1 00:00:01,334 --> 00:00:06,306 ♪♪ 2 00:00:11,011 --> 00:00:12,879 Hi, I'm Lisa Rivera Smith, 3 00:00:12,979 --> 00:00:14,981 a proud Mexican-American mother of three, 4 00:00:15,081 --> 00:00:16,449 and I am running to be your next 5 00:00:16,549 --> 00:00:17,851 Seattle School Board Director, 6 00:00:17,951 --> 00:00:19,686 representing District 2. 7 00:00:19,786 --> 00:00:21,254 Let's start where we all agree -- 8 00:00:21,354 --> 00:00:22,889 Seattle school kids deserve the best. 9 00:00:22,989 --> 00:00:24,290 Yet time after time, 10 00:00:24,391 --> 00:00:25,392 funding falls short, 11 00:00:25,492 --> 00:00:26,659 voices are left out, 12 00:00:26,760 --> 00:00:28,328 and inequities continue. 13 00:00:28,428 --> 00:00:30,563 Seattle Public Schools must rise to the challenge 14 00:00:30,663 --> 00:00:33,066 and provide a great education for every student. 15 00:00:33,166 --> 00:00:35,101 As a proven leader and problem solver, 16 00:00:35,201 --> 00:00:36,536 I'm not afraid to face these challenges 17 00:00:36,636 --> 00:00:37,971 head on, seeking solutions 18 00:00:38,071 --> 00:00:39,672 from every corner. 19 00:00:39,773 --> 00:00:41,808 No stranger to advocacy and activism, 20 00:00:41,908 --> 00:00:42,842 I've been a staunch supporter 21 00:00:42,942 --> 00:00:43,943 of our students, staff, 22 00:00:44,044 --> 00:00:45,578 and communities for years. 23 00:00:45,678 --> 00:00:48,348 I proudly marched with our striking teachers in 2015, 24 00:00:48,448 --> 00:00:51,317 fresh into my first days as a PTSA president. 25 00:00:51,418 --> 00:00:52,685 I worked weekly with students 26 00:00:52,786 --> 00:00:53,820 at Hamilton Middle School 27 00:00:53,920 --> 00:00:55,455 as their Green Team advisor. 28 00:00:55,555 --> 00:00:56,556 I stepped up to establish 29 00:00:56,656 --> 00:00:58,224 the Lincoln High School PTSA, 30 00:00:58,324 --> 00:00:59,893 bringing together a coalition of parents, 31 00:00:59,993 --> 00:01:01,394 students, and teachers. 32 00:01:01,494 --> 00:01:02,695 I engaged with diverse communities 33 00:01:02,796 --> 00:01:04,664 for almost a decade as a MathFest volunteer 34 00:01:04,764 --> 00:01:06,499 at Rainier Community Center, 35 00:01:06,599 --> 00:01:07,700 and I've traveled to Olympia 36 00:01:07,801 --> 00:01:09,235 to speak directly with state legislators 37 00:01:09,335 --> 00:01:11,738 on behalf of our struggling families. 38 00:01:11,838 --> 00:01:12,906 And now, I am honored 39 00:01:13,006 --> 00:01:14,074 to be the sole candidate 40 00:01:14,174 --> 00:01:15,775 for Seattle School Board, Position 2. 41 00:01:15,875 --> 00:01:16,943 I will be a board member 42 00:01:17,043 --> 00:01:18,278 who focuses on listening, 43 00:01:18,378 --> 00:01:20,346 learning, and leading with integrity. 44 00:01:20,447 --> 00:01:22,082 As a former newspaper reporter, 45 00:01:22,182 --> 00:01:23,550 it was my job to be curious 46 00:01:23,650 --> 00:01:25,018 and seek out information, 47 00:01:25,118 --> 00:01:27,454 skills that I will apply to all of my interactions 48 00:01:27,554 --> 00:01:29,589 with families, educators, and staff. 49 00:01:29,689 --> 00:01:31,524 I will amplify community voices, 50 00:01:31,624 --> 00:01:33,359 while shining a light on the decisions 51 00:01:33,460 --> 00:01:36,096 and actions that come out of district headquarters. 52 00:01:36,196 --> 00:01:37,764 I'm grateful for the endorsements 53 00:01:37,864 --> 00:01:40,066 from the 36th, 43rd, and 46th 54 00:01:40,166 --> 00:01:41,568 District Democrats, 55 00:01:41,668 --> 00:01:43,169 as well as current School Board Directors 56 00:01:43,269 --> 00:01:44,804 Leslie Harris, Scott Pinkham, 57 00:01:44,904 --> 00:01:46,539 Rick Burke, and Eden Mack. 58 00:01:46,639 --> 00:01:48,108 They endorse me because they know 59 00:01:48,208 --> 00:01:49,876 I'm a dedicated public servant 60 00:01:49,976 --> 00:01:51,544 who will raise the voices of our diverse 61 00:01:51,644 --> 00:01:53,313 and underserved populations. 62 00:01:53,413 --> 00:01:54,647 There's work to be done, 63 00:01:54,747 --> 00:01:56,216 and we will do it together. 64 00:01:56,316 --> 00:01:58,251 Again, I am Lisa Rivera Smith, 65 00:01:58,351 --> 00:01:59,352 and I look forward to serving 66 00:01:59,452 --> 00:02:00,687 the students of this great city 67 00:02:00,787 --> 00:02:02,155 on the Seattle School Board.