Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones may be stepping down from his office in September, but not before he is celebrated by Seattle-based Alliance for Education, whose stated mission is to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools.
This week, Jones and the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC) were named the recipients of the organization’s 2025 Public Education Advocacy Award, which celebrates individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an “unwavering commitment to equity and excellence in public education.”
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones. (Image: Seattle Public Schools)
Jones, who recently announced he’ll depart Seattle Public Schools at the start of the new school year, is a graduate of Seattle Public Schools. In an award announcement, the Alliance for Education praised Jones for “courageous leadership and a dedication to educational justice” during pandemic recovery and district budget shortfalls.
“Though he did not initially seek this role, Dr. Jones answered the call of the community and has led with integrity, strategic clarity and an unshakable belief in the brilliance of every student—especially Black boys and those furthest from educational justice,” the announcement said.
Southeast Seattle Education Coalition is the first organization to receive the Public Education Advocacy Award.
“For over a decade, SESEC has stood as a trusted convener and a powerful force for change, advocating for students and families in Southeast Seattle and beyond,” the Alliance said in its announcement, praising SESEC’s success in rallying communities of color to ensure all children receive equitable education.
The Alliance described SESEC’s work as “deeply rooted in community and authentically sharing power with community.”
SESEC employs a coalition-based model to bring together community organizations, schools, parents, and educators to raise awareness of and funds for dismantling systemic school equity barriers.
“SESEC continues to advance solutions grounded in the lived experiences of Southeast Seattle families,” the Alliance said in the award announcement. “Whether organizing town halls or engaging in culturally responsive advocacy programs, SESEC consistently centers those most affected by inequities—and brings others to the table to listen, learn, and act.
