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-Hi.
I'm Liza Rankin, your Seattle School Board vice president
and mom of two students in Seattle Public Schools.
As a current board member and a longtime PTSA leader,
I've worked over a decade alongside families,
educators, and communities across Seattle
to improve experiences, opportunities,
and outcomes for students in our public schools.
Throughout my first term,
I've demonstrated an unwavering commitment
to equity and continuous improvement
while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic.
I've led efforts to increase inclusion,
access to outdoor learning, gun violence prevention,
and equity in grading and assessment.
I led policy work to ban isolation
and limit restraint in SPS --
practices that disproportionately impact
students of color and with disabilities.
Our policy is a model across the state
to increase support for preventative
and restorative practices that benefit all children.
As the Board's legislative liaison,
I successfully advocated for additional state resources
for special education,
access to career and technical education,
and record investments in behavioral health support
for students recovering from pandemic disruption and trauma.
I'm running for re-election
because we are at a critical time for public education.
Not only has the pandemic disrupted learning,
impacted behavioral and mental health,
and altered the district's relationship with families,
but, nationally, we face increased intolerance
and attacks on public schools' boards, students, and staff.
We need directors who know our communities and schools,
who understand budget complexities
and enrollment challenges,
and can navigate the many demands of our system
while remaining focused on high-quality education
to all students.
With your vote, I'll build on my record,
and I'm committed to rebuilding not only trust and confidence,
but joy and excitement throughout our education system.
Together, we can support schools that meet the diverse needs
of our learners, and are the first choice
for all of Seattle's families.
And I thank you for your support.
-Hi, I'm Debbie Carlsen.
I'm running for Seattle School Board Director
in District 1.
I chose to run because the status quo isn't working.
We are failing our students academically,
have poor labor relations,
face declining enrollment rates
and another budget deficit in the next school year.
The district and board want to close schools,
but this will disrupt families and students
throughout the district
and will not close the budget gap.
School closures should be a last resort
after exhausting all other options.
The district must strive for smaller class sizes,
higher academic achievement for all students,
safety in schools,
and a healthy and inclusive learning environment.
My priorities -- Calling for a district-wide audit
to ensure dollars are spent with fiscal accountability,
ensuring students can thrive and feel safe
while gaining a high-quality education,
no matter their identity,
implementing a stronger community engagement process,
especially when big district decisions are made,
bringing transparency back in the budget
and policy development processes.
I'm also running to be a strong LGBTQ+ voice
on the school board
and ensure students of all identities
feel a sense of belonging at school.
I bring experience from the classroom,
the workplace, and the community.
I taught English as a Second Language,
I have served on the Best Start for Kids Advisory Board,
and an executive director of an LGBTQ+ nonprofit
for 10 years.
I've been the advocacy chair for the Olympic Hills PTA
and understand the educational terrain in Olympia.
I'm endorsed by Seattle Education Association,
The Seattle Times, Jeanne Kohl-Welles,
Teresa Mosqueda, Lorena González,
MLK Labor Council,
Seattle School Board Director Lisa Rivera Smith, and more.
I'd be honored to earn your vote.
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