Elective newcomers seek seat on Soap Lake School Board

SOAP LAKE – Two candidates making their first bid for elective public office are seeking an at-large seat on the Soap Lake School Board.

Rebecca Leavell and Mark Novik advanced to the Nov. 4 ballot after placing first and second, respectively, in polling during the August primary election. The current Position 5 board director, incumbent Dwight Deines, finished third and was eliminated from the race.

The non-partisan position carries a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Another director, Position 2 incumbent Donald Clark, is unopposed for re-election to Soap Lake’s five-member school board.

In Washington state, local school directors are responsible for setting policies for their respective districts, hiring a superintendent, and approving annual budgets and providing fiscal oversight.

Novik, 34, has lived in the Soap Lake area for two decades and currently works as a systems engineer supporting data centers in Quincy after previously working for seven years at REC Silicon in Moses Lake. He holds a technical degree from Perry Technical Institute, an associate degree from Lower Columbia Community College, and is working toward a bachelor's degree in business communications.

“Through my engineering career, I’ve developed skills in leadership and data-driven decision-making,” Novik said in a candidate questionnaire.

Novik also cited his community involvement over the past decade through volunteer work at his church, coaching youth sports, and helping with improvements at city beaches and Lauzier Park.  He and his wife, Elizabeth, have five children.

Novik said his priority issues are improving teacher retention and students’ test scores and graduation rates. “If elected, you can count on me to push for growth in these key outcomes year after year,” he said.

Novik said he would also advocate for development of a career counseling center that partners with local employers and secondary schools including colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs. The intent, he said, is to ensure “every student at Soap Lake schools is fully equipped for life after high school ….”

Leavell, 33, has been a Grant County resident for five years and living in the Soap Lake area for four years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation and a master’s degree in business administration. Leavell said she has worked in various roles with individuals with disabilities, and currently works as a compliance coordinator in home and community living administration.

She also serves as secretary for the Soap Lake Parents for Kids organization.

With that background, Leavell said she is familiar with federal and state laws pertaining to special education and she has experience with updating policies and monitoring compliance.

If elected, Leavell said she would advocate for improved communication with parents, including streaming school board meetings online.

“I want to have a positive impact in my local community,” she said. “I have a child in the school district and want the school to be successful.”

For more information, contact the candidates: email Novik at votemark4slsd@gmail.com; Leavell on Facebook at Rebecca Leavell for School Board.