatives. While the school bond eventually passed, it’s crucial to remember it failed multiple times—largely because the district neglected regular maintenance and failed to provide adequate oversight. Years of understaffed maintenance led to the deterioration of our school buildings, and this avoidable neglect forced taxpayers to shoulder an unnecessarily high financial burden.

I voted against the bond not because I oppose improvements, but because the amount was excessive and there was a clear lack of accountability in how maintenance was managed. We must demand transparency and fiscal responsibility from our district leaders. The improvements funded by this bond are unlikely to last as long as the payments, which is simply not a sustainable or responsible approach.

There are better ways forward. For example, Oak Harbor School District secured financial support through collaboration with State Senator Ron Muzzall in 2023. Our district could have pursued similar partnerships with local and state representatives, seeking creative funding solutions rather than relying solely on taxpayers. By working together, we can ensure our schools are safe and well-maintained—without sacrificing fiscal responsibility or transparency.

Let’s insist on smarter solutions and real accountability, so our investments truly benefit students and our community for years to come.

Federal censorship of our curriculum

On her website, my opponent says: Gwendy has spoken at school board meetings urging compliance with the Administration’s overreach and rollbacks of multicultural education.  

I am genuinely perplexed by these statements, as they do not reflect my actions or beliefs. I have never spoken at board meetings about multicultural education, nor do I support book bans in our schools. My perspective is shaped by my upbringing—my mother was a librarian, and she instilled in me a deep appreciation for the freedom to explore diverse ideas through books.

Restricting reading materials in school libraries through federal mandates is not only unnecessary, but it undermines the very foundation of education and intellectual growth. Decisions about curriculum and library selections should be made locally, by those who understand our community’s needs—not dictated by distant federal authorities.

At the same time, I strongly believe parents should have a voice in what literature is available to students. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration between families and educators, we can ensure our libraries and curriculum reflect our shared values while protecting the freedom to learn.

Let’s stand together for transparency, local control, and the right of every student to access a rich and diverse education—free from unnecessary restrictions and overreach.

South Whidbey Superintendent Search

On her website, my opponent says: Gwendy criticized it in school board meetings and did not collaborate in any meaningful way. 

The SWSD superintendent search was deeply disappointing in its lack of true inclusivity. While my opponent is correct that parents, community leaders, students, and staff were invited to participate, the process ultimately failed to honor their voices. Despite the majority of feedback favoring one candidate, the board chose another, leaving those who invested their time and energy feeling unheard and dismissed.

Community members even filed public records requests, which revealed a troubling absence of collaboration in the final decision. The situation became so concerning that the district union had to intervene just to obtain answers from the board about their choice.

This experience underscores a critical need for transparency, open communication, and genuine trust in our leadership. Our community deserves a process where every voice is valued and decisions are made with integrity. It is time for the board to be held accountable for their actions and decisions. We must demand that our leaders listen to the community, act transparently, and earn our trust through responsible and inclusive governance.

We owe it to our students, families, and staff to insist on better—so that every decision truly reflects the will and best interests of our community.

Student Privacy and WA HB 1296

On her website, my opponent says: Gwendy has publicly opposed HB 1296. 

There are aspects of HB 1296 that I both support and question. To be clear, I do not recall the board or myself ever discussing this bill in a board meeting or workshop, so I am genuinely perplexed by my opponent’s accusation.

Importantly, HB 1296 does not explicitly mention “pronouns” or “nicknames.” Instead, the bill expands protections for students, including the right to express their gender identity and gender expression—provisions I fully support. The legislation is designed to promote a safe and supportive public education system, free from discrimination, and specifically includes gender identity and gender expression among protected characteristics.

I believe it is essential to protect all students’ rights and ensure our schools remain welcoming and inclusive environments. At the same time, transparency and open communication with families must remain a priority. My position is rooted in supporting student protections while also respecting the role of parents and the local community in shaping our schools.

High School Pride and BLM Banners

On her website, my opponent says: Gwendy urged the new Superintendent, Dr. Becky Clifford, not to replace the stolen banners, calling them “divisive.” 

Let’s seize this opportunity to build true unity and inclusiveness in our schools. When the banners were stolen, I urged the new superintendent not to simply replace them, because they were divisive and didn’t represent our entire student body. My goal has always been to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported—not just a select group.

Instead, I proposed more inclusive alternatives, inspired by successful approaches in other districts. When we choose unity, we send a powerful message: every student matters, and every voice counts. Supporting all populations fosters a sense of belonging, encourages mutual respect, and strengthens our school community as a whole.

I believe that raising concerns should always come with offering solutions. That’s why I encouraged open conversations with our community, students, and staff. Now, I invite everyone—families, educators, and leaders—to join in these discussions. Together, we can create an environment where differences are respected, and every student feels they belong.

Unity isn’t just an ideal—it’s the foundation for a thriving, supportive, and successful school. Let’s work together to make sure every student benefits from a culture of inclusion and respect.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE)

On her website, my opponent says: Gwendy has spoken up against comprehensive health education at board meetings and in community forums.

This accusation actually made me laugh, given my background in community health. I regularly discuss STD prevention with clients of all ages, so I understand firsthand the importance of accurate, age-appropriate health education. When the district began discussing comprehensive sexual health education, they invited parents and caregivers to be part of the conversation. I attended the meeting, asked questions about the curriculum and its delivery, and was pleased to see the district actively seeking family input. Interestingly, I did not see my opponent at this meeting.

As both a parent and a professional, I was thrilled that our district was valuing the voices of families in shaping our children’s education. But this process only works if we all show up and participate. I urge every parent and caregiver to get involved in these conversations. When we engage, we help ensure our children’s education is age-appropriate and reflects the values of our community.

Let’s continue to show up, ask questions, and work together. Our involvement is essential to building a school environment that supports every child’s growth and well-being. Join me in making sure our voices are heard and our children’s needs are met—your participation truly makes a difference.

Thank you for your continued support! Your voice, your support, and your vote matter!

— — — — — — — — What People Are Saying About Gwendy — — — — — — — —

“Gwendy is the most passionate, engaged, and proactive person when it comes to addressing issues at our schools. She brings a powerful voice of the community to every interaction with the school board. I can’t wait for her to be part of the system she is trying so tirelessly to improve! She definitely has my vote!” ~ Dimitri Rabinovich

Paid For by The Committee to Elect Gwendy for School Board Mail: P.O. Box 241, Freeland, WA 98249