Public education transformed my life. I started as an English as Second Language student with a hearing disability. Thanks to dedicated teachers, I'm the first woman in my family to earn a college degree. As a Seattle Public Schools parent, finance professional, and former School Board Director, I'm stepping up to serve at a time when the district faces major decisions about a new Superintendent, a $100M budget deficit, and its future direction.

I bring steady, experienced leadership, budgeting and financial expertise, and deep roots in school communities to navigate challenges with accountability and a needed focus on student outcomes. We must protect and invest in programs that keep students engaged and push for long-term planning, not short-term cuts.

Here’s what I will do: Bring clarity and oversight to our budget to ensure equity, accountability, and stability. Safeguard schools from arbitrary cuts and closure plans. Pursue academic excellence for all kids, inclusive special education, advanced learning, career pathways. Invest in mental health, gun violence prevention, and safety at schools. Stand up to Trump’s attacks on our schools, LGBTQ+ students, and families like mine who came to this country to seek education and opportunity.  

We deserve schools that prepare every child to reach their potential. With experience, community ties, and a deep belief in the power of public education, I’m ready to work for you—and for all 49,000 students across Seattle.

I would be honored to earn your support and vote.

Endorsements: King County and District Democrats; unions representing educators and staff who work in our schools (WEA, SEA, Building Trades); The Stranger; Alliance for Gun Responsibility; One America Votes; Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Mayor Bruce Harrell; SPS Board President Topp and Directors Clark, Mizrahi; State legislators, Councilmembers, students, parents, and community leaders!

Seattle schools are in a financial crisis.  I’m running to challenge the status quo, hold leadership accountable, and bring people together to find solutions.  I will fight for transparent budgeting, with a focus on early, meaningful, and frequent engagement with impacted communities.

Difficult budget decisions must be made.  However, school closures and ending specialized learning programs will only contribute to declining enrollment and exacerbate, not solve, our budget issues.  I will work to protect our schools and essential programs that keep as many kids as possible in our public school system.

As a parent of students with disabilities, I have seen firsthand how Seattle Public Schools has failed to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their background or abilities. Teachers, staff, and administrators want to do the right thing–but they need stronger guidance and support.

Many students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds like our LGBTQ and BIPOC kids, are facing high rates of anxiety, depression, and serious mental health challenges.  I’ll work to live up to our promises and fully fund more school counselors while also addressing the negative impact of social media use in classrooms.

The Seattle Times endorsed our campaign citing my “deep knowledge of special education and the law—areas of expertise the school board needs badly.”  Whether it was as Board President of the Seattle Special Education PTSA or founding a nonprofit organization to increase inclusion and belonging for disabled youth, I have fought for Seattle’s students and families for more than two decades.  Together, we can make tough choices that center community input and support all students to achieve success.

Endorsements: School Board President Gina Topp, The Seattle Times, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, ATU Local 587, and many more at janisforseattleschools.com.