Kennewick School Board District 2
Gabe Galbraith
Elected Experience
Kennewick School Board (2021-present).
Other Professional Experience
Security Specialist (Hanford); Small Business Owner; Previously Human Resources 8+ years; Operations/Retail Mangement 11+ years; Former Kennewick School District substitute teacher; U.S. Marine Corps 2003-2007.
Education
Master’s degree, Elementary Education (Grand Canyon University, 2018); Master’s degree, Business Administration (Ashford University, 2014); Bachelor’s degree, Accounting (Strayer University, 2007); High school diploma (Kamiakin, 2001).
Community Service
Former youth volunteer baseball and basketball coach; Active member of local church
Statement
I’m honored to serve as your current School Board President. I’m seeking re-election because our district deserves steady, experienced leadership—and a proven record of results.
During my time on the board, I’ve stood firm in defense of our students and staff, even when it meant challenging overreach from the state. I’ve championed and passed multiple forward-thinking policies, resolutions, and curriculums that reflect our community’s values and protect local control.
One of my top priorities has been ensuring a safe learning environment for every student. That’s why I was the leading voice on the implementation of an armed School Safety Officer program—designed not only to respond, but to build trust within our schools. Just as importantly, in every decision, I’ve worked to ensure we’re spending taxpayer dollars wisely with accountability and long-term sustainability. We’ve strengthened our budget and kept our district on solid financial ground.
I believe leadership means listening, acting, and being transparent. I’ve done that—and I’m ready to keep doing it. With your support, we can continue to build a district that puts students first, stands up for what’s right, and manages resources responsibly. I respectfully ask for your vote.
Nic Uhnak
Elected Experience
No previous experience
Other Professional Experience
Chemist (2016-present)
Education
PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from Washington State University, BS in Chemistry from Boise State University
Community ServiceYouth football coach, youth wrestling coach, classroom volunteer Statement
I am a public education advocate, scientist, a committed husband of a local medical provider and father of four children, two of which are in the Kennewick School District. I am running for the Kennewick School Board to ensure the all students—regardless of background—have access to a well-funded, inclusive, and equitable education.
As a proud Kennewick resident and involved parent, I am ready to listen, lead with compassion, reason and stand up for the values that strengthen public education. My campaign aims to put students first and build a future where every child can thrive.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
- ✅ Tri-Cities Vote Q&A
- ❌ League of Women Voters
- ❌ Ballotpedia Survey 2025
- ❌ Tri-City Herald Q&A
Endorsements and Opposition
Endorsements and Opposition
No letters of support or opposition listed yet.
Donors
Mini-filer: detailed reports N/A.
Donors
No contributions reported yet.
2025 School Board Questionnaire
Why did you originally choose to run for school board?
Gabe Galbraith
I originally decided to run for school board because I felt parents’ voices were not being heard. Too many decisions were being made without transparency or accountability for results, and I didn’t like how the state was pushing so many new mandates and agendas onto our schools — often without local input or consideration for what our community actually values. I wanted to help bring common sense, openness, and a focus on results back into education. Our schools should reflect the priorities of the families and communities they serve, not the political pressures coming from Olympia.
Nic Uhnak
I chose to run because I saw the politicization of the school board pushing the education of the future generations to the back burner and a push for an environment where critical thinking is being disincentivized for dogmatic thinking.
What are the 3 most important things you want to do in office?
Gabe Galbraith
The top three things I want to focus on are: Improve Academics – We need to raise expectations and outcomes across the district. Excellence in KSD should be the standard, not the exception. Every student deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for success. Continue Financial Responsibility – Our district has earned one of the highest financial ratings in the state, and we need to keep it that way. Smart budgeting and fiscal discipline ensure that resources go where they matter most — into classrooms and student success. Strengthen School Safety – We’ve made great progress, but there’s always more to do. Every student, teacher, and staff member should feel safe and supported at school. Those three priorities — academic excellence, financial responsibility, and safety — are the foundation for a strong and successful school district.
Nic Uhnak
Foster an environment where educators, parents, students and law makers strive to put students first. Push to ensure funding is adequate to support a well rounded education for all students, for all walks of life. Work with parents to listen, understand, educate and combat misinformation.
What role should the school board have in making our public schools an excellent learning environment for every child?
Gabe Galbraith
The school board should play a crucial role in making public schools excellent learning environments by setting clear policies, ensuring adequate resources, and fostering community engagement that supports every child’s educational success.
Nic Uhnak
The school board should act as the conduit between the local communities, the parents, educators and lawmakers to help guide the direction of education, acting in an impartial, inclusive and understanding manner.
Rank the school district's top 3 most pressing challenges. How would you address them?
Gabe Galbraith
The top three challenges for the school district are academics, safety, and finances. 1. Academics: Focus on a rigorous, inclusive curriculum, teacher training, early intervention, and data-driven progress monitoring. 2. Safety: Implement strong safety protocols, partner with law enforcement, promote a positive culture, and maintain secure facilities. 3. Finances: Prioritize critical spending, seek grants and partnerships, improve efficiency, and advocate for full funding. Addressing these areas will create a strong, supportive learning environment for all students
Nic Uhnak
1. Budget issues 2. Test scores for low income areas or schools 3. School safety
| Statement A | Strong A | Lean A | Lean B | Strong B | Statement B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mostly trust in my own lived experiences, judgment, and beliefs. | Seek out opinions and perspectives different from my own. | ||||
Our district is underfunded for the needs of our operations, maintenance, and/or capital improvements. | Funding in our school district is adequate for operations, maintenance, and/or capital improvements. | ||||
The district can ease some of the financial, social, and familial burdens of students primarily by partnering with community organizations to provide resources to students and their families. | The district can ease some of the financial, social, and familial burdens of students primarily via professional development so that staff members can better identify student needs. | ||||
Teachers are compensated fairly within existing budget constraints. | Teachers are under-compensated and should be a higher budget priority. | ||||
The school board is doing a good job of seeking input from parents. | The school board should do a much better job of seeking input from parents. | ||||
The best way to handle concerns regarding ideology/religion in the classroom is to focus on transparency and visibility into curriculum with clear feedback channels. | The best way to handle concerns regarding ideology/religion in the classroom is to focus on professional development and policies that maintain appropriate boundaries. | ||||
Through targeted family outreach and community programs. | Through stronger enforcement of consequences for missing classes. | ||||
The best method for school districts to support English language learners is a 'Supportive Mainstream' model — English instruction with supplemental language support. | The best method for school districts to support English language learners is a separate program such as 'Sheltered Instruction' or 'Newcomer' programs. | ||||
The district should handle funding shortfalls through budget cuts — downsizing staff, programs, and/or services when necessary. | The district should handle funding shortfalls by seeking additional funding through levies and state advocacy. |