How to Apply to Serve on the Seattle School Board's Two Open Seats

I note that this is on the SPS website BUT not on the front page under News. No, you have to scroll down from "News," hit the "More District News" and THEN you'll find it. There is also a "School Board Director Appointments" page.   SPS, you slay me.

Applicants now have twelve days to apply. It's hard to say how many people will apply and how many people are truly eligible. 

Press Release from SPS Media (I am editing out the legal/About parts.) 

The Seattle School Board is appointing new directors to fill District 2 and District 4 director vacancies.  Applications for appointment are due by Sunday, Feb. 25, at 11:59 p.m.

District 2 includes Sunset Hill, Ballard, Loyal Heights, Whittier Heights, West Woodland, Phinney Ridge, southern Greenwood, Green Lake, Magnolia, Interbay, and adjoining areas. District 2 map

District 4 includes Fremont, Queen Anne, Westlake, South Lake Union, Belltown, Denny Triangle, Pike–Market, Central Business District, and adjoining areas.  District 4 map

Eligibility Requirements  

To be eligible, candidates for appointment must be a United States citizen and a registered voter of School Board Director District 2 or District 4 as required by state law (RCW 28A.343.340 and 28A.343.370(2)).  

To check your eligibility, visit My Voter Information on the King County Elections website.  

Eligibility is confirmed by King County Elections upon receipt of application materials. Candidates determined to be ineligible due to voter registration status/residency will not be considered for appointment.

Terms for Appointment 

Both appointment terms will run until November 2025.

Subsequent terms will differ because school board elections are staggered, and the positions were last on the ballot in different years.  

District 2

Because the District 2 position was most recently on the November 2023 ballot and has nearly a full 4-year term remaining, the seat will be placed on the November 2025 general election ballot for election to the remaining two years of the unexpired term. Following that, the office will be up for election in 2027 for a 4-year regular term.  

District 4

The District 4 position was on the 2021 ballot and has roughly 2 years remaining, so the appointment will run through the remainder of the present term. District 4 will be up for election in 2025 for a 4-year regular term. 

Application Form

Apply for Appointment to District 2 or 4
  • All interested candidates should apply by Sunday, Feb. 25, at 11:59 p.m. The application includes a letter of interest, work experience/resume, questionnaire, and information necessary to confirm voter registration/residency. 
  • All relevant information must be provided within the application form.
    • Additional attachments are not accepted with the exception of a candidate photo.
    • Each candidate should email one high-quality photo (approximately 900 x 600 pixels) for the candidate webpages to boardoffice@seattleschools.org.  
  • Additional application materials may be requested, including a video statement, after the submission of initial application materials.  
  • Submitted materials are subject to public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act and may be posted publicly online and discussed in public sessions.  

Process and Timeline for District 2 and 4 Appointments 

Planning for the appointment process is ongoing and dates and other process steps may change.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their contact information as soon as possible to receive updates throughout the process.

February 12, 2024: District 2 and 4 School Board Director appointment process opens with online application form due by February 25.  

February 25, 2024: Deadline for interested candidates to apply for the District 2 or 4 School Board Director position. 

Week of February 26, 2024: Individual candidate webpages published with candidates’ photos and letters of interest, work experience/resume, and questionnaire responses as submitted through the application form. Candidates’ video statements will be added once finalized for all candidates. 

Week of February 26, 2024: Candidates record video statements with SPSTV for posting to candidate webpages. Requirements to follow. 

Week of February 26 or March 4, 2024: Video statements finalized and added to candidate webpages. 

March 6, 2024 Regular Board Meeting: Appointment process discussed, as needed, during the Regular Board Meeting. 

March 2024 Board Special Meeting: Board selects finalist candidates, if necessary, depending on the number of qualified candidates that apply for the District 2 and 4 School Board Director positions.  

March 20, 2024 Regular Board Meeting: Appointment process discussed, as needed, during the Regular Board Meeting. 

March 21 or 27, 2024: Anticipated date for Candidate Forum for all remaining candidates. More details to follow. 

April 3, 2024 Regular Board Meeting: Anticipated date for Board Action on appointments to District 2 and 4 positions.  

April 4, 2024 Board Special Meeting: Anticipated date for Oath of Office for District 2 and 4 Directors. More details to follow. 

May 2, 2024: Legal deadline for appointments (90 days after resignation effective date).

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