1 00:35:14,812 --> 00:35:19,784 ♪♪ 2 00:35:24,489 --> 00:35:26,357 Hi, I'm Lisa Rivera Smith, 3 00:35:26,457 --> 00:35:28,459 a proud Mexican-American mother of three, 4 00:35:28,559 --> 00:35:29,927 and I am running to be your next 5 00:35:30,027 --> 00:35:31,329 Seattle School Board Director, 6 00:35:31,429 --> 00:35:33,164 representing District 2. 7 00:35:33,264 --> 00:35:34,732 Let's start where we all agree -- 8 00:35:34,832 --> 00:35:36,367 Seattle school kids deserve the best. 9 00:35:36,467 --> 00:35:37,768 Yet time after time, 10 00:35:37,869 --> 00:35:38,870 funding falls short, 11 00:35:38,970 --> 00:35:40,138 voices are left out, 12 00:35:40,238 --> 00:35:41,806 and inequities continue. 13 00:35:41,906 --> 00:35:44,041 Seattle Public Schools must rise to the challenge 14 00:35:44,142 --> 00:35:46,544 and provide a great education for every student. 15 00:35:46,644 --> 00:35:48,579 As a proven leader and problem solver, 16 00:35:48,679 --> 00:35:50,014 I'm not afraid to face these challenges 17 00:35:50,114 --> 00:35:51,449 head on, seeking solutions 18 00:35:51,549 --> 00:35:53,151 from every corner. 19 00:35:53,251 --> 00:35:55,286 No stranger to advocacy and activism, 20 00:35:55,386 --> 00:35:56,320 I've been a staunch supporter 21 00:35:56,420 --> 00:35:57,421 of our students, staff, 22 00:35:57,522 --> 00:35:59,056 and communities for years. 23 00:35:59,157 --> 00:36:01,826 I proudly marched with our striking teachers in 2015, 24 00:36:01,926 --> 00:36:04,795 fresh into my first days as a PTSA president. 25 00:36:04,896 --> 00:36:06,164 I worked weekly with students 26 00:36:06,264 --> 00:36:07,298 at Hamilton Middle School 27 00:36:07,398 --> 00:36:08,933 as their Green Team advisor. 28 00:36:09,033 --> 00:36:10,034 I stepped up to establish 29 00:36:10,134 --> 00:36:11,702 the Lincoln High School PTSA, 30 00:36:11,802 --> 00:36:13,371 bringing together a coalition of parents, 31 00:36:13,471 --> 00:36:14,872 students, and teachers. 32 00:36:14,972 --> 00:36:16,174 I engaged with diverse communities 33 00:36:16,274 --> 00:36:18,142 for almost a decade as a MathFest volunteer 34 00:36:18,242 --> 00:36:19,977 at Rainier Community Center, 35 00:36:20,077 --> 00:36:21,179 and I've traveled to Olympia 36 00:36:21,279 --> 00:36:22,713 to speak directly with state legislators 37 00:36:22,813 --> 00:36:25,216 on behalf of our struggling families. 38 00:36:25,316 --> 00:36:26,384 And now, I am honored 39 00:36:26,484 --> 00:36:27,552 to be the sole candidate 40 00:36:27,652 --> 00:36:29,253 for Seattle School Board, Position 2. 41 00:36:29,353 --> 00:36:30,421 I will be a board member 42 00:36:30,521 --> 00:36:31,756 who focuses on listening, 43 00:36:31,856 --> 00:36:33,824 learning, and leading with integrity. 44 00:36:33,925 --> 00:36:35,560 As a former newspaper reporter, 45 00:36:35,660 --> 00:36:37,028 it was my job to be curious 46 00:36:37,128 --> 00:36:38,496 and seek out information, 47 00:36:38,596 --> 00:36:40,932 skills that I will apply to all of my interactions 48 00:36:41,032 --> 00:36:43,067 with families, educators, and staff. 49 00:36:43,167 --> 00:36:45,002 I will amplify community voices, 50 00:36:45,102 --> 00:36:46,837 while shining a light on the decisions 51 00:36:46,938 --> 00:36:49,574 and actions that come out of district headquarters. 52 00:36:49,674 --> 00:36:51,242 I'm grateful for the endorsements 53 00:36:51,342 --> 00:36:53,544 from the 36th, 43rd, and 46th 54 00:36:53,644 --> 00:36:55,046 District Democrats, 55 00:36:55,146 --> 00:36:56,647 as well as current School Board Directors 56 00:36:56,747 --> 00:36:58,282 Leslie Harris, Scott Pinkham, 57 00:36:58,382 --> 00:37:00,017 Rick Burke, and Eden Mack. 58 00:37:00,117 --> 00:37:01,586 They endorse me because they know 59 00:37:01,686 --> 00:37:03,354 I'm a dedicated public servant 60 00:37:03,454 --> 00:37:05,022 who will raise the voices of our diverse 61 00:37:05,122 --> 00:37:06,791 and underserved populations. 62 00:37:06,891 --> 00:37:08,125 There's work to be done, 63 00:37:08,226 --> 00:37:09,694 and we will do it together. 64 00:37:09,794 --> 00:37:11,729 Again, I am Lisa Rivera Smith, 65 00:37:11,829 --> 00:37:12,830 and I look forward to serving 66 00:37:12,930 --> 00:37:14,165 the students of this great city 67 00:37:14,265 --> 00:37:15,633 on the Seattle School Board.