Seattle School Board Races
I had planned to wait until the filing period ended but there are some interesting developments in the various school board races.
District 1 (Sharon Peaslee's seat)
Scott S. Pinkham - longtime Native American activist
Arik Korman - he's a producer for a radio show - Bob Rivers Show - and very connected to LEV. His LinkedIn page. He seems quite the humanitarian - he's done numerous trips in service to others.
District 2 (Sherry Carr's seat)
Rick Burke - long-time public ed activist, especially around math curriculum. SPS parent.
District 3 (Harium Martin-Morris' seat)
Jill Geary - lawyer, Special Ed advocate, SPS parent
Lauren McGuire - accountant, very active SPS parent especially in PTA service (was SCPTSA president)
Stephen J. Clayton - appears to live in the Thornton Creek area
David Blomstrom - perennial candidate in this particular district (enough said)
District 6 (Marty McLaren's seat)
Marty McLaren - current incumbent
Leslie Harris - paralegal, long-time district activist, SPS parent
Thoughts
- it may end up with little mystery in who will serve in a couple of districts if no one else steps up. I suspect the ed reformers in this town will find someone to run.
- very odd about Mr. Korman putting his name in today and then abruptly withdrawing it.
- I know very little about Mr. Clayton - he appears to live in Wedgwood. He may have giving comment on the Thornton Creek BEX IV project. He appears to have lived in Bellevue for some period of time before living at his current address. (Funny thing: there's an actor - Steven J. Clayton - whose most famous role is Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate. Kind of sounds like SPS?)
- Mr. Pinkham is a lecturer at UW in the American Indian Studies program. He is Native American (Nez Perce).
District 1 (Sharon Peaslee's seat)
Scott S. Pinkham - longtime Native American activist
District 2 (Sherry Carr's seat)
Rick Burke - long-time public ed activist, especially around math curriculum. SPS parent.
District 3 (Harium Martin-Morris' seat)
Jill Geary - lawyer, Special Ed advocate, SPS parent
Lauren McGuire - accountant, very active SPS parent especially in PTA service (was SCPTSA president)
Stephen J. Clayton - appears to live in the Thornton Creek area
David Blomstrom - perennial candidate in this particular district (enough said)
District 6 (Marty McLaren's seat)
Marty McLaren - current incumbent
Leslie Harris - paralegal, long-time district activist, SPS parent
Thoughts
- it may end up with little mystery in who will serve in a couple of districts if no one else steps up. I suspect the ed reformers in this town will find someone to run.
- very odd about Mr. Korman putting his name in today and then abruptly withdrawing it.
- I know very little about Mr. Clayton - he appears to live in Wedgwood. He may have giving comment on the Thornton Creek BEX IV project. He appears to have lived in Bellevue for some period of time before living at his current address. (Funny thing: there's an actor - Steven J. Clayton - whose most famous role is Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate. Kind of sounds like SPS?)
- Mr. Pinkham is a lecturer at UW in the American Indian Studies program. He is Native American (Nez Perce).
Comments
https://ais.washington.edu/people/scott-pinkham
I agree we need to have a non-LEV candidate, but it would be good to find out from him first if he is LEV.
-flibbertigibbet
Pinkham's resume doesn't indicate an ed-reformer type. But it doesn't show any experience with SPS either. It looks like he has a full-time job and is also working towards a masters' degree, I am not sure he'll have the time to devote in order to be an effective board member. Still, could be a lot worse.
There are lots of students one could classify as under served and we don't need to label them by race. The last thing we need is to start building schools around races or religious beliefs.
If you don't have personal experience as a parent of a current student(s) in SPS or then you come off as an outsider with ulterior motives.
I don't think Pinkham will be alone in the race or win.
--Michael
I have to wonder: What is going on? Indecision or game-playing? Either way, running for school board is a serious issue. We don't have room for these types of things.
I find it interesting that some would be so quick to write off someone with a strong math, engineering and natural science background and work experience, bonafide service on boards, college advisor and advocate for students. As it is, he seems more qualified than many candidates who came before him. Maybe if he worked for Boeing and was president of the PTA, he would be more qualified? Not in my book.
Is Jill Geary not good because she has a Sped child and works on Sped issues? Of course not.
Not Cool, I would have issues if Korman came back into the race as well.
Geary is not in my district, so I can not vote for her, but I will donate to her campaign and Rick B campaign. I know both of them and they have good things to offer, but by know means are shoe-ins. We need alternatives in case they lose.
Don't try and twist this into an anti-native American issue with me, because it's not.
--Michael
If Geary gets to the general election, you CAN make the choice to vote for her. Do you not know how board elections work?
We're lucky to have some good candiates and you think there will be "alternatives?" Not so much.
