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Hi. I'm Liza Rankin, and I'm running
for Seattle School Board Director in District 1,
because every child deserves a welcoming
and safe school that values
and honors them and their families.
As a board director of the Wedgwood Elementary PTA,
Seattle Council PTSA,
and Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange,
I've been getting things done for
Seattle's kids for nearly a decade.
I have fought for stable funding
for special education and family support workers,
for safe and healthy bell times,
and I've supported student
and educator-led efforts like
Black Lives Matter at School and Ethnic Studies.
I'm running to continue this service
and to improve experiences
and outcomes for all students,
ensuring that they graduate prepared
for career, college, or community.
As your School Board Director,
I will narrow the opportunity gap
by championing early learning programs,
working to hire and retain educators
that reflect the racial and cultural
diversity of our student population,
by securing adequate funding for the arts,
and by creating welcoming and safe
school environments that support
equitable family engagement
before, during, and after school.
I will work with district leadership,
staff, and families
to break down walls between
central offices and schools,
and I will hold the district accountable
to their new Strategic Plan
by prioritizing curriculum adoption
that empowers students and educators,
and by requiring professional development
for staff and administration related to
anti-racism, cultural competency,
and learning disabilities and differences.
I'm ready to bring my knowledge,
experience, and community connections
to the next level to work for every student
to meet their full potential
through a quality public education.
I'm proud to be endorsed by
the Seattle Education Association,
The Stranger,
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility,
current school board directors
and state legislators,
and leaders from school communities
all across Seattle.
Together, we can create a school district
that is responsive and inclusive
and gives our students what they need to thrive.
And I'd be honored to have your vote in November.
Thank you for your support.
Hello, I'm Eric Blumhagen,
your candidate for School Board District 1.
I've had children in Seattle Schools for 16 years.
A decade ago, I started speaking up
at the district level
to fight against ill-advised school closures
that cost the district over $60 million.
Since then, I've served on PTA boards
and district-wide advisory committees,
advocating for all students
on issues from assignment area boundaries
to stable funding for strong academic programs
at Rainier Beach and Chief Sealth High Schools.
I'm also proud to have been part of the team
that brought later start times to
Seattle's middle and high schools.
Because of that change,
students get more sleep,
have better attendance,
and earn higher grades.
The school board creates policies based on
voters' progressive ideals,
from community engagement
to inclusive special education services
to racial equity.
I have the experience
to hold the district accountable.
We can deliver results
that match our ideals.
With your vote, I'll prioritize --
Equity -- Seattle students face
an unacceptable opportunity gap.
We can do better, with sustained investments
in restorative justice programs,
culturally responsive curricula,
and de-escalation training for school staff.
Responsible investments --
We must direct our resources
where they'll do the most good --
in the school and in the classroom.
We need more teachers, librarians,
counselors, and special education staff.
And finally, the skilled trades --
There are so many opportunities for students
in the skilled trades.
I will work to improve access
to hands-on classes
that prepare students
to enter the workforce
in these living wage careers.
I am proud to be endorsed by leaders
including former School Board Presidents
Betty Patu and Sue Peters,
Representative Gael Tarleton,
and organizations such as
the King County Democrats,
Laborers Local 242,
and Operating Engineers Local 609.
With your support, we can improve
Seattle Public Schools for all students.
Thank you for your vote.