The race for Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors will be determined on Nov. 4, the day of the King County general election. In the weeks leading up to election day, Seattle-based Alliance for Education, Southeast Seattle Education Coalition and their partners have been doing their part to connect parents, students, teachers and community members who care about education with candidates so that they can make informed decisions. In October, they hosted the Seattle Education Forum where members of the community talked face-to-face with School Board candidates as well as other city and county positions on the ballot. The hope? That voters will feel more informed about where candidates stand on the issues they care about.
Fourteen candidates are stepped forward for open Seattle School Board positions, a pool that shrank to eight for the upcoming election. Below are the profiles of those eight candidates as collected by the Alliance for Education’s Communications Director, Ian Coon as well comments made during the education forum about pressing Seattle Public Schools concerns.
District 2
Sarah Clark (incumbent)
Sarah Clark. (Image courtesy of the candidate)
“Students deserve school leaders that listen and are proactive, not reactive, in their decision making. I am that leader. As an alumna of Seattle Public Schools, a woman of color and low-income first-generation college student, I am intimately familiar with the systemic barriers students face in SPS and I will fight for the success of all our students.
My lived experience, Buddhist practice, education, and the systemic racism and trauma I’ve had to overcome guide my perspective, and I’ve dedicated my career in public policy to fighting for real racial equity for students and educators within education systems. I believe in collaboration and community engagement, and have worked with and for diverse communities, including progressive policy think tanks, non-profit advocacy organizations, and the business community.
After years of watching SPS decline, unsuccessful advocacy from the outside, and spending a year in office understanding the real issues and listening to our community, I believe I am the candidate who can best deliver the change students and parents want and need. My perspective, roots in our community and systems change background is needed to turn SPS around. I want our students to have the physical safety, and mental and emotional support they deserve, equitable access to excellent academic programs and services, and preparation to take on life post-graduation.
The status quo has sustained a $100M budget crisis, declined enrollment and academic rigor, increased inequities and neglected student safety. This is unacceptable. I will work with community, bring back transparency, common sense governance, fiscal management, and policies and programs that put students’ needs first. I humbly ask for your vote.”
Clark was unable to attend the Seattle Education Forum.
Endorsements: 36th District Democrats, 46th District Democrats, King County Democrats, and current and former school board members Joe Mizrahi, Gina Topp, Dick Lilly, Vivian Song-Maritz, Lisa Rivera, Stephan Blanford, Peter Maier, Michael DeBell. Learn more about Sarah Clark.
Kathleen Smith
Kathleen Smith. (Image courtesy of the candidate)
“As a parent of two incoming SPS students and multi-generational Washingtonian, I am committed to our schools and teachers. With years of classroom teaching experience, I bring a strong foundation in education, coupled with expertise in math and data science to ensure a data-driven, analytical approach to school board decisions. My current work focuses on AI and emerging technologies. I have seen compelling cases of AI used well but am also familiar with its pitfalls. If elected, I would bring valuable perspective on AI’s potential in education.
While I recognize the financial challenges facing our district, the current approach of closing schools is needlessly disruptive. Worse, closing schools has not successfully resolved funding gaps in other cities, and the lack of transparency in decision-making has eroded trust within our community. Furthermore, unclear waitlist management weakens confidence in the system and can artificially deflate the enrollment numbers used to justify school closures.
As a parent, I know that there are many reasons to sustain neighborhood schools. Walkable schools build children’s independence, well-being, and sense of place, while reduced car traffic improves safety and eases congestion, benefiting families and the community. If closures are unavoidable, I hope to explore consolidating elementary and middle schools into K-8 institutions, an alternate model that could address many of SPS’s stated reasons for school closures.
As a board member, I will advocate for a more open, collaborative decision-making process and explore solutions beyond school closures. While systemic change takes time, I recognize the strengths within our schools and aim to preserve what works. I will listen to teachers, back up policy recommendations with data, and work to share the data and increase transparency.
The statements I offer represent my own personal views. I am speaking for myself and not on behalf of my employer, Microsoft Corporation.”
During the Seattle Education Forum, Smith told voters: “The single most pressing issue in education is the devaluation of the teaching profession. If elected, I would prioritize money in the budget being spent on face to face learning in our schools, work on developing robust pipelines for educators to receive training and develop lifelong careers, and advocate for good faith bargaining with the educators union.”
Endorsements: The Stranger, Seattle Education Association, Alliance for Gun Responsibility. Learn more about Kathleen Smith.
