Queen Anne &Magnolia
Next school board will face major challenges
By Laura Marie Rivera Contributing Writer
“What is the School Board and do we even need to vote for it?”
ese are questions that are o en heard throughout our neighborhood and the city.
e Seattle Public Schools’ School Board is comprised of seven Directors that represent speci c districted zones of the city. Under state law, school board directors are accountable to the electorate for the proper operation of the school district.
ey are responsible for the district’s billion dollar budget and the educational trajectory of almost 50,000 students. e school board elections occur on odd years: four district seats are on the ballot this year and the remaining three will be up for election in 2025.
To further complicate things, not only are the seven districts di erent from the city council’s seven districts. In the general election, all Seattle voters will vote for the directors of each district, not only the ones in
their geozones. To top it all o , this relatively unpublicized position is for a volunteer role.
And as State Senator Joe Nguyen from 34th district says, “You get what you pay for…” ere has o en been talk about and failed measures for paying the School Board Directors for their time, but it has yet to happen.
In the meantime, we have eight people vying for those four open positions.
In District 1 (the north end
SCHOOL Page 7
Councilmember Andrew Lewis looks to build on first term accomplishments
By Laura Marie Rivera Contributing Writer
Seattle City Councilmember, and Queen Anne resident, Andrew Lewis is seeking a second term after an eventful four years defined by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While serving as an assistant city attorney in 2019, Lewis defeated a field of nine other candidates to represent District 7. He is running to continue the hard and often unglamorous work of local government.
"I wouldn't want to serve in any other level of elected service. I'm a New Deal kind of Democrat. That means building things, things our community needs."
Lewis is quick to rattle off some of those achievements, citing major planned improvements to the Queen Anne Community Center, the acquisition of the Cinerama Theater by SIFF, and preserving the UpGarden P-Patch.
He said, "In my first term, that was
LEWIS Page 7
Courtesy Ian Coon
Candidate Ben Gitenstein and Seattle Education Association's President Jennifer Matter sit at the front of the crowded room for the Bites and Ballots candidate forum at Rainier Beach Church last week.
Andrew Lewis
Queen Anne & Magnolia Worship Services
Sunday Worship at 10am Live Streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube. Simply look for Magnolia Lutheran Church.
Twelfth Church of Christ, Scientist
In Person and Online Church Services
All are welcome & warmly invited to join these healing services
For best audio results, please join by clicking on the link from your computer or smartphone and choose “Call Over Internet”
All Zoom Services Meeting ID: 418 806 2637 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4188062637
Sunday Services 11:00am – 12noon Pacific
Wednesday Testimonies 7:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific
Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons
Our weekly Bible Lesson Sermon may be found here: https://quarterly.christianscience.com/
Additional Healing Resources: ChristianScience.com CSWashington.com SeattleMetroReadingRoom.org
For additional assistance, please contact us at seattle12cs@gmail.com or 206.283.2300 ChristianScienceTwelfthSeattle.com
For a Healthier You CHIROPRACTORS
DENTISTS
Queen Anne Dental Group
Dr. Frank J. Calvo & Family
Cosmetic, Implant, & General Dentistry
400 Boston St. 206-284-7812 www.QADG.net
Advertising | Friday, noon 206-461-1300 or class@pacificpublishingcompany.com
‘Tis the pumpkin spice season
Every season has its own charm, and Autumn is no exception. Watching colorful leaves oat down from trees is surely a beautiful sight. is month, I interviewed 6th grader Kylie about her favorite fall activities, Fall traditions, and her favorite farm — Stocker Farms.
Ellery Roy Queen Anne Community Council
Her favorite traditions include baking, carving pumpkins and even creating her own Halloween costume! Kylie especially loves carving pumpkins with her family. One year she carved a haunted house, but her proudest carving was of a cupcake! She also enjoys painting pumpkins and loves to search for big orange pumpkins and little white pumpkins.
