The upcoming Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors election in August 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most crucial in recent history.
With students, families, and educators facing uncertainties, the importance of informed voting has never been clearer.
As national difficulties loom, local action rooted in shared values can foster hope and progress within communities.
Education, a central issue for many Seattle residents, often requires deeper engagement from those without direct ties to the school systems.
To aid voters, this article presents profiles of candidates, detailing their visions and priorities for Seattle Public Schools.
### District 2 Candidates
#### Sarah Clark (Incumbent)
As a public school alumna and a woman of color, Sarah Clark brings a personal understanding of the systemic barriers faced by students in Seattle.
Her experience has informed her commitment to racial equity within education systems and the belief that community engagement is critical for effective governance.
Clark’s tenure has been marked by a keen focus on making meaningful changes in Seattle Public Schools, stressing the need for fiscal prudence and student-centered policies.
She emphasizes that the status quo is unsustainable, evident in the district’s significant budget crisis and declining enrollment.
Clark has received endorsements from several local Democratic organizations and educational leaders, showcasing her broad support within the community.
#### Eric Feeny
Eric Feeny asserts that the challenges within Seattle Public Schools extend beyond funding—it requires a shift in operational strategy and increased school autonomy.
With active participation in PTA boards and regular attendance at school board meetings, Feeny has developed solutions to enhance academic rigor and hold educational standards high.
He proposes the reintroduction of advanced coursework and advanced assignments, connecting parents and staff in collaborative problem-solving groups to address pressing issues.
Feeny aims to utilize technology creatively, relieving teachers of repetitive tasks, thereby enabling them to focus more on student engagement.
#### Kathleen Smith
A parent and educator, Kathleen Smith combines her teaching experience with a background in data science to inform her approach to school governance.
She advocates for maintaining local schools rather than resorting to disruptive closures, emphasizing neighborhood schools’ value for community cohesion.
Smith’s commitment to transparency and teacher collaboration aims to restore trust in the decision-making process while using data to back policies.
She actively listens to educators and families to ensure that educational strategies align with the community’s needs, advocating for sustained academic programs.
### District 4 Candidates
#### Harsimran Kaur
Harsimran Kaur has yet to provide detailed information to the public about her candidacy, missing an opportunity to communicate her platform.
#### Bill Campbell
Bill Campbell’s connection to public education dates back to his own struggles with underfunded schools in Washington state.
He believes that community voices must be central in decision-making to address ongoing mismanagement in the school system.
Campbell’s plan includes increasing regular public meetings, enabling a citizen’s budget review committee for better fiscal oversight, and engaging directly with parents and educators.
His approach emphasizes reinstating structural integrity to the decision-making process while setting high academic expectations for all students.
#### Gloria Suella Menchaca
Gloria Suella Menchaca focuses on ensuring a safe and equitable learning environment for every student and utilizes her extensive background in STEM advocacy to support educational reform.
Her commitment to fighting for marginalized communities manifests in transparency in budgeting and advocating for robust student support services.
Menchaca’s personal experiences navigating public education shape her understanding of the challenges families face, and she pledges to listen actively to community concerns.
#### Joe Mizrahi (Incumbent)
As a current member of the School Board, Joe Mizrahi brings experience in managing budgetary challenges and advocating for inclusive education.
His focus on transparency has started to rebuild trust within the community, as he navigates complex financial obstacles.
Mizrahi emphasizes the need for open communication with families and a commitment to addressing funding issues with equity at the forefront.
His previous work has prevented severe disruptions amidst budget challenges, reinforcing his belief in stable, inclusive school environments for all students.
#### Laura Marie Rivera
Laura Marie Rivera positions herself as a candidate who understands the intricacies of classroom dynamics and community needs.
As an educator and a parent, she’s keenly aware of the disconnect between board decisions and classroom realities, advocating for increased accountability and transparency.
Rivera’s platform emphasizes the importance of mental health support in schools and fostering connections with impacted communities to better inform policy decisions.
In her perspective, true educational leadership requires a commitment to prioritizing student voices and addressing their well-being at every level.
### District 5 Candidates
#### Landon Labosky
Landon Labosky brings a background in youth development to his candidacy, advocating for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes to Seattle Public Schools’ budget issues.
He believes community engagement must be paramount while addressing the challenges of a substantial budget shortfall.
Labosky emphasizes the importance of safe school environments and collaboration with local governments to address safety concerns effectively.
His leadership vision aims to rebuild trust and support for the district’s families and students through transparent budgeting processes.
#### Julissa Sanchez
Julissa Sanchez identifies as a former ESL student and daughter of immigrants, committed to amplifying underrepresented voices in Seattle schools.
She understands firsthand the barriers to success that many students face and aims to create educational environments where all students feel valued and equipped to thrive.
Sanchez’s work with CHOOSE180 reflects her dedication to systemic change, and she seeks to involve families in processes driving educational policymaking.
Her compassionate leadership style prioritizes listening to community stakeholders to ensure every policy decision is grounded in shared experiences and needs.
#### Vivian Song
Vivian Song draws on her experiences as an ESL student and finance professional to address the challenges facing Seattle Public Schools.
She advocates for robust budgeting practices that ensure stability and accountability within the education system.
Her goal is to protect inclusive education and maintain essential programs that engage students, particularly in light of current political challenges threatening school environments.
As a parent and former board member, Song prioritizes community ties in her approach to educational governance and aims to navigate budgetary issues with a focus on long-term solutions for students.
#### Allycea Weil
Allycea Weil recognizes the urgency of the issues facing Seattle Public Schools, calling for immediate and accountable leadership.
She focuses on the need for transparency in decision-making processes and emphasizes the importance of equity-based programs.
Weil’s advocacy for community involvement stems from her personal experiences navigating the educational system, driving her passion for reform.
Her candidacy represents a commitment to rebuilding trust and advocating for best practices in supporting district families and students.
#### Janis White
Janis White aims to challenge the status quo by advocating for transparent budgeting processes and community engagement.
She highlights the detrimental effects of previous school closure proposals and their impact on student enrollment and morale.
White’s experience advocating for students with disabilities informs her approach to governance, as she seeks to implement inclusive practices that support every student’s success.
Her leadership will focus on mental health resources and strategies that effectively meet the diverse needs of all Seattle Public Schools students, ensuring each child is empowered to succeed.
### Conclusion
As the race for Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors intensifies, the choices voters make will significantly impact the local education landscape.
With a variety of candidates emerged, each offering distinct perspectives and plans to address pressing issues, engagement from the community is crucial.
With a shared commitment to equity, transparency, and collaboration, the candidates present differing visions for a responsive and thriving educational environment.
Voters will need to consider how each candidate’s priorities align with the values and needs of the Seattle community and its students.
This election serves as a pivotal opportunity for families and educators alike to reclaim their voice within the educational system, shaping the future for generations to come.
image source from：seattleschild