District 4
Joe Mizrahi (incumbent)
Joe Mizrahi (Image courtesy of the candidate)
“I’m honored to serve as your District 4 representative on the Seattle School Board. As a first-generation American, a parent of three Seattle Public Schools students, and a longtime labor leader, I bring a deep commitment to educational equity, fiscal responsibility, and community-centered leadership.
Appointed during a time of significant budget challenges, I’ve drawn on years of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets to advocate for responsible financial strategies that prioritize student learning and stability. When dramatic school closures were proposed, I worked with my colleagues, families, and staff to navigate these challenges—helping to prevent devastating disruptions for thousands of students and families.
My upbringing, along with my parents’ experience as special education teachers, taught me the value of inclusive education and the importance of fighting for every child’s right to succeed. I understand the real-life consequences of underfunded schools, and I’m committed to expanding access to inclusive, high-quality academic and support programs across Seattle.
In my first months on the board, I’ve worked to strengthen transparency and rebuild trust. I’ve prioritized open communication with families, educators, and school communities, and I’ve listened deeply to what our students need to thrive.
I’m committed to continuing that work— addressing our budget crisis with equity-focused solutions, building stronger partnerships between schools and families, expanding inclusive education, and advocating for the funding our students deserve. Together, we can build a district where every child has the tools to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I respectfully ask for your vote to continue serving our students and communities.”
During the Seattle Education Forum, Mizrahi told voters: “The most pressing issue in education is addressing the persistent opportunity gap caused by systemic inequities in an environment of shrinking resources. I would solve this by stabilizing the budget and devoting significantly more resources in the most targeted way to shrink this gap.”
Endorsements: 36th Democrats, 46th Democrats, King County Democrats, Gov. Bob Ferguson; Congresswoman Primila Jayapal; King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Teresa Mosqueda, Girmay Zahilay; Rep. Liz Berry, Sen. Noel Frame, Rep. Julia Reed, Rep. Shaun Scott, Rep. Nicole Macri; Seattle Public Schools Board President Topp and directors Sarah Clark and Brandon Hersey; King County Labor, and unions representing thousands of working families. Learn more about Joe Mizrahi
Laura Marie Rivera
Laura Marie Rivera (Image courtesy of the candidate)
“We have the future of our society in our classrooms today! Seattle’s families deserve leadership that listens and puts students first. Too often, major decisions are made by a board who doesn’t understand what’s happening inside our classrooms or in our homes. That disconnect has led to confusion, mistrust, and policies that fail to reflect what students and families actually need. I’m running for School Board to change that dynamic— and bring transparency, accountability, and student-centered thinking back the forefront.
I’m a Mother of four, an educator, an artist, and a lifelong advocate for students furthest from educational justice. I have experience teaching in overcrowded classrooms, supporting special education and multilingual programs, working alongside families navigating systemic barriers, consistently recognizing individual needs, and protecting our most vulnerable students and access to option programs. I’ve seen how top-down decisions can leave students behind and know that real solutions start with listening, not assuming.
I am the only educator in this race. That real-world experience is missing from our current leadership and urgently needed now more than ever. As someone who understands both the classroom and the community, I’m prepared to leverage that insight to ask better questions and demand thoughtful answers that center students.
The board’s recent actions have left many communities feeling unsafe, unheard, and unwelcome. We need leadership that plans responsibly, communicates clearly, and puts student well-being ahead of political convenience. I will be present, have difficult conversations, and ensure students and families have a real voice in decisions impacting their lives.
Proudly endorsed by community leaders, educators, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, NWPC/LD36/LD11/KCDems and more. They know I bring a culturally inclusive approach and a record of showing up when it matters most.
I’m ready to lead with integrity, focus, and care. I’d be honored to earn your vote.”
During the Seattle Education Forum, Rivera told voters: “The most pressing issue in education is the widening gap between what students need and what our systems provide. We must rebuild trust and funding in public education, empower educators and families to shape solutions, and ensure every student feels safe, seen, and supported, with particular care to those students furthest from educational justice.”
Endorsements: State Schools Superintendent Chris Reykdal, National Women’s Political Caucus, 11th LD Dems, 36th District Dems, King County Dems, Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion, Seattle Education Association, Women of Color in Politics, Washington Education Association PAC, Moms Demand Action, King County Council member Girmay Zahilay, Kim Shirley, President Biden’s Committee on Arts and Humanities, Suzi LeVine, former United States Ambassador, former King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Rep. Liz Berry, others. Learn more about Laura Marie Rivera.
