Growing up, I experienced the struggles of our underfunded schools. Still, my life was transformed by inspirational and supportive teachers and counselors. Now, as I prepare to send my daughter into the same underfunded system, like many other parents, I’m worried.

Seattle Public Schools faces a staggering $104.4 million budget shortfall for the 2024-2025 school year. The board is discussing cutting buses and music programs, laying off teachers, and even closing schools. It’s clear we need experienced leaders prepared to tackle these issues with innovative solutions and an unwavering commitment to our kids.

I am well equipped to help bring stability and transformation to our schools, restoring parental and community confidence. As chief legal counsel and policy advisor to the King County Executive, I managed complex policy and budget challenges - prioritizing equity, accountability, and delivery of services.

With your vote, my priorities will be: 1) Ensuring equity in education for all students, regardless of their background, so that every child has the opportunity to succeed; 2) Cultivating safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments, where every student feels valued and respected; 3) Empowering educators through comprehensive support and fostering professional growth, recognizing their critical role in shaping our children's future; 4) Engaging parents and communities to create a collaborative educational system that restores confidence in the governance of our district, and reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of our city.

Together, I believe we can create a Seattle Public Schools system where parents and students look forward to the start of each school day.

Endorsed by: The Seattle Times & The Stranger; Seattle Education Association; Alliance for Gun Responsibility; King County and 34th LD Democrats, Metropolitan Democratic Club; Women’s Political Caucus; One America Votes; Seattle Student Union; County Executive Dow Constantine, Legislative Democrats, current and former School Board leaders, more! 

Statement:  40-year West Seattle resident, 3 grandchildren in Seattle Public Schools (SPS), 1 with special needs.

Restoring confidence in our schools that have lost the support of families and communities they serve is key. Parents, students, and teachers need to be better informed and consulted about education demands and budget priorities. "Maryanne Wood's impassioned candidacy, spurred by her opposition to what she calls the "mega school"  plan, should serve as a barometer of community sentiment...It is also a reflection of anger across the district at a marked  lack of transparency around the current school board's decision-making."  - The Seattle Times Editorial Board. SPS's decision making process lacks transparency. Elect me to the School Board and I will work tirelessly to change that. 

Seattle Public Schools faces declining enrollments, budget deficits, elimination of resources and programs, possible closures, consolidation, teacher and staff layoffs according to an article published by the Seattle Times in April of 2023.  SPS is facing an estimated $131 million deficit for 2023-24 and $92 million for 2024-25 yet they are still planning to construct large, one-size-fits-all buildings to replace aging school. I live by the one planned for Alki Elementarty. A consolidation is a closure.

These new schools provide no parking for staff or parents. ADA parking is insufficient.The Alki school rebuild and remodel is an example of this.  I will work to make sure these projects are scaled back if they don't have full community support. ADA parking and transportation needs must be given priority because if you can't get your child safely to the school, they can't be educated.

As a grassroots candidate I would appreciate your vote,

Endorsed by Vicki Schmitz, whose family donated the land for Schmitz Park Elementary and Scott Pinkham ( first Native American to serve on the SPS Board )