The Seattle Public Schools School Board Directors 2023 General Election is fast approaching, and it’s essential for residents and public education supporters to get to know the candidates vying for these positions.
The Seattle Public Schools School Board Directors 2023 General Election is fast approaching, and it’s essential for residents and public education supporters to get to know the candidates vying for these positions. The School Board plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of public education in Seattle, and the decisions made by its members have a direct impact on our children’s education and the community as a whole.
Get to know the candidates running for the Seattle Public Schools School Board this fall, highlighting their backgrounds, visions, key priorities and links to campaign websites to dive deeper. It’s crucial to stay informed about these candidates to make an informed decision when casting your vote ahead of time.
You can vote by mail (ballots will be sent to registered voters on Oct. 17) or on election day on November 7, 2023! Visit King County Elections website for all topics covering voting, but quick links are below to:
The following quotes are statements cut and paste directly from candidate websites. The Alliance does not engage in lobbying activity or endorsement of candidates but believes it’s essential for voters to have access to information to be informed and engaged in local community elections.
District 1: Liza Rankin (incumbent)
“As an advocate, parent of two SPS students, past PTA and Seattle Council PTSA leader, and Seattle School Board Director, Vice President, and Legislative Liaison, I have spent a decade engaging with and working alongside families and educators all over Seattle, since the day my older son was enrolled in an inclusive toddler program, for children with and without disabilities.”
District 1: Debbie Carlsen
“I am running to ensure there is more transparency, accountability and deeper levels of community engagement when crucial decisions are made. I believe representation matters and I want to be a strong LGBTQ+ voice and ensure protection for trans kids and youth.”
District 2: Christina Posten
“I spent years as a high school science teacher, activities coordinator and coach. During those years I witnessed the difference in experience for students sitting in the same classroom. I spent my time writing curriculum and school programs focused on representing and including all students. My passions led me to school administration, knowing I wanted to be a part of the larger conversation. As a school leader I witnessed the breakdowns in the district and how fractured it is.”
District 2: Lisa Rivera Smith (incumbent)
“Elected to a four-year term in the November 2019 General Election, Director Rivera Smith proudly represents District 2 on the Seattle School Board. District 2 includes the Green Lake, Greenwood, Ballard and Magnolia neighborhoods. A mother of three, Lisa has spent many years as a member and volunteer for educational, environmental and political organizations.”
District 3: Evan Briggs
“As a parent of three SPS students, one of my core values is that we advocate most effectively for our own children when we advocate for all children. I’m running to be your next school board representative because I believe in a system that is focused on student outcomes and is responsive to the needs of all kids.”
District 3: Ben Gitenstein
“I was the Executive Director of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance in the 2000’s, where we fought for (and won) major new investment in affordable housing from legislators in Olympia. I’ve been building enterprise software for the last 15 years as a product manager at startups and the biggest tech firms in the world. I led volunteer organizing for John Kerry for President in WA, I’ve raised lots of money for Democratic candidates, and I was a community organizer in New York City before moving to Seattle.”
District 6: Gina Topp
“Gina Topp is a lawyer, education advocate, and mom. She has dedicated her career to public service, including serving as the chief legal counsel and policy advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine. Gina’s passion for education stems from her own transformative experiences. Inspired by her 4th-grade teacher, she developed a love for the environment through a classroom garden.”
District 6: Maryanne Wood
“My name is Maryanne Wood and I was raised on a dairy farm so I know the value of hard work and education. I live in West Seattle where we raised five children and now have 6 grand children. It is time for me to give back to the schools that are educating my grandchildren. I strive to serve rather than to govern, restore transparency to the process being used by the Seattle Public Schools to make decisions about building new schools and dial back the Mega schools that are already planned at Alki, Rogers, and Montlake.”
The Seattle Public Schools School Board election is a crucial event that will shape the future of education in our community. It’s vital for voters to research and get to know the candidates running for these positions. Your vote can make a significant impact on the future of our schools in Seattle!