District 5
Vivian Song
Vivian Song (Image courtesy the candidate)
“Public education transformed my life. I started as an English as Second Language student with a hearing disability. Thanks to dedicated teachers, I’m the first woman in my family to earn a college degree. As a Seattle Public Schools parent, finance professional, and former School Board Director, I’m stepping up to serve at a time when the district faces major decisions about a new Superintendent, a $100M budget deficit, and its future direction.
I bring steady, experienced leadership, budgeting and financial expertise, and deep roots in school communities to navigate challenges with accountability and a needed focus on student outcomes. We must protect and invest in programs that keep students engaged and push for long-term planning, not short-term cuts. I’m ready to work for you and our 49,000 students — from the Central District to Montlake, Capitol Hill to Leschi, and across Seattle.
Here’s what I will do: Bring clarity and oversight to our budget to ensure equity, accountability, and stability. Safeguard schools from arbitrary cuts and closure plans. Pursue academic excellence for all kids, inclusive special education, advanced learning, career pathways. Invest in mental health, gun violence prevention, and safety at schools. Stand up to Trump’s attacks on our schools, LGBTQ+ students, and families like mine who came to this country to seek education and opportunity.
We deserve schools that prepare every child to reach their potential. With experience, community ties, and a deep belief in the power of public education, I’m ready to help lead us forward.
I would be honored to earn your support and vote.”
During the Seattle Education Forum, Song told voters: “One of the most pressing issues in education is the growing disconnect between student needs and the way we fund and operate our schools. Too often, districts are forced to make short-term cuts rather than long-term investments that improve student outcomes. I seek to use my skills and experience as a finance professional and former school board director to align SPS’s budget with academic goals—using transparent data, equitable resource allocation strategies, and a community driven process—to ensure every dollar moves us closer to helping all students thrive.”
Endorsements: King County Democrats; Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen; Mayor Bruce Harrell; Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth; King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda; SPS Board President Gina Topp; SPS Board directors Sarah Clark and Joe Mizrahi, former directors Kay Smith-Blum, Lisa Rivera, Steve Sundquist, Betty Patu, and Sally Soriano, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Sen. Jamie Pedersen, Rep. Nicole Macri, Rep. Chipalo Street, former Seattle School Board President, Michael DeBell, Sen. Lisa Wellman, Chair of Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, others. Learn more about Vivian Song
Janis White
Janis White (Image courtesy of the candidate)
“Schools must be places where every child is empowered to succeed. I’m running to challenge the status quo, hold leadership accountable, and bring people together to find solutions.
We are facing a budget crisis. Unfortunately, the district previously proposed closing dozens of schools, including TOPS K-8 where my children went to school, and I served as President of the Site Council. As our School Board director I will fight for transparent budgeting, with a focus on early, meaningful, and frequent engagement with impacted communities, so we can avoid devastating school closures.
The closure of High Achievement programs is leading to declining enrollment that exacerbates budget issues. I will work to bring back these programs and keep as many kids as possible in our public school system.
1 in 5 kids in our K-12 schools are struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. Delivering more mental health counselors, increasing access to group therapy, and addressing the use of cell phones in schools is a top priority.
As a parent of students with disabilities, I have seen firsthand how Seattle Public Schools has often failed to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their background or abilities. Teachers, staff, and administrators want to do the right thing– but they need stronger guidance and support. I will bring experience supporting kids with disabilities that is sorely needed on the School Board.
Whether it was as Board President of the Seattle Special Education PTSA or founding a nonprofit organization to increase inclusion and belonging for disabled youth, I have been fighting for Seattle’s students and families for more than two decades. Together, we can support all students to achieve success.”
During the Seattle Education Forum, White told voters: “The most pressing need in education is our failure to center student needs in our system of delivering education, especially the needs of marginalized students who are often overlooked. There is not a one sentence solution to this very entrenched systemic problem but to start, school leaders, including school board directors, need to always be asking whether we have done enough to consider student needs and need to reflect on whether each decision is responsive to student needs and will improve student outcomes.”
Endorsements: Seattle Times, Seattle School Board President Gina Topp and three former SPS Board presidents (Leslie Harris, Kay Smith-Blum, Sherry Carr), King County Young Democrats, Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion, National Women’s Political Caucus, Local 587 Transit Union, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, others Learn more about Janis White.
