Opinion: What to Know About the School Board Election That Could Make or Break Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) faces multiple crises: a persistent budget deficit, student safety problems and management failures that have left families with little trust in leadership. 

But we can turn things around. This year a new superintendent will be appointed, and four out of the seven school board director positions are up for election. In the Aug. 5 primary, voters can choose school board candidates who will prioritize common sense, accountability and genuine partnership with all students and families. 

Why the school board matters

The Seattle school board is responsible for SPS operations. The board sets a vision and goals; appoints the superintendent; approves the budget and labor contracts; and sets district policies. The school board has an enormous impact on every student and each individual school. 

What’s at stake in this election 

In recent years the school board majority has isolated itself from the public, reducing public meetings from two down to one per month, and cutting public testimony time in half. In the board’s implementation of Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG), it has voluntarily abdicated much of its responsibility, eliminating oversight committees for finance, policy and curriculum, even limiting the types of questions board directors can ask SPS staff in public. As a result, the public is largely shut out of major decisions and the SPS administration is not held accountable. 

The failed mass school closures plan, the effort to end high achievement programs, and the practice of suppressing enrollment at popular neighborhood and option schools all exemplify this dynamic. 

SPS leadership speaks about prioritizing equity, yet the district’s most vulnerable students remain underserved, and their families’ voices are often ignored. 

What we need from candidates 

1. Listen and rebuild trust: The public wants safer schools with more academic rigor, more choice and no school closures. Candidates must prioritize these issues, which will help to increase enrollment and stabilize the budget. The board should restore public meetings and task forces; ensure public engagement is authentic and inclusive of all community members; and make decisions in full view.
2. Demand accountability: Candidates must pledge to bring back regular committee meetings for finance, policy and curriculum oversight. They must pursue an independent audit of district spending. They must ensure the next superintendent makes personnel changes necessary to drive safety and district excellence. A candidate with financial expertise or previous success driving organizational change would be an asset here.
3. Unite the community: The next board must build a coalition across students, families, educators and staff from every corner of our diverse city. We must face our common challenges and form a shared vision of the future, rooted in the principle that every child deserves to thrive and reach their full potential. 

The best candidates won’t just align with these priorities, they’ll have a proven track record that shows they can get it done. 

What you can do right now 

Only one-third of Seattle voters cast ballots in a typical August primary, and many skip over school board races. Now is the time to do your homework on the candidates running in your district, spread the word to your neighbors and make sure you vote by Aug. 5. 

High-functioning public schools are critical for our democracy, our economy and most importantly, our kids. As an SPS parent and volunteer with All Together for Seattle Schools, I believe we can solve our district’s challenges if we elect school board members who will listen to their constituents, apply common sense and use the full extent of their power to drive much-needed change. On Aug. 5, let’s vote for the bright future our kids deserve. 

About: All Together for Seattle Schools is a grassroots group of parents and community members advocating for every child to have a safe, nurturing and enriching public school experience that allows them to achieve their full potential.