Seattle Times Endorses Gina Topp in District 6 Seattle School Board Race
In what can't be a surprise, the Seattle Times has endorsed Gina Topp in the District 6 Board race.
It's not a surprise because one challenger, Rosie McCarter, is not ready for this job and the other challenger, Maryanne Wood, is near invisible in this race. (Interestingly Wood did show up for the Times endorsement interview but Carter did not. I wonder which one will clear the primary.)
And again, the Times takes some swipes at the current Board.
Incumbent Leslie Harris is stepping down, and Maryanne Wood’s impassioned candidacy, spurred by her opposition to what she calls “the megaschool” plan, should serve as a barometer of community sentiment in Harris’ wake. It is also a reflection of anger across the school district at a marked lack of transparency around the current school board’s decision-making.
But the endorsement is somewhat tepid.
To be sure, a career in politics brings its own baggage, and Topp is clearly practiced at the kind of palatable conflict-avoidance that makes outsiders deride Seattle as a city enamored of consensus to the point of paralysis.
She describes herself as “drama-free.” But that may be tested by parents frustrated with the district’s intention to dismantle its Highly Capable student cohort within the next five years and blend accelerated learners into general-education classrooms, a plan Topp supports.
Her answer to Seattle’s “staggering” budget hole is to turn back to the Legislature and demand that state funding models better align with realities on the ground. This may be appropriate, but it’s not much of a response to problems facing the district today. It also suggests a willingness to accept spending plans issued by school district leaders — without asking tough questions about what’s really necessary.
After reading what the Times had to say about Topp from their own interview, I really hope to hear more from her because, while she has a great skillset, I'm not sure what kind of Board member she will be.
Comments
1. Lack of Community Engagement - Rankin's race
2. Transparency
3. Special education
Glad Ben is focused on lack of fiscal responsibility.
BTW, there is no legal requirement for the school directors to hold community meetings.
I think almost every candidate mentions the budget issues, issues mostly caused by both the loss of students and a expensive teachers contract.
It's interesting that you left out LGBTQ+ which is the primary driver for Carlsen, one of Rankin's opponent.
The primary is the only chance for each director district to oust the incumbent when the incumbent is part of the political machine like Rankin is.
If D1 wants change then they must vote for anyone but Rankin. If Rankin makes it into the genral election she will win because the unions and Dems across all the districts will follow the marching orders and back her. And those city wide votes simply out number the votes in D1 by 150k plus.
Rankin has not filed her C3 and my guess is she wants to hide who is backing her until after the primary. Her political consultents know this and are willing to except a PDC violation as a stratigy to mask her doners.
Is the budget issue is mostly enrollment and an expensive teachers contract? Maybe but who approved that contract? Rankin herself said, in the recent student forum, that they knew a couple of years back, that they would have budget problems. It's the Board's job to check the Superintendent if they see problems arising from contracts as well as budgets.
I have NO idea why you are harping on LGBTQ support for Carlsen. I didn't hear this concern when DeWolf was running. And many candidates get support from different groups. What's your point?
Yes, if voters in D1 could be convinced to vote for Carlsen or Parse, yes, that would be great to knock out Rankin early on. But she's paying big bucks for a high-powered consultant so that may be difficult.
Rankin didn't get the King County Labor endorsement so that may make getting the SEA endorsement pretty hard.
D1 parent
Really? You are concerned about a little over $2,700 Rankin has in her report? Is that your version of “big buck donors”? Pftt
Gina Topp is swimming in money - more than $8,700!!! Leslie Harris donated $200!!!! Oh, the wealth!
Buckle Up
2 different races, and its the timing not the amount I was questioning. Like I said, I bet Rankin is sandbagging on her C3. I could be wrong and the contributions are down due to poor performance.
Hopefully but doubtful more people will look at the candidate's C3 and see who is funding the candidates.
Rankin spent over $25,000 when she was elected. She hasn't even begun to raise/spend or disclose this time.
Settle Down