Yet none of those people - not one - has stepped up to run for school board. I think that's a failure, and I hope that there is a parent who is active in those issues who will step up and run for the seat. They will get support if they do.
The Board of Directors for Seattle Public Schools is an elected body of seven citizens representing geographical regions, known as Districts, within the City of Seattle. The length of each member's term is four years. Directors are elected by district in the primary elections and at-large (city-wide) in the general elections of odd-numbered years.
Jeez take a breath.
I cant vote for someone who doesn't make it to the general election. I wont vote for a candidate who does not have students in SPS.
As for Gill, she is a very privileged person a 10%er and has further political aspirations beyond SPS, but I hope she makes it and BTW she had 5 kids go thru SPS and made this statement:
As the mother of five Seattle Public School students and a statewide special education advocate, I want our schools to provide challenging and appropriate education to all students, regardless of race, language, ability or economics. In order to do that we need to invest in our teachers, principals and staff so that they have the tools and skills needed to teach in the diverse, public school classroom. I know what our District has to offer, and I know those opportunities need to reach all of our kids.
Our District is under intense federal scrutiny because of its failure to provide appropriate education to students with disabilities. As a special education attorney, I have been helping Washington families fight for appropriate programs for their children since 2003. Many families go from a place of trust and hope to one of despair and fear for the future of their child. Through its attorneys, the District fights against families through thousands of dollars only to capitulate when the families do not give in. The public then ends up paying for attorneys fees and private education rather than investing that money in strong educational programs for all of our students. I am running for school board because I believe there is a better way. Instead of fighting our families, our District needs to partner with them to deliver a great education to every child.
So you know, my family is living through what Gill describes every day ...is yours? I just went through it today with 2 SPS lawyers did you? I just sent another $3,000 to my lawyer did you.
Really sometimes you come off as some sort of debutante. Teachers might enjoy your attitude, but not me.
--Michael
That's my campaign slogan.
--Michael
Please don't put words in my mouth. I don't think working for Boeing is a qualification at all. Private industry is not like working in the public sector, and it shouldn't be.
PTA president would be only a little bit of a qualification. PTAs generally spend most of their time on their one school's issues. They generally learn only a limited amount about districtwide issues.
I hope you aren't thinking Blanford is some kind of role model for good directors.
Over and over we've seen directors come in with good intentions and by the time they've learned their way around the district and some of the ways the staff can tell the board to go away and leave them alone, their term is over. It's not much comfort having his heart in the right place if he can't make the changes he'd like.
FYI, I do have a special needs child but I don't feel the need to make my child's issue the only lens thru which I view public education (and thankfully neither does Jill).
Debutante? I'm not sure that word means what you think it means. Or I'm the world's oldest debutante.
Not having experienced day to day life as a SPS Parent is a big disqualification. There's no way you can relate to the various challenges we face. The positions are not full time nor can they effect rapid change. Yes, they can pick the best of two inferior math programs, but beyond that they do very little. As Carr said recently, "SPS is run just like a corporation, we hire great administrators who run the district." "Since I only get $4,800 a year I will let the skilled administrators do the work".
Carr thinks SPS has great administrators! YIKES
--Michael
"not the only lens thru which I view public education "
Good for you your a real trooper. Glass half full sunny side up folk.
You should start a support group.
--Michael
Cancelling yourvote
Micheal please disengage. You are not helping those of us here to learn not to bicker points of no merit.
I do agree though that you should have had kids in SPS... but I wouldn't make it a single issue.
Breathe, smile, love and learn.
She was in the business of profiting off of SPED students and parents, just like all the tutors out there. She could have used her influence at SPU to convince a few Lawyers to take up the cause and help SPS SPED families pro bono, but why kill the goose that lays the golden egg. That being said, she knows the game and has mentioned she can do better for SPED as an insider. I have to hold out hope she doesn't turn into another "mom in tennis shoes" that never leaves office and no longer has time for the little people.
--Michael
1) The only time we delete comments here at this blog is due to anonymous comments, name-calling, outing who people are (except those of us who sign our names to everything we write) and comments that are egregious.
2) "You should start a support group." Given my current position, a singularly unkind thing to say.
Done and done.
--Michael
Hey, we all have problems yours are no more important than anyone's else, beside the fact I have no idea what your are referring to.
By start a support group, meant since you seem to have a unique coping ability perhaps you could share that with SPED families that are going through misery and unlike you can only judge public education through the eyes of there students!
--Michael
I would like to call on the regular posters on this blog to request that Michael not be allowed to continue as part of this community.