District 7
Jen LaVallee (Image: From candidate)
Jen LaVallee
The following information comes from Jen LaVallee campaign website:
“Jen LaVallee is a dedicated Rainier Beach resident, public school parent, and experienced systems thinker with a deep commitment to her South Seattle community. For over a decade, she has worked and consulted for Seattle’s leading technology companies, where she has honed her expertise in innovative problem-solving, strategic planning, and data analysis.
She co-owns a local small business and currently serves on the board of the National Women’s Political Caucus and volunteers with Soulumination at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Her community involvement extends to leading successful fundraising efforts for the Rainier Valley Food Bank and joining school events like the SESSFA Move-a-Thon and Holiday Market. Jen also helped launch the Billion Dollar Bake Sale, a grassroots statewide campaign that mobilized hundreds of parents and students to advocate in Olympia for essential education funding across Washington State.
As the parent, Jen understands the challenges facing district families. She’s ready to bring both compassionate understanding and data-driven accountability to the school board — combining head and heart in service to Seattle’s students.”
Her stated vision for Seattle Schools: “I commit to listening actively to our communities. While the school board doesn’t have the power to fulfill every request, understanding families’ concerns helps us prioritize what truly matters for student success. I believe in the honest assessment of both our strengths and weaknesses. By acknowledging our gaps and identifying what’s working, we can make informed decisions that benefit all students.”
During the Seattle Education Forum, LaVallee told voters: “As a district, we’ve experienced significant losses in both enrollment and community trust during and after the pandemic. To move forward, we must be present and engaged in our community, and commit to transparency in order to grow our district and address our budget shortfall.” Learn more about Jen LaVallee.
Endorsements: The Washington Bus, Seattle Education Association, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, King County Democrats, Legis. District 37, Wash., Democratic Party , Legis. District 43, Wash., Democratic Party, NWPC-WA , National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington , Seattle Education Association, WEA-PAC , Washington Education Association PAC
Carol Rava (Image: From candidate)
Carol Rava
The following information comes from Jen LaVallee campaign website:
“Carol Rava is a dedicated Seattle Public Schools’ parent of nearly two decades. As the mother of children who have attended a wide range of Seattle Public Schools in southeast District 7 and other Seattle neighborhoods, Carol has first-hand knowledge of the district’s strengths and challenges from both a parent’s and as an education leader’s perspective.
Carol’s career includes her current role serving as Vice President – Education Grantmaking at Ascendium, a foundation focused on increasing the number of low-income learners receiving a postsecondary credential or workforce certificate that leads to upward mobility. The foundation focuses on populations furthest from educational justice. Prior to this role, she led advocacy and operations for the Postsecondary Commission, a new accreditor of colleges that provide economic mobility. As Co-founder and Deputy Director of the national nonprofit Get Schooled, she developed a free digital college-career counseling platform that has supported more than 1 million low-income students. From 2008-2010, Carol served as Executive Director of Strategic Planning for Seattle Public Schools, where she oversaw districtwide strategic planning, goal-setting and measurement, including extensive stakeholder engagement.
Carol’s leadership roles during eight years at the Gates Foundation included managing communications for the K-12 education team, and building out the foundation’s state advocacy work. She also served as CEO of the Technology Alliance, an organization that supports Washington’s innovation economy.
Carol earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion from Harvard University and a Master’s degree in Education Policy from Stanford University, where she developed her knowledge of education policy. She is currently enrolled in a Certificate in K12 Finance course through Georgetown University’s Edunomics Center.
She served on the John Muir Elementary School PTSA for years, including as treasurer, and was an active volunteer – including serving as president – with the nonprofit, Powerful Schools.
During the Seattle Education Forum, Rava told voters: “The most pressing issue facing Seattle Public Schools right now is a loss of confidence in the district’s ability to offer academic excellence in every school for every student and to keep every student safe. These are complicated issues, but academic excellence starts with a commitment to providing the challenge and support every student needs, and safety starts with tracking the data of what interventions are working and reinvesting in those that do.” Learn more about Carol Rava,
Endorsements: The Seattle Times, 34th and 36th District Democrats, Frmr. State Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D), Frmr. Seattle School Board Dir. Sherry Carr, Frmr. Seattle City Council Memb. Martha Choe, Frmr. Seattle School Board Dir. Michael Debell, Frmr. Seattle School Board Dir. Leslie Harris, Frmr. Seattle School Board Dir. Peter Maier, Frmr. State Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D), Frmr. Seattle School Board Dir. Steve Sundquist, Moms Demand Action
Seattle District Map
Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors District Map, current since 2022.
(Image: City of Seattle)
