Get to Know the Seattle School Board Candidates in the August 2025 Primary

District 2: Eric Feeny

It’s not enough to be a good person and have the best interest of our students and community at heart. I’ve watched the last eight years while well intentioned board members failed to arrest a downward spiral of enrollment and academic rigor.

I have two children enrolled in SPS; I’ve been active on the PTA boards of all the schools my kids attend, and I follow the school board meetings online and have made a few testimonies in person. I was sympathetic to the very real funding crisis that stems from outdated state policy. But I’ve come to see that many of our problems are not funding related, and have straightforward direction and operational steps to turn things around.

I will see that we increase school autonomy and focus the administration back on lifting up those that need extra help, rather than holding back those who are able to charge ahead. I’ll secure the option for schools to bring back advanced class work and reasonable levels of home work and challenging assignments that push our kids to grow.

Nobody should fall between the cracks; I will assemble people into action groups and connect them with district staff to solve problems. I will also help SPS stop jilting families with last minute announcements.

I will put in place a better roll-up escalation process aimed at enabling excellence and clearing blockers that are holding each school back. And I will help the district get creative at using technology and AI to carry some of the repetitive work load of our overtasked teachers in order to facilitate more personal student attention.

District 2: Sarah Clark (incumbent)

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 afety. 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.

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

District 2: Kathleen Smith

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.

District 4: Gloria Suella Menchaca

Public education is our nation’s most valuable investment and greatest democratic asset. Every student deserves a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment. Seattle Public Schools require bold leadership. I will prioritize our children’s safety and well-being, actively listen to families and educators, and advocate for informed and courageous action to address opportunity and academic gaps.

I’m running because I believe in a school district that serves all students, particularly those who have historically been marginalized by our systems. As a lifelong student of public education, I’ve witnessed both its potential and its inequalities. I’ve navigated special education systems and systemic barriers and have fought to ensure that others receive the resources and support they need to thrive.

Professionally, I’ve conducted neuroscience research at MIT and led community outreach initiatives serving low-income and immigrant families. I’ve coordinated emergency response efforts, mentored underrepresented students in STEM, and advocated for environmental sustainability and equity in public services. These experiences have taught me how to listen deeply and mobilize resources strategically.

As your School Board Director, I will fight for transparent budgeting, robust student support services, and meaningful engagement with families across all communities. I will advocate for policies that empower community voices, uphold integrity, and align our shared values with practical, people-centered solutions that prepare every child for a thriving future.

This moment demands leadership rooted in lived experience and a deep belief in the power of public education. It would be my honor to serve this community and contribute to the strengthening of the institutions that uphold our democratic values.

I respectfully ask for your vote.

District 4: Joe Mizrahi (incumbent)

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.

Endorsed: 36th, 46th, and King County Democrats; Governor Ferguson; Congresswoman Jayapal; County Councilmembers Dembowski, Mosqueda, Zahilay; State Legislators Frame, Reed, Berry, Scott, Macri; Seattle Public Schools Board President Topp and Directors Clark, Hersey; King County Labor, and unions representing thousands of working families; and many more!

District 4: Bill Campbell

I graduated from a public high school in a Washington school district that failed to pass its levy for nearly a decade. My husband is also a teacher in Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and we are from immigrant families. I coach in SPS and try to substitute teach two weeks a year. As such, I have a strong understanding of chronic mismanagement in our school systems.

In high school, to combat this mismanagement I helped found my district’s first citizen’s budget review committee. The committee ushered in 12 years of passed levies. Clearly, community voice and involvement are paramount for school and student success.

The biggest problem at SPS is that the school board has abdicated its authority and no longer involves the community in its decision-making process. The board has moved to one public meeting a month instead of its historical two, has hired outside consultants from Texas at exorbitant costs to lead the district, and fails to listen to parent, student, and community needs. This is the underlying problem that led to budget deficits, decreased enrollment, and failed programming.

In my first 90 days I will 1) return the school board to two traditional public meetings a month; 2) found an SPS citizen’s budget review committee to involve the public in yearly budget audits, recommendations, and levies; 3) fire the Texas consultants; and 4) set individual meetings with at least 100 parents, teachers, and principals.

Once the community is involved, the next step is to reevaluate high academic expectations, strong yet equitable disciplinary procedures, and increased access to option schools.