Tired of Michael
Frat Boy
Michael, I am sorry if I come of as a 10%-er sorority girl late to the party. While it seems irrelevant, I grew up with a single working mom (no college degree) who put two kids through college on her own - my incredibly hard working husband is from a similar background. Even before I left law school, I became an intern at Puget Sound Legal Assistance Foundation, part of the Legal Services Corporation. At my core, I have always wanted to make things better for everyone. I have never worried about myself in that regard. I understand privilege and how I am the beneficiary of so many things that are beyond my control. I also understand how that works against many others - and it is not just a matter of the impossible task of pulling oneself up by boot straps.
I also don't understand the reference to SPU - I have no connection to SPU. I did give a 6+ hour training over 2 days at Seattle University School of Law, my alma mater, to better help parents understand their rights in advocating for themselves in a special education due process hearing. For all the prep time, and two weekend mornings, I received about what I would charge for one hour as a private attorney. I also recently provided training at WABIDA, WAETAG and next TeamChild for nothing. Yes, I have the ability to do that - and yes it is part of my privilege. I get that, but I'm doing it all the same.
What most don't understand, is that when an attorney agrees to represent someone, they agree to take on all aspects of that case from beginning to end - with all the variables of litigation scheduling. (Even dispensing a little advice can create a binding attorney-client relationship.) It is a tremendous commitment - and one that interferes with the more important and equally, if not more, variable task of raising the four children I had under my care (and one more at college at the time; now two are there); especially when my kids have many of the same demands as those of my clients.
I appreciate your perspective that I could have given more, but it is not so easy as that. Even after deciding not to represent individual clients, I have tried to continue to share my expertise through free/low cost trainings, consulting with parents, mentoring attorneys, acting as my schools' SPED PTSA Rep, and being a member of SEAAC.
Yes, I do believe I bring something different and valuable to the board. And, I also have the time, family support and ability to do it well.
I hope that clarifies some things for those who are reading.
Melissa, thanks for all you do. I have learned a ton from you and Charlie.
would like to call on the regular posters on this blog to request that Michael not be allowed to continue as part of this community.
I won't request that, but I will say this.
"Michael" (and all of your aliases): Your posts over the past several months have become increasingly antagonistic and antithetical to the result of support I can only assume you are trying to achieve. And now you're insulting & being downright rude to the host of the blog.
These are not the droids you're looking for.
Please - either play nice, start your own blog to vent (blogspot is free!) or commence self-fornication.
As far as this blog goes, if I google anything about SPS it seems this glog comes up in the results with MW as the self appointed expert in all this SPS. It's fair game to post whatever I choose and she is free to delete my post or block comments. I have not threatened her in anyway. She makes some bold claims and in some cases is spot on, not so much on others.
She and others here try and twist everyone comments they don't like into a form of hate speech then the pack circles in for the kill.
When it comes to politics she post information without facts, she assumes the worst in others that don't share her views.
Running for the board is political and I don't think anything I posted is out of line with what others here including MW have written about city officials or potential candidates. Jill is free to debate me on her issues, I was simply pointing out how I viewed her as a candidate for a political office. Maybe she will take away something positive from it and become a stronger candidate.
As for MW I don't know her apart from this blog where she blends her personal beliefs with facts to mold her own mini SPS drudge report.
If she truly wants this to be her blog then she can configure it to be so. Until that happens I will read it and post as I see fit.
--Michael
--Michael
The only real "hate speech" here is from you. You are the one who favors personal attacks, who labels people you've never met. Your bitterness does not help whatever cause it is you are trying to push. Go get your own blog and say what you want. Maybe you'll be happier that way.
Done
No, running for school board is a labor of love and anyone willing to step up deserves credit for that courage.
--Michael
Yet none of those people - not one - has stepped up to run for school board. "
I have fingers in many of those issues. I seriously considered running back when it looked like Sharon Peaslee would run again, and again recently when it looked like there were no candidates. I ended up deciding not to run because I am currently committed to a variety of other programs that are less time consuming, more directly beneficial to students' lives, and receive more gratitude than being on the School Board. I also have two students at home, including one leaving for college next year, and I didn't want to be away from them for the time required in evening work by the Board.
So if you're looking for why someone interested in those issues did not run, that's an answer.
LESLIE HARRIS FOR
SCHOOL BOARD POS. NO. 6
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
TRANSPARENCY – TRUST – EQUITY
First Forum with my opponent tonight !
May 14th presents candidates for Seattle School Board Pos. 6 and Seattle City Council At-Large Positions 8 and 9 co-sponsored by the 11th, 34th, and 37th Legislative District Democrats. It will be held at South Seattle College Georgetown Campus. 6737 Corson Avenue South, Seattle. Just South of the First Avenue Bridge. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the forum will start promptly at 7.
www.harrisforschoolboard.com
We can do so much better for our kids and families and communities.
Leslie
I know you already know this, but I don't see your name listed on the King County Elections. I know you have a million things on your plate. Please register so we can vote for you.
