King County Local Voters Pamphlet

  Our Seattle School District is failing too many children. The lack of budget oversight and adequate supervision of the Superintendent has led to a multi-million dollar shortfall, resulting in drastic cuts to valuable programs. We have many strong schools and teachers, but weak leadership is hurting Seattle's children.

  It doesn't have to be this way. As a 30-year educator, parent, and PTA leader, I know what it will take to focus the District on teaching and learning so that our schools give EVERY child the tools to succeed. We can and must finally close the achievement gap in all Seattle public schools, as thousands of other schools have done.

  But it starts at the top. The School Board must model accountability, responsiveness, and advocacy. If elected, I will work to develop shared vision and will hold the staff accountable. I will invite your help and ideas early in decision-making. I will fight for resources to give teachers and students the support they need.

  It is time for a change in leadership. I will ask the tough questions, and I will get things done. As co-founder and director of the Citizens' Campaign for Commercial-Free Schools, I led the fight to get Channel One, advertising, military marketing, and junk food out of public schools (New York Times, NPR, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer).

  Our children deserve a school board member who will offer solutions, not excuses.

  RECOMMENDED BY: Seattle Education Association as 'Best candidate in Pos. 3.' ENDORSED BY: Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Stranger, Seattle Weekly, King County Labor Council, Seattle Community Colleges Federation of Teachers, Multi-Racial Task Force on Education, City Councilmember Nick Licata, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, Rep. Velma Veloria, Rep. Maralyn Chase, King County Councilmembers Larry Gossett and Cynthia Sullivan, and former School Board member Michael Preston.

In Nancy Waldman's 5 1/2 years on the School Board, the District has made real progress. Students must now meet rigorous academic standards. Test scores are rising, drop-out rates are declining, and the achievement gap is beginning to narrow. More students are assigned to their chosen schools, and schools have more autonomy.

  Recognizing her consensus-based leadership, Nancy's colleagues elected her Board President the past two years. As President, Nancy has led the District's recovery from its $35 million fiscal crisis. The Board appointed an independent auditor and a citizens committee to diagnose the problem and recommend solutions, which are now being implemented.

  As a result, the district is in the black, with a balanced budget. Virtually every laid-off teacher was offered re-hiring. Seattle Public Schools' AA- bond rating from Standard & Poors has been maintained. We have a stronger school district today.

  Nancy's experience is crucial for a smooth transition to a new superintendent and continued progress toward academic achievement. She understands the complex issues facing the district and what it takes to solve them. She has strong relationships with staff, parents and community partners. There's no substitute for this experience and continuity. We can't afford to start over with a new, narrowly focused board. Nancy will continue working for the common interest, not the special interests.

  A former high school teacher, lawyer and mediator, Nancy now devotes full time to the School Board. She and husband Bart have two daughters: Marcy, a UW sophomore; and Tracy, a Roosevelt HS senior.

  Endorsements include: Seattle Times, Alki Foundation, Women's Political Caucus, IUOE Local 609, Sen. Adam Kline, Rep. Frank Chopp, Rep. Jim McIntire, Kip Tokuda, Shan Mullin, Sue Donaldson, James Kelly, George Corcoran, John Cannon, Cothron McMillian, Jon Bridge, Al Sugiyama, John Warner, Don Nielsen, Barbara Schaad-Lamphere, Ellen Roe, Peter Ku.