Seattle students deserve the best, yet time after time, funding falls short, voices are ignored and inequities continue. Seattle Public Schools must rise to the challenge and provide a great education for every student. As a proven leader and problem solver, I’m not afraid to face these challenges head on, seeking solutions from every corner. I will be a champion for the entire community, on the Seattle School Board.

No stranger to activism and advocacy, when my eldest entered the Seattle Public Schools, I immediately became involved in her school’s PTSA and quickly rose through the ranks. Most recently, after two and a half years serving as PTSA President at Hamilton International Middle School, I stepped up to lead the formation of the Lincoln High School PTSA, bringing together a coalition of parents, students and teachers. We’ve worked hard to ensure that Lincoln opens this fall with the foundation it needs to succeed.

As I now run for the opportunity to serve our greater community as a director on the Seattle School board, I bring with me my experience as a person-of-color and first-generation college graduate. And with that, I carry with me the belief that education can be the great equalizer, if our schools and teachers are equipped with the tools to bring out each and every child’s best. While we’ve made great strides in our efforts towards equity and inclusion, we’re still plagued with an achievement gap for students of color, economically disadvantaged, and LGTBQ students. I look forward to working with all, to envision and implement positive changes for our schools and our students.

I’m grateful for endorsements from: 36th District Democrats; 46th District Democrats, King County Young Democrats; education champion Summer Stinson; current School Board Directors Rick Burke and Eden Mack; and more at lisariverasmith.com.