So who are we left with for candidates? Someone where the other parent makes a very nice income that can support a couple and at least one child, AND that other parent with the nice income oddly doesn't have their high-paying job taking up many of their evenings.
It's no wonder we have unopposed elections so much.
May 19th
Jill Geary has been a resource and a supporter since we met her three years ago. The cost of hiring a private attorney while also paying for private school wasn’t possible for us. Jill agreed to help us anyway, on the cheap, and by doing so changed our lives.
Jill knows what needs to be done to help Students like my son, a brown kid from SE Seattle. The District would rather pay top dollar for private attorneys than fix Special Education. And they’ll continue to do so unless more people like Jill step up. She has made the choice to help many families instead on one at a time and Seattle will be a better place with her on the school board.
Scott Pinkham has two children in SPS. He and his wife Vicki have been active in educational issues for years as board members of the Urban Native Educational Alliance and as parent BLT members of at least two different schools. I am thrilled to see him in the race.
Michael - I am surprised that you are so skeptical of a Native candidate. About 30% of Native students are special-education students and IEP/504 compliance is one of the top issues in Native education. As a special-education advocate I am sure you are aware of that. There is serious talk about a class-action lawsuit and complaints to the White-house about some of the failings of SPS to serve Native students, especially around 504 and IEP compliance. I would think that you would have been natural allies.
reader47
I would be glad to help with those issues anytime.
--Michael
--Michael
There are different issues in each of the three levels of school (elementary, middle and HS), not including specialized areas such as SpEd, ESL, option, HC etc, and no one is going to be an expert in all areas. You want someone who has a good base knowledge who seems intelligent and eager to learn.
We are leaving SPS next year for private (words I NEVER thought I would say), and I think I will be able to talk about SPS' problems for years to come. Unfortunately, many of the problems I have been frustrated by for years are still around.
-banoffee pie
Greenwoody said...
There are a lot of issues at the various schools in District I and Josh Hayes has mentioned some of them. There's also Pinehurst, concerns about how to keep Ingraham IB funded, Nathan Hale's opt-out, Loyal Heights parents' anger at the new school design, and so on.
Greenwoody,
Could you elaborate on what your issue is with "Pinehurst"?
Thanks,
Under the Bus
Crazytown
HP
If a candidate could solve all the problems for all special ed students I am not sure what problems would be left.
-volunteer
SPS needs a balanced approach to selecting evidenced based curriculum that works for all students and research shows what is good for SLD students also works for non SLD students.
Unfortunately the reverse is not true.
TT
Athletic supporter
And Michael: wow man...just wow! Way to lose everybody.
Reader
Distr 3 Jill Geary did very well, getting applause for her sincere stands on standards, assessment tied to teacher evaluations and charters.
District 2 Rick Burke - what can I say. Dude batted 1000.
We're really quite fortunate to have such quality candidates.
(What is that number thing all about anyway?)
OKKKKay --Micheal is a troll. All about the anger he is. Troll here, troll there. Odd thing is he hates SPED kids. Haaaaaates them. So he makes it look like they have such a harder time then other kids. In fact I think he bumped me with his porsche as he was leaving wholefoods. what a butt. no i really should say that i am not certain that it was him nor did he bump me with his car. OK!
Who cares about M? He is truly involved. He apparently wants the best for his kids. He has kids with special needs.
I do. That is why I would love to ask him to consider his blog post like : "then the pack circles in for the kill" and et. al to stop.
Micheal STOP IT! MICHEAL!
No one works harder then MW. NO ONE!
No one. I say if you can't provide support for "then the pack circles in for the kill." You should be deleted.
--Micheal with a purpose other than distorting conversation. My dream.
Natural allies? Michael doesn't have any. All he has ever done is complain about everybody ELSE'S kid. The autistics are too creepy (or something) to partner with. You can call them "pervasives" if you like, Michael likes euphemisms. Any kid with an out of district placement is a cipher, with a rich entitled parent, sucking money from his kid. Immigrants are pesky new arrivals that should be sent away. Evidently, Native Americans are evidently a problem too... maybe because they are old arrivals. Who knows. There's no winning with Michael.
And despite an appropriate special education himself - he never has learned the difference between there, their, and they're. Seems the really great special education didn't work for him! Wonder why he thinks it would work for anybody.
Reader
I just agreed with reader. How?
Cool!
I think. As M seems troubled.
Love BSLL
Cooler
The district now has better curricula in elementary schools. If he is on the school board, SPS will get better math in all middle and high schools. The administration will not be able to sneak through bad discovery textbooks, like they have in the past.
I am very optimistic about better days ahead for SPS.
S parent
I fully expect to see McGuire's campaign chest filling with dollars after endorsements have been procured. She is connected to DeBell and I suspect all of DeBell's highly financed political connections.