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♪

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♪

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-Hi.

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I'm Liza Rankin, your Seattle
School Board vice president

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and mom of two students
in Seattle Public Schools.

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As a current board member
and a longtime PTSA leader,

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I've worked over a decade
alongside families,

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educators,
and communities across Seattle

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to improve experiences,
opportunities,

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and outcomes for students
in our public schools.

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Throughout my first term,

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I've demonstrated
an unwavering commitment

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to equity and continuous
improvement

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while navigating the challenges
of a global pandemic.

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I've led efforts
to increase inclusion,

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access to outdoor learning,
gun violence prevention,

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and equity in grading
and assessment.

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I led policy work
to ban isolation

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and limit restraint in SPS --

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practices that
disproportionately impact

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students of color
and with disabilities.

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Our policy is a model
across the state

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to increase support
for preventative

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and restorative practices
that benefit all children.

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As the Board's
legislative liaison,

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I successfully advocated
for additional state resources

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for special education,

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access to career
and technical education,

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and record investments
in behavioral health support

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for students recovering from
pandemic disruption and trauma.

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I'm running for re-election

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because we are at a critical
time for public education.

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Not only has the pandemic
disrupted learning,

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impacted behavioral
and mental health,

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and altered the district's
relationship with families,

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but, nationally,
we face increased intolerance

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and attacks on public schools'
boards, students, and staff.

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We need directors who know
our communities and schools,

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who understand
budget complexities

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and enrollment challenges,

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and can navigate
the many demands of our system

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while remaining focused
on high-quality education

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to all students.

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With your vote,
I'll build on my record,

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and I'm committed to rebuilding
not only trust and confidence,

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but joy and excitement
throughout our education system.

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Together, we can support schools
that meet the diverse needs

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of our learners,
and are the first choice

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for all of Seattle's families.

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And I thank you
for your support.

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-Hi, I'm Debbie Carlsen.

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I'm running for
Seattle School Board Director

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in District 1.

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I chose to run because
the status quo isn't working.

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We are failing our students
academically,

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have poor labor relations,

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face declining enrollment rates

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and another budget deficit
in the next school year.

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The district and board
want to close schools,

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but this will disrupt
families and students

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throughout the district

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and will not close
the budget gap.

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School closures
should be a last resort

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after exhausting
all other options.

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The district must strive
for smaller class sizes,

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higher academic achievement
for all students,

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safety in schools,

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and a healthy and inclusive
learning environment.

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My priorities -- Calling for
a district-wide audit

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to ensure dollars are spent
with fiscal accountability,

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ensuring students can thrive
and feel safe

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while gaining
a high-quality education,

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no matter their identity,

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implementing a stronger
community engagement process,

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especially when
big district decisions are made,

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bringing transparency back
in the budget

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and policy development
processes.

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I'm also running to be
a strong LGBTQ+ voice

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on the school board

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and ensure students
of all identities

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feel a sense of belonging
at school.

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I bring experience
from the classroom,

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the workplace,
and the community.

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I taught
English as a Second Language,

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I have served on the Best Start
for Kids Advisory Board,

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and an executive director
of an LGBTQ+ nonprofit

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for 10 years.

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I've been the advocacy chair
for the Olympic Hills PTA

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and understand the educational
terrain in Olympia.

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I'm endorsed by
Seattle Education Association,

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The Seattle Times,
Jeanne Kohl-Welles,

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Teresa Mosqueda,
Lorena González,

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MLK Labor Council,

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Seattle School Board Director
Lisa Rivera Smith, and more.

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I'd be honored
to earn your vote.

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♪