These were My Priorities as a 2023 School Board Candidate

Lack of trust impacts the decline in Seattle Public School enrollment. 

I will advocate for a biennial independent financial audit to ensure dollars are spent with fiscal accountability.

I will advocate for an alternative committee model at the board level to increase oversight, information and dialogue around district policy and budget issues. 

I will advocate for a clear operational policy that increases transparency and communication from the district and board.

are lacking around community engagement:

 After the Ingraham High School shooting when a student was shot and killed the district and the District 1 school board director were slow to respond and provide support and direction for students and families.

The district will propose a decision around school closures on November 15th. They proposed their first round of community feedback this summer (feedback sessions were originally scheduled to happen in June) when families, students and educators are on vacation or not as available. 

The district’s new community engagement strategies with students furthest from educational justice do not include LGBTQ+ students. Their metrics in evaluating their effectiveness rely heavily on climate surveys, the least effective community engagement strategy for marginalized communities. And currently, the board does not have a community engagement plan.

We can do better at the district and school board level in being present in our Seattle communities.

I will fight for a diverse and well-staffed district Community Engagement Department. The heightened staff turnover and hiring freeze has disproportionately impacted the Community Engagement Department staffing levels.

I will advocate for School Board funds to pay for interpretation services and other accessibility tools ensuring school board community outreach is culturally responsive and accessible to communities living with disabilities.

I will hold monthly community forums and advocate for a robust community engagement plan at the school board level. 

 and parents in a district with over 50,000 students and a 1.14 billion budget. Last year 600 educators out of 3100 educators were trained in professional development to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. In the largest district in the state with 104 schools Seattle held a LGBTQ+ youth conference with a modest attendance of 150 students. 

A growing number of LGBTQ+ staff and students are experiencing harassment during this national LGBTQ+ backlash in Seattle schools. More parents are taking their students out of class when LGBTQ+ content in health, social studies or during the week of Black Lives Matter are taught.

In 2020 the board passed a LGBTQ+ resolution led by a strong out LGBTQ+ board member. Since that board member left the work to bring more visibility and tools for a supportive and safe LGBTQ+ learning environment has taken a back burner.

We need a strong LGBTQ+ voice on the board to bring back the work and prioritize safety and support of LGBTQ+ students, families and staff and all students. I will advocate that LGBTQ+ students, families and staff are named and included in a board guardrail or district guiding policy around safety and dedicated resources.

I will fight for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and families, especially LGBTQ+ students and families of color, in community outreach efforts prioritizing students furthest from educational justice.

I will support student identified needs:

1.  Accessing gender-neutral restrooms in all schools

2.  More LGBTQ+ inclusive education including a LGBTQ+ history class

3.  Renewed focus on addressing anti-bullying culture that combats homophobia and transphobia