Some years Kylie has created her own costumes! She uses paint, fabric, and any other creative material she can nd. She is most proud of her deer costume that featured antlers made from twigs she found. If you feel like getting creative like Kylie and make your own costume, you can check out ideas on Michael’s website: https://www. michaels.com/projects/search?q=costume
Speaking of baking, Kylie loves making her favorite cookie, the snickerdoodle, and during the Fall season she likes to bake pumpkin pie. And so wouldn’t you know it, I found a pumpkin-snickerdoodle cookie recipe to combine the avors of both! Check this yummy recipe out from Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/ recipes/food-network-kitchen/pumpkinsnickerdoodles-17004640?nl=ROTD_093023_ featurecta&%24web_ only=true&lid=f5e2hbe677ya
Now let’s talk about Kylie’s favorite farm to visit: Stocker Farms is quite a popular farm, located in Snohomish. It includes various activities that will keep you busy for hours! You can enjoy hayrides, tricycle races, a bouncy pad, corn mazes and many other activities! Attention sel e lovers, this place is dangerous! eir signature spot to take photos is in their pumpkin barn! Learn more about this farm here: https://www. stockerfarms.com/ anks for reading, hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of this Fall season! Now, I’m o to make those delicious cookies…
October author readings and community events with the Seattle Public Library
Submitted
Chiropractic AND Massage Therapy
Darrell Gibson, D.C. • Sarah Gibson, D.C. Graeme Gibson, D.C.
David E. Goodall III, LMT
Sarah Rose Nottingham, LMT
Lauren E. Traynor, LMT
SERVING THE FAMILIES OF QUEEN ANN E SINCE 1991 1905 Queen Anne Ave N • 206.282.8275 www.QueenAnneChiro.com
Join e Seattle Public Library in October for a range of exceptional events, including discussions with local author Peter Bacho (“Uncle Rico’s Encore”); bestselling author Lauren Gro (“ e Vaster Wilds”); and author-illustrators Jillian and Mariko Tamaki (“Roaming); as well as the annual A. Scott Bullitt lecture with historian Blair L.M. Kelly, author of “ e Roots of the Black Working Class.” All Library events are free and open to the public;
events requiring registration are noted below. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar.
e Library o ers a range of other free events and workshops in October, including story times, business workshops and consults and civics and community programs.
AUTHOR OR COMMUNITY EVENTS
• Jillian and Mariko Tamaki discuss “Roaming” with Jas Keimig. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct.
18. Central Library, Level 1 Microso Auditorium. Join us for an evening with authorillustrators Jillian and Mariko Tamaki as they discuss their most recent graphic novel, “Roaming,” with local arts writer Jas Keimig. Presented in partnership with Drawn & Quarterly, Short Run Comix & Arts Festival and ird Place Books. Registration not required, but RSVPs requested.
• Lauren Gro discusses “ e Vaster Wilds.” From 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., ursday, Oct. 19. Central Library, Level 1 Microso Auditorium. Join us to hear bestselling author Lauren Gro discuss her new novel, about one spirited girl alone in the wilderness, trying to survive. Gro will be in conversation with Daniel Tam-Claiborne, a multiracial essayist, multimedia producer and author of the short story collection "What Never Leaves.” e event is supported by the Connie and Gary Kunis Foundation and e Seattle Public Library Foundation, and is presented in partnership with Elliott Bay Book Company. Registration is required.
• “From Page to Stage: Adapting ‘No-No Boy’ for
Survey: 68% of Seattleites don’t trust city to spend tax dollars responsibly
By Spencer Pauley e Center Square
e latest quality of life survey from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce reveals residents’ growing disdain for how the city is utilizing their tax dollars.
e survey was conducted by EMC Research, with 700 Seattle voters interviewed across each council district from Sept. 14-24.
When given the prompt “I trust the City of Seattle to spend my tax dollars responsibly,” 68% of respondents disagreed with the sentiment.
“68% of voters say they do not trust the city of Seattle to spend their tax dollars responsibly,” Seattle Metro Chamber President Rachel Smith told e Center Square in an email. “Frustrations are increasing because Seattle voters want a plan and they want to see visible progress – it’s the lack of progress that erodes trust.”
e Chamber's Index survey also found 61% of voters believe that
taxes in Seattle are too high for the level of service that the city provides.
e Center Square previously reported on the chamber’s survey revealing public safety was listed as the second-most concerning issue at 48%, behind homelessness at 51%.
Only 3% voted for taxes as their most concerning issue.
