I am a staunch supporter of public
education. But I am not satisfied with the quality of Seattle Public Schools or
the district's responsiveness to public demand for high-quality education for
all students.
The financial crisis and huge gaps in
academic achievement underscore the need for stronger, more effective
leadership on the School Board. The public will regain trust in Seattle Public
Schools when we are able to show financial accountability and
sustainable results in academic achievement.
I will work to instill accountability,
close achievement gaps, reduce dropout rates, and generate productive
communication between schools, families, and communities to support student
learning.
My campaign has focussed on professionalism,
accountability, and results. I have worked with state and local policymakers
for more than 20 years. I have worked on school issues for 13 years, as a
parent, businessperson, volunteer, neighborhood and schools activist, and as
director of Seattle's Office for Education.
Over the past 18 months, I have
focussed on strategies that help students succeed. There are three that can
make a tremendous difference for all students, particularly those most in need
of extra support: . Kindergarten readiness, because students who start behind
generally stay behind. . Family partnerships, because parental involvement in
education is the single greatest indicator of student success. . Cultural
competency, recognizing students' differing backgrounds, assets, interests, and
learning styles, because the one-size-fits-all approach to education isn't
working.
Every student deserves a high quality
education with a challenging curriculum. Seattle deserves graduates who are
resourceful, productive adults; involved citizens; skilled workers; critical
thinkers; and lifelong learners.
Endorsements/recommendations/ratings:
The Alki Foundation, King County Democrats, King County Labor Council, King
County Women's Political Caucus, Municipal League "Very Good," SEAMEC "4-Ally,"
Seattle Education Association, The Seattle Times, The Stranger, Washington
Conservation Voters, and Women in Unity "Very Good."
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 The Voice of Independence
To be effective for ALL
constituents, Betty feels strongly that School Directors must be non-partisan. She
did not nor will she actively seek political party or elected official
endorsements.
The Voice of Experience
Betty has 13 years of volunteer
commitment to children, not only in our city but this region and state. For the
last four years she has served on many school district committees: recommending
budget reductions, writing policy, oversight of levy funds, curriculum and
transforming the way schools teach all our children. In this time of turmoil
in our District, her experience and understanding of issues facing our children
and schools IS CRITICAL.
The Voice of Leadership
Betty has been elected or served in
leadership roles numerous times. She was elected twice as President of the 81
Seattle PTAs. Her leadership skills have been used effectively for the last two
school levy campaigns, Initiative 728; the state wide class size reduction
initiative, and the Seattle Families and Education Levy. Today Betty is
Co-Chair of the Alliance for Education Public Engagement Task Force. In this
time of uncertainty in the Seattle School District, Betty's proven leadership
ability is vital.
The Voice of Advocacy
Betty has experience advocating for
children and parents. In the past thirteen years, Betty spent time in Olympia;
lobbying with WSPTA, the Seattle School District and the I-728 Committee for
the health, welfare and education of all children. In this time of unsure
funding for schools and knowing quality education for children must come first,
we need someone with proven advocacy skills, Betty has them.
Endorsements: Seattle Chamber of Commerce; Alki
Foundation, Seattle Education Association, Blair Butterworth, Lisa Macfarlane,
Jon Bridge, Barbara Schaad-Lamphere, Peter Maier, Don Nielsen, and many others.
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