I grew up extremely poor, but public schools saved my life. I now own two small businesses and have a strong background in accounting. Our students deserve the same opportunities. Thank you for your vote.

District 4: Laura Marie Rivera

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 wellbeing 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.

District 5: Vivian Song

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.

Endorsements: King County Democrats; Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen; Mayor Bruce Harrell; City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth; County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda; SPS Board President Gina Topp; Directors Sarah Clark, Joe Mizrahi; Kay Smith-Blum, Lisa Rivera (fmr.); students, parents, educators, and community leaders!

District 5: Landon Labosky

I am the proud son of two lifelong educators and a product of public schools—from kindergarten through putting myself through graduate school. My experience has shown me the value of a strong public education system, and I’ve also seen the consequences when we fail to invest in our youth.

Seattle Public Schools faces a projected $90+ million budget shortfall for the 2025–2026 school year. The current school board has been presented with limited options: closing schools, cutting staff who directly support students, or applying short-term fixes that ignore systemic issues. This is unacceptable. Our community deserves bold, responsive leadership and a vision for long-term solutions.

For over a decade, I’ve worked in youth development and advocacy. I’ve managed complex budgets and led high-performing teams through difficult challenges. These experiences have prepared me to serve on the Seattle School Board with integrity and urgency. I will prioritize: Listening to students and families about their specific needs at each school site. This must be a central focus moving forward. Creating a transparent, understandable budget. Our community deserves clarity and accountability in how public dollars are spent. Partnering with the City of Seattle and King County to improve school safety. No student or parent should fear for their safety at school, and this work requires collaboration across institutions.

With your vote, we can change the trajectory of our school district. We can grow enrollment, meet the needs of every student, and build a thriving, equitable public school system—but I can’t do this alone. I’ll need your support.

I’m honored to be early endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Democratic Municipal Officials. Let’s work together to build the future our students deserve.

District 5: Allycea Weil

nd. I’m a longtime Seattle Public Schools parent, a fierce advocate for equity, and someone who knows what it’s like to grow up with housing instability, empty shelves at home, and teachers who made all the difference.

I’m running for school board because SPS is and has been in crisis — and our kids can’t afford more leadership turnover, budget missteps, or broken trust. Families have felt abused and neglected by the district. They faced wait-lists, shifting boundaries, threatened closures, and a remote learning experience that deepened inequities. We need urgent, accountable leadership.

I’ll fight to stabilize leadership, protect equity-focused programs from cuts, and bring transparency to budgeting and enrollment decisions. I’ll partner with educators, families, local government, and students themselves to rebuild the district from the inside out.

This work isn’t abstract to me. I’ve lived the data points we talk about in meetings. I’ve walked my kids through this system. I know what’s at stake. Together, we can build a district that is sustainable, innovative, and deeply rooted in justice. I’m ready to get to work.

District 5: Julissa Sanchez

Issues Facing Seattle Public Schools

Our public schools are at a turning point. Families across our district — of every race, language, and income level — want schools where their children are safe, challenged, and prepared for the future. Students from immigrant, Black, Brown, and multilingual communities bring valuable perspectives, experiences, and cultural strengths that enrich our schools. I believe that when we build on the strengths of all our students, we create an environment where every child can thrive.

Who I am, Julissa Sanchez

I’m running because I know what it’s like to grow up in our schools feeling invisible. I am a former ESL student, the daughter of immigrants and a Mexican American Chicana, and current renter who grew up in the Central District.

As a graduate of SPS Interagency Academy, I understand firsthand the challenges students face. My son is enrolled at Garfield HS. In my role at CHOOSE180, I lead efforts to empower youth, advocate for policy reform, and create systemic change, ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed.

Like so many students today, I navigated a school system that wasn’t designed for me — where my potential was too often overlooked. I’m running because I want something different for today’s students: schools where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. My Commitment to Community I will work to build trust between the district and the communities I serve. I understand the strength of community and the importance of belonging and transparency. I’ll bring bilingual, bicultural leadership to the board, actively listening to youth and families, ensuring the district remains accountable to them. I am dedicated to creating policies that reflect the voices of youth and families, ensuring that every decision prioritizes their needs. I hope to earn your vote.

District 5: Janis White

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.