Despite the rising concerns residents have for their communities, the survey indicates that there is not much trust in city leadership to solve the biggest issues facing Seattle. Only 15% of respondents agreed with the prompt, “I trust that the city has an e ective plan to address the critical issues facing our city, like homelessness, a ordability and public safety.”
“Crime and public safety as a top concern has increased substantially and has now become a sticking point,” Smith said. “To restore public trust, the city should invest tax dollars in a way that gets results on the most-pressing issues, and do so with transparency and accountability.”
Magnolia Chamber ready for Halloween
Submitted
e Magnolia Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome back a community favorite, the annual Halloween "Trick or Treat in the Village" event on Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 pm. anks to the merchants that hand out candy and our sponsor, Queen Anne Painting that helps us cover the cost of closing the main streets in Magnolia Village to make it a safe environment for all.
e Magnolia community again has already responded generously to a call for candy to help supplement merchants' costs in candy purchasing. If you want to donate, go to our online wish list to have a bag or two sent to the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce. We will distribute as needed.
Halloween Pet Costume Contest - spook-tacular fun for you & your pet!
We are barking and purring in delight to announce our rst-ever Halloween Pet Costume Contest in partnership with our Chamber
TRICK OR TREAT ON THE AVE
When: 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.31
Where: Queen Anne Ave between Galer St and McGraw St in Upper Queen Anne
What: Merchants along Upper Queen Anne Avenue dress up, decorate, pass out treats and maybe have some tricks, too! For more info or to signup to volunteer: https://www. queenannechamber.org/events/ trick-or-treat-on-the-ave-2-995/
members and friends at Pet Pros and VCA Animal Hospital!
e Halloween Pet Costume Contest is designed to bring your furry friend in on the spirited fun this Halloween. Celebrate the holiday cuteness of your animal family members and nd the best Halloween costume you can get your paws on, be it dogs, cats, or other pets!
You can win a gi certi cate of $50 up to $125!
e winners will be announced on Nov. 3rd on our discovermagnolia.org website and Facebook and Instagram pages. ey can claim their prize!
To learn more, go to https:// discovermagnolia.org/trick-ortreat-magnolia-village/
pied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060. Notice to Borrower(s) who received a letter under RCW 61.24.031:THIS NOTICE IS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME. Mediation MUST be requested between the time you receive the Notice of Default and no later than 90 calendar days BEFORE the date of sale listed in the Notice of Trustee Sale. If an amended Notice of Trustee Sale is recorded providing a 45-day notice of the sale, mediation must be requested no later than 25 calendar days BEFORE the date of sale listed in the amended Notice of Trustee Sale. DO NOT DELAY. CONTACT A HOUSING COUNSELOR OR AN ATTORNEY LICENSED IN WASHINGTON NOW to assess your situation and refer you to mediation if you might eligible and it may help you save your home. See below for safe sources of help. SEEKING ASSISTANCE Housing counselors and legal assistance may be available at little or no cost to you. If you would like assistance in determining your rights and opportunities to keep your house, you may contact the following: The statewide foreclosure hotline for assistance and referral to housing counselors recommended by the Housing Finance Commission: Telephone: (877) 894-4663 or (800) 606-4819 Website: www.wshfc.org The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: Telephone: (800) 569-4287 Website: www.hud.gov The statewide civil legal aid hotline for assistance and referrals to other housing counselors and attorneys: Telephone: (800) 606-4819 Website: www.homeownership.wa.gov Dated: July 6, 2023 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as Duly Appointed Successor Trustee By: Alan Burton, Vice President MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps 606 W. Gowe Street Kent, WA 98032 Toll Free Number: (844) 367-8456 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 For Reinstatement/ Pay Off Quotes, contact MTC Financial Inc. DBA Trustee Corps Order Number 93193, Pub Dates: 10/18/2023, 11/8/2023, QUEEN ANNE & MAGNOLIA NEWS
