Dr. Jones and SESEC’s stewardship of the broader community toward educational justice and racial equity exemplify the spirit and mission of the Alliance for Education in this annual award.
The Alliance for Education is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Public Education Advocacy Award: Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, and Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC). These distinguished honorees will be recognized at the Alliance’s Pearl Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, marking 30 years of community care and investments in Seattle Public Schools.
The Public Education Advocacy Award, now in its second year, celebrates individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to equity and excellence in public education. This year’s awardees have shown exemplary leadership in advancing issues crucial to students, families and educators in Seattle Public Schools.
Superintendent Brent Jones, Ph.D.
Dr. Brent Jones, a proud graduate of Seattle Public Schools and current superintendent, is being recognized for his courageous leadership and steadfast dedication to educational justice. Under his guidance, Seattle Public Schools navigated through some of the most complex and challenging years in recent history—from pandemic recovery and structural budget shortfalls to reimagining systems to better serve students, families and educators.
His career has spanned executive roles in education and public service, from Seattle Colleges to King County, and during his early tenure at Seattle Public Schools, he led the development of the district’s strategy for Eliminating Opportunity Gaps and the roadmap for realizing racial equity. That foundational work continues to shape his leadership today.
Dr. Jones’ current vision as superintendent—to ensure every student has access to high-quality instructional time, intellectually ambitious curriculum, culturally responsive experiences and ample opportunities for self-identity and success—aligns fully with the Alliance’s mission. We have been honored to walk alongside Dr. Jones in service of Seattle’s students, and his commitment to partnership has strengthened our collective ability to respond to urgent needs and drive systemic change.
Though he did not initially seek this role, Dr. Jones answered the call of the community and has led with integrity, strategic clarity and an unshakable belief in the brilliance of every student—especially Black boys and those furthest from educational justice. The Alliance for Education is proud to recognize Dr. Jones for his transformational leadership and lifelong dedication to creating a more just and thriving public education system.
Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC)
The Southeast Seattle Education Coalition will be honored as the first-ever organizational recipient of the award. For over a decade, SESEC has stood as a trusted convener and a powerful force for change, advocating for students and families in Southeast Seattle and beyond. Their mission—to rally communities of color and ensure all children receive an excellent, equitable education—aligns closely with the values and vision of the Alliance.
SESEC’s work is deeply rooted in community and authentically sharing power with community. Their coalition-based model brings together community organizations, schools, parents, and educators to drive culturally responsive advocacy and dismantle systemic barriers to equity. Their efforts to amplify community voice and dismantle systemic barriers have not only elevated conversations around equity—they’ve driven meaningful change.
As a thought partner to the Alliance and Seattle Public Schools, and a leader in racial equity policy, SESEC continues to advance solutions grounded in the lived experiences of Southeast Seattle families. Whether organizing town halls or engaging in culturally responsive advocacy programs, SESEC consistently centers those most affected by inequities—and brings others to the table to listen, learn, and act.
Honoring Awardees Impact
The Alliance’s Pearl Anniversary Gala will celebrate three decades of impact while spotlighting the people and partnerships—like these awardees—making bold strides in educational justice. This year’s honorees exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, vision and community.
About the Alliance for Education
For 30 years, the Alliance for Education has worked in partnership with Seattle Public Schools to address crucial challenges facing Seattle students, families and educators. Our mission is to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools. Our work is collaborative as we seek to address systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.