Not surprisingly, Pasco schools superintendent Heather Fiorentino has set the wheels in motion to seek a third term in office. 

"I think right now while we still have a turbulent economic situation going on, we want to make sure we have steady leadership," Fiorentino told the Gradebook on Tuesday, shortly after filing her paperwork with the Supervisor of Elections.

She said the district has much to be proud of in her tenure, including improved graduation and dropout rates, and stable financial ratings. Still, Fiorentino acknowledged the district must continue to make progress in the way it serves students. One of her key priorities if reelected would be to redefine services from the central office to the schools, she said, to best assist the schools as they differentiate instruction.

"There's so much more we can do," Fiorentino said.

So far, no one has emerged to challenge her candidacy. Much of the talk around town has centered on the possibility of former assistant superintendent Ray Gadd or former elections supervisor Kurt Browning seeking the office. Neither returned calls seeking comment.

Two Pasco School Board seats also come up for election this year. District 2 board member Joanne Hurley has announced she will seek a second term, and faces challenges from political newcomers Don Stephenson and Bryan V. Williams. District 4 board member Alison Crumbley has not yet filed any papers, nor have any other possible contenders for that position.

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