TS No WA08000131-22-1 TO No 220443385-WA-MSI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PURSUANT TO THE REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON CHAPTER 61.24 ET. SEQ. Grantor: GEORGE S. SUTHERLAND AS HIS SOLE AND SEPRATE PROPERTY Current Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust: FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Original Trustee of the Deed of Trust: FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY Current Trustee of the Deed of Trust: MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps Current Mortgage Servicer of the Deed of Trust: Freedom Mortgage Corporation Reference Number of the Deed of Trust: Instrument No. 20120120000141 Parcel Number: 202506-9080 | 202506908005 I. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 3, 2023, 09:00 AM, THE SALE WILL BE POSTPONED TO 11/14/2023 AT 09:00AM, Main Entrance, King County Administration Building, 500 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, the undersigned Trustee, will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder, payable, in the form of cash, or cashier’s check or certified checks from federally or State chartered banks, at the time of sale the following described real property, situated in the County of King, State of Washington, to-wit: PARCEL A:LOT 4 OF CITY OF SAMMAMISH SHORT PLAT NO. L99S0027, ENTITLED SUTHERLAND SOUTH SHORT PLAT, ACCORDING TO PLAT RECORDED MARCH 3, 2003 UNDER RECORDING NO. 20030303900004, IN KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON.PARCEL B:A NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS CREATED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED UNDER RECORDING NO. 7102090140, WHICH IS RERECORD OF RECORDING NO. 6630126, AND AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED UNDER RECORDING NO. 9809140222, IN KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON. APN: 202506-9080 | 202506908005 More commonly known as 19616 NE 33RD PL, SAMMAMISH, WA 98074 which is subject to that certain Deed of Trust dated January 13, 2012, executed by GEORGE S. SUTHERLAND AS HIS SOLE AND SEPRATE PROPERTY as Trustor(s), to secure obligations in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for REDMOND MORTGAGE CO., Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, recorded January 20, 2012 as Instrument No. 20120120000141 and the beneficial interest was assigned to FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION and recorded November 22, 2021 as Instrument Number 20211122001414 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of King County, Washington. II. No action commenced by FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, the current Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust is now pending to seek satisfaction of the obligation in any Court by reason of the Borrowers’ or Grantors’ default on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust/Mortgage. III. The default(s) for which this foreclosure is made is/are as follows: FAILURE TO PAY WHEN DUE THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS WHICH ARE NOW IN ARREARS: DELINQUENT PAYMENT INFORMATION From July 1, 2021 To June 27, 2023 Number of Payments
1 $3,904.45 12 $3,879.73 11 $4,086.92 Total $95,417.33 LATE CHARGE INFORMATION July 1, 2021 June 27, 2023 $826.42 PROMISSORY NOTE INFORMATION Note Dated:
principal sum of $387,688.40, together with interest as provided in the Note or other instrument secured, and such other costs and fees as are due under the Note or other instrument secured, and as are provided by statute. V. The above described real property will be sold to satisfy the expense of sale and the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust as provided by statute. Said sale will be made without warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances on November 3, 2023. The defaults referred to in Paragraph III must be cured by October 23, 2023, (11 days before the sale date) to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time before October 23, 2023 (11 days before the sale) the default as set forth in Paragraph III is cured and the Trustees’ fees and costs are paid. Payment must be in cash or with cashiers’ or certified checks from a State or federally chartered bank. The sale may be terminated any time after the October 23, 2023 (11 days before the sale date) and before the sale, by the Borrower or Grantor or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance by paying the entire principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or Deed of Trust, and curing all other defaults. VI. A written Notice of Default was transmitted by the current Beneficiary, FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION or Trustee to the Borrower and Grantor at the following address(es): ADDRESS GEORGE S SUTHERLAND 19616 NE 33RD PL, SAMMAMISH, WA 98074 GEORGE S SUTHERLAND c/o LAW OFFICES OF KELLER ROHRBACK L.L.P., 1201 THIRD AVENUE, SUITE 3200, SEATTLE, WA 98101-3052 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF GEORGE SUTHERLAND 19616 NE 33RD PL, SAMMAMISH, WA 98074 by both first class and certified mail on November 2, 2022, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the Borrower and Grantor were personally served with said written Notice of Default or the written Notice of Default was posted in a conspicuous place November 3, 2022 on the real property described in Paragraph I above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting. VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale. VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above described property. IX. Anyone having any objections to this sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustees’ Sale. X. Notice to Occupants or Tenants. The purchaser at the Trustee’s sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20th day following the sale, as against the Grantor under the deed of trust (the owner) and anyone having