In this breakdown from League of Education Voters, understand what the role of advocates is, how elected officials work together and who is in charge of what.
Community voices can influence every level, from local policy to statewide decisions. Our system relies on advocates to identify problems through lived experience, lift up issues to the right decision-makers, push leaders to act and hold them accountable. What is the role of the advocate at each level of our education system?
WHO IS WHO? WHAT DO THEY DO?
- School Board: Elected officials who set district policies, hire and oversee the superintendent, and approve the district budget.
- School Superintendent: Implements the policies set by the School Board and manages daily operations of Seattle Public Schools.
- City Council & Mayor: Decide on city programs and policies that impact students and families, such as afterschool programs, housing, safety, youth jobs, and transportation.
- OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction): Carries out and oversees state education policies, sets standards, and ensures compliance with state and federal education laws.
- State Legislature (House & Senate): Makes state laws and sets the state budget for education (including staff allocations, special education, and graduation requirements).
WHEN DO I GO TO THEM?
- School Board → Budgets, curriculum, superintendent accountability.
Go here if you care about what’s taught, class size, teacher contracts, or district priorities. - School Superintendent→ How policies are carried out.
Go here if you want to know how something is working (or not) day to day. - City Council & Mayor → Out-of-school supports.
Go here if the issue is about local levies, afterschool programs, housing, safety, or youth jobs. - OSPI → Standards, testing, statewide accountability.
Go here if you need state oversight or enforcement of equity laws. - State Legislature → Funding, teacher salaries, graduation requirements, special education law, etc.
Go here if you want bigger-picture, statewide change like funding or laws.
HOW DOES EVERYONE WORK TOGETHER?
- School Board ↔ Superintendent: The Board sets policies and goals; the Superintendent implements them across the district.
- City ↔ Schools: City government supports schools through services like youth safety, housing, afterschool programs, and helps pass and implement local education levies that provide additional school funding.
- State ↔ Local: State laws and funding set the boundaries for schools and cities. The Legislature passes laws and budgets that OSPI enforces, shaping how districts operate. Local governments work within these rules but can raise extra funds through levies and expand support via city services.
- Advocates ↔ All Levels: Community voices influence every stage, from local policy to statewide decisions. Many system leaders rely on advocacy groups to inform priorities
This guide was originally developed in partnership with the League of Education Voters for the 2025 Seattle Education Forum.