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Seattle School District 1

Director District 1

Liza Rankin

Liza Rankin

PO Box 9100

Seattle, WA 98109

(206) 659-5844

info@elizasrankin.com

www.elizasrankin.com

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theater, Whitman College; Masters of Fine Arts Theater Design Brandeis University
Occupation: Set Designer, Adjunct Lecturer, Mom, Community Organizer, Nonprofit Board Member
Statement:

Every child deserves a welcoming and safe school that values and honors them. As a board member of the Wedgwood Elementary PTA, Seattle Council PTSA, and Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange, I’ve been getting things done for Seattle’s kids for nearly a decade. I have fought for stable funding for special education and family support workers, safe and healthy bell times, and have supported student and educator-led efforts like Black Lives Matter at School. I’m running for Seattle School Board to continue this service and to improve experiences and outcomes for all students, and ensure that they graduate prepared for career, college, or community.

 

As your School Board Director, I will narrow the opportunity gap by championing early learning programs, working to hire and retain educators that reflect the racial and cultural diversity of our student population, securing adequate funding for the arts, and creating welcoming and safe school environments that support equitable family engagement before, during, and after school.

 

I will work with district leadership, staff, and families to break down walls between central offices and schools, creating consistent policies and practices across the district, and open communication, support, and accountability. I will hold the district accountable to their new Strategic Plan by prioritizing curriculum adoption that empowers students and educators and requiring professional development for staff and administration related to anti-racism, cultural competency, and learning disabilities and differences.

 

I will bring the knowledge and community connections we need to ensure every student has the opportunity to meet their full potential through a quality education. I respectfully ask for your vote. 

 

Proudly endorsed by: The Seattle Education Association; The Stranger; The Alliance for Gun Responsibility; National Women’s Political Caucus; Seattle School Board Directors Jill Geary, Zachary DeWolf; Democratic State Representative Gerry Pollet; and many more!

Eric Blumhagen

Eric Blumhagen

2400 NW 80th St, PMB 601

Seattle, WA 98117

(206) 225-6098

info@ericblumhagen.com

www.ericblumhagen.com

Education: BS in Civil Engineering, University of Washington
Occupation: Naval Architect, Hockema Whalen Myers Associates; parent of two students
Statement:

I’ve been deeply involved in Seattle Public Schools (SPS) for 16 years as a parent and volunteer, served on PTA/PTO boards for 10 years and received a Golden Acorn Award, joined two district-wide advisory committees focused on school assignment boundaries, and worked with a team to change school start times to align with teens’ sleep patterns. Today, students get more sleep, arrive on time, and learn more. I ask for your support as we work to improve:

 

Equity: Youth of color face opportunity gaps and disproportionate discipline. I will fight to fund solutions that break down institutional racism, including investments in restorative justice programs and culturally-responsive curricula.

 

Vocational opportunities and options: Living-wage careers in the skilled trades are strong pathways for graduates. I support vocational education in SPS, expanding the Skills Centers and technical classes. SPS must also provide opportunities for students who aren’t served appropriately by their neighborhood school. I will fight for option schools, not charter schools.

 

Responsible investments and accountability: As an engineer, I understand the need for precise data and analysis. I’m committed to directing Seattle Public Schools to make better decisions for its 53,000 diverse students. We need to invest in teachers, Special Education staff, counselors, and librarians. We must provide hands-on, engaging curricula, not excessive screen time that fails our most vulnerable children. SPS has a legal and moral obligation to provide appropriate services for every student. I will hold the Board and District staff accountable for following policy and the law. 

 

Endorsed by: Seattle School Board President Leslie Harris; Directors Eden Mack, Scott Pinkham; former Board Presidents Sue Peters, Kay Smith-Blum; State Representative Gael Tarleton, King County Democrats, KC Young Democrats; 32nd, 36th, 43rd, and 46th District Democrats; Laborers Local 242; IUOE Local 609; Sarah Sense-Wilson, Chair, Urban Native Education Alliance.

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