an interest junior to the deed of trust, including occupants who are not tenants. After the 20th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants who are not tenants by summary proceedings under chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenant-occupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060. Notice to Borrower(s) who received a letter under RCW 61.24.031: THIS NOTICE IS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME. Mediation MUST be requested between the time you receive the Notice of Default and no later than 90 calendar days BEFORE the date of sale listed in the Notice of Trustee Sale. If an amended Notice of Trustee Sale is recorded providing a 45-day notice of the sale, mediation must be requested no later than 25 calendar days BEFORE the date of sale listed in the amended Notice of Trustee Sale. DO NOT DELAY. CONTACT A HOUSING COUNSELOR OR AN ATTORNEY LICENSED IN WASHINGTON NOW to assess your situation and refer you to mediation if you might eligible and it may help you save your home. See below for safe sources of help. SEEKING ASSISTANCE Housing counselors and legal assistance may be available at little or no cost to you. If you would like assistance in determining your rights and opportunities to keep your house, you may contact the following: The statewide foreclosure hotline for assistance and referral to housing counselors recommended by the Housing Finance Commission: Telephone: (877) 894-4663 or (800) 606-4819 Website: www.wshfc.org The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: Telephone: (800) 569-4287 Website: www.hud.gov The statewide civil legal aid hotline for assistance and referrals to other housing counselors and attorneys: Telephone: (800) 606-4819 Website: www. homeownership.wa.gov Dated: June 29, 2023 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as Duly Appointed Successor Trustee By: Alan Burton, Vice President MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps 606 W. Gowe Street Kent, WA 98032 Toll Free Number: (844) 367-8456 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 For Reinstatement/Pay Off Quotes, contact MTC Financial Inc. DBA Trustee Corps Order Number 93063, Pub Dates: 10/18/2023, 11/8/2023, QUEEN ANNE & MAGNOLIA NEWS
LEWIS from Page 1
community centers. I am proud to have secured $19 million for a full renovation of the Queen Anne Community Center and kept the Magnolia Community Center stabilization improvements on time and on budget.” And he said it was an honor to partner with the Seattle International Film Festival to save the Cinerama theater.
Tom Mara is the new executive director for SIFF and said, “Andrew reached out to me before my first day to discuss SIFF acquiring Cinerama. He was a critical partner to get that done and he is a great champion for the arts.” Lewis added, “That theater is an institution. Losing it would be like losing the Space Needle, it is irreplaceable."
A lifelong Seattle resident, Lewis grew up in Ballard and put down roots in Queen Anne after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. He and his wife Laura, an assistant attorney general, recently welcomed a new addition to the family, their now 10-month-old daughter Vivian Grace.
"I love Queen Anne because it's a great neighborhood to raise a family and within walking distance to Downtown. And, really, you know, for me that is what local government is all about. It's about those tangible things. Basic services, liveability, the things that make great neighborhoods."
Lewis placed first in a crowded primary field of 6 candidates nearly 12% ahead of second place finisher Queen Anne resident Bob Kettle. Despite the margin, Lewis came in under 50% of the vote, suggesting the race could be competitive. He is hoping that his long list of endorsements, including Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the 36th Legislative District, and the MLK Labor Council, will help him reach more voters. For the fall campaign, he plans to
emphasize his work on public safety and public health.
Mayor Harrell has a vision for comprehensive public safety. It includes building the police service back to a staffing level of 1,450, but it also includes a new 911 behavioral health alternative response called CARE Community Assisted Response and Engagement. Lewis is proud to partner in that work and adds, “The police do not, and should not, have to do everything. These public health workers have a critical role to play. This is the work I have been advancing."
With visible homelessness as a top public concern, Lewis cites progress from the first two years of the Harrell administration, including new services and shelter capacity aimed at reducing tent encampments.
"Over the past year, we have seen tent encampments go down 43%. RV encampments down 35%. It's because of the work we have done with Mayor Harrell. You centralize accountability, you get people into shelter, it's that simple. We really are, finally, making progress on homelessness. And it's progress we can see."
Looking forward to next year, Lewis sees opportunities through the Move Seattle Levy to jump start progress on long deferred infrastructure projects, including some projects that are very important to the Queen Anne and Magnolia communities.
