Seattle Primary for School Board: Early Leaders Emerging in Counts
The Seattle School Board primaries, held on Tuesday, have seen six candidates advance in three competitive races, with the top two vote-getters in each district moving on to the November general election.
In District 2, data scientist Kathleen Smith led with 44.8% of the votes, followed by incumbent Sarah Clark who received 43.6%. Smith's platform emphasises community engagement and addressing educational disparities, while Clark is known for her progressive stance on equity and inclusion in schools.
In District 4, incumbent Joe Mizrahi received 67.4% of the votes, and Laura Marie Rivera garnered 18.4%. Mizrahi has focused on fiscal responsibility and supporting special education programs, while Rivera emphasises expanding access to mental health resources and equitable funding across schools.
The District 7 contest, which includes schools in Beacon Hill, Columbia City, Mount Baker, Seward Park, and Rainier Beach, was unique as only two candidates filed. Jen LaVallee and Carol Rava advanced to the general election. LaVallee supports investment in technology and infrastructure in schools, whereas Rava focuses on promoting culturally responsive teaching and strengthening family-school partnerships.
The primaries followed major community protests against proposed school closures related to a budget shortfall. These closures were eventually paused after community pressure, influencing candidates' platforms towards prioritising school stability and adequate funding.
In District 5, Vivian Song, a finance professional and former school board director, received 72.3% of the votes, while Janis White, an attorney, disability advocate, and parent of Seattle Public School graduates, received 16.4%. Michelle Sarju did not seek reelection in District 5.
The District 4 contest covers schools in Fremont, Queen Anne, South Lake Union, and portions of downtown. In District 5, the schools included are Capitol Hill, Chinatown International District, First Hill, Leschi, Madison, and the Central District.
The School Board is looking for a new superintendent, with a timeline draft estimating the board could hire Jones' successor in mid- to late-October. Fred Podesta, the district's chief operating officer, is expected to be named interim superintendent if the board approves a contract. Podesta is expected to stay in the role until June 30 or until a new superintendent is hired.
The budget is a significant challenge for Seattle Public Schools, with annual shortfalls estimated in the $100 million range. Citizen analysts have argued the deficit is lower, but the issue remains a common campaign theme.
Competitive races for the Legislature could be set up by Tuesday's vote tallies in the November election. Additionally, a close race is taking place for an open seat on the Metropolitan King County Council.
In the Seattle mayoral race, Katie Wilson is leading incumbent Bruce Harrell with 46% of votes tallied. Ann Davison's election four years ago is hanging over the race for Seattle city attorney.
The results of the primary election could indicate voter satisfaction with City Hall's overall direction. For the most current and detailed candidate platform information, consulting each candidate’s campaign materials or official Seattle School Board communications would provide further granularity.
- The primaries for the Seattle School Board in Washington State have seen several candidates advance, particularly in District 2, where data scientist Kathleen Smith is leading with a focus on community engagement and educational disparities.
- In District 4, Joe Mizrahi, known for his focus on fiscal responsibility and special education programs, received a majority of the votes, while Laura Marie Rivera aims to expand mental health resources and ensure equitable funding across schools.
- The District 7 contest, covering schools in multiple neighborhoods, will see Jen LaVallee and Carol Rava progressing to the general election, with LaVallee advocating for technology investment and Rava promoting culturally responsive teaching and family-school partnerships.
- The School Board is currently looking for a new superintendent, with the budget being a significant challenge for Seattle Public Schools, with annual shortfalls estimated in the $100 million range. The results of the primary election could also reflect voter's satisfaction with City Hall's direction.
