My name is Erin Dury,
and I was recently appointed to the Seattle School Board
to ensure our schools truly serve all students.
I am a changemaker with a proven track record
of system change through centering community voice.
I'm a proud single mom and, until my appointment,
served as a regional PTSA leader
representing Northwest Seattle and a classroom volunteer.
I've dedicated my career to children
and families, leading a statewide
court-appointed special advocate program
to advocate for youth and child welfare,
and a Seattle help line supporting vulnerable families.
Now, as a consultant, I help nonprofits break down
racially based structures and barriers.
My goal is to build a citywide educational community
with a commitment to transparency
and continuous communication.
We must listen carefully to the voices of youth
and families in order to create educational programs
that serve individual learning and growth needs.
Together, we can ensure that every student leaves
Seattle Public Schools confident in their value and abilities.
With your support, I will continue to center
our educational priorities and policies
to focus on making education accessible
and targeted to all students,
particularly Black and brown students,
students furthest from Educational Justice,
students with disability, and LGBTQ youth
who have been systematically marginalized.
As a school district and city,
we must protect and uplift those most at risk
falling through the cracks
while reforming structures that marginalize or exclude.
In an innovative city like Seattle,
I know we can do better and do right
by the students from all walks of life
and lived experience.
Thank you.