"We can't forget infrastructure. We need to make sure we have a Move Seattle Levy that delivers for District 7. That means a one-for-one in-kind Magnolia Bridge replacement and a new Ballard Bridge. For freight mobility and the future of our maritime economy, we have to get this right."
Ballots are being mailed this week and are due back by Tuesday, Nov. 7. Voters can register or check their current registration at vote.gov/register/wa
of the city), Debbie Carlsen is a political newcomer that would like to change the current board and incumbent Liza Rankin’s reliance on Student Outcomes Focused Government and make the board a more active participant in the district’s management.
Lisa Rivera Smith, who ran unopposed in 2019, is the incumbent in District 2, which includes the neighborhoods north of the shipping canal from Golden Gardens to Green Lake and added Magnolia in last year’s redistricting. Her opponent, former SPS Principal Christina Posten, has been absent from campaign events since earlier this summer.
First-time candidates round out the other two districts. District 6, the southwest neighborhoods of the city, has Dow Constantine’s chief legal counsel and policy advisor, Gina Topp, running against Maryanne Wood, the mom and grandmother who aims to serve rather than govern and wants to halt school closures and consolidation of the smaller schools.
District 3, north of the shipping canal and east of I-5 plus Wallingford, has a race between
Evan Briggs, a lmmaker who wants to see a collaborative relationship between the board and superintendent, and Ben Gitenstein, a tech dad who thinks the “foxes are running the henhouse” and it’s “not my job to be liked by admin.”
Candidates came together at last week’s Bites and Ballots in Rainier Beach. Ian Coon, from the Alliance for Education, helped plan the forum that would bring students, parents, and educators to share their voice. He said, “Seattle Public Schools are at a pivotal moment and a board that digs their heels deep into engaging with the community will be a successful board going forward.”
Whoever gets elected will have to tackle major challenges, including a budget de cit of $100 million for the upcoming school year. SPS is not alone in facing nancial woes.
ree districts north of Everett are under OSPI scal oversight, and districts like Bellevue have already made budget cuts and closed schools.
ese problems stem from the state legislature’s solution to the McCleary case in 2017, in which the state Supreme Court ordered legislators to add more funding for public schools. Legislators complied, but with a complex
formula that ultimately le many school districts with less funding than they needed to provide a basic education to their students. As federal stimulus funds that were issued during the pandemic dry up, districts are facing a nancial crisis that needs a legislative x.
Washington’s Paramount Duty, a grassroots organization founded in Greenwood in 2015, intends to advocate to the state legislature for additional funding to address these needs across the state and prevent further cuts and closures. 36th District State Senator Noel Frame led an e ort in the 2023 session for a wealth tax that could have helped fund public schools. e bill did not receive a committee vote, but was co-sponsored by nearly every Democratic legislator.
e state’s new capital gains tax has been collecting more revenue than was expected, and that could be another source of funds to help district budgets.
e next school board will likely need to spend as much time in Olympia in early 2024 advocating for more funding as they will spend in Seattle schools themselves.
Ballots should be received this week and are due back by Tuesday, Nov. 7. Voters can sign up or check registration at votewa.gov/
Today’s eater.” From 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24. Central Library, Level 1 Microso Auditorium. As the second in a guest-curated series celebrating the centennial of John Okada’s birth, Frank Abe, Paul Adolphson and guests will discuss the process of adapting John Okada’s “No-No Boy” for the stage. e event is supported by the Connie and Gary Kunis Foundation and e Seattle Public Library Foundation, and presented in partnership with the North American Post, Seattle Rep and University of Washington Press. Registration is required.
• e A. Scott Bullitt Lecture in American History presents Dr. Blair L.M. Kelley: “ e Roots of the Black Working Class.” From 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Northwest African American Museum, 2300 South Massachusetts Street. For the A. Scott Bullitt Lecture in American History, award-winning historian Dr. Blair L.M. Kelley illuminates the adversities and joys of the Black working class in America through a stunning narrative centered on her forebears. e event is presented in partnership with Northwest African American Museum and is supported by the Connie and Gary Kunis Foundation and e Seattle Public Library Foundation.
Find more events at www.spl.org/ Calendar.
