-Hi.
I'm Liza Rankin, your Seattle School Board vice president
and mom of two students in Seattle Public Schools.
As a current board member and a longtime PTSA leader,
I've worked over a decade alongside families,
educators, and communities across Seattle
to improve experiences, opportunities,
and outcomes for students in our public schools.
Throughout my first term,
I've demonstrated an unwavering commitment
to equity and continuous improvement
while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic.
I've led efforts to increase inclusion,
access to outdoor learning, gun violence prevention,
and equity in grading and assessment.
I led policy work to ban isolation
and limit restraint in SPS --
practices that disproportionately impact
students of color and with disabilities.
Our policy is a model across the state
to increase support for preventative
and restorative practices that benefit all children.
As the Board's legislative liaison,
I successfully advocated for additional state resources
for special education,
access to career and technical education,
and record investments in behavioral health support
for students recovering from pandemic disruption and trauma.
I'm running for re-election
because we are at a critical time for public education.
Not only has the pandemic disrupted learning,
impacted behavioral and mental health,
and altered the district's relationship with families,
but, nationally, we face increased intolerance
and attacks on public schools' boards, students, and staff.
We need directors who know our communities and schools,
who understand budget complexities
and enrollment challenges,
and can navigate the many demands of our system
while remaining focused on high-quality education
to all students.
With your vote, I'll build on my record,
and I'm committed to rebuilding not only trust and confidence,
but joy and excitement throughout our education system.
Together, we can support schools that meet the diverse needs
of our learners, and are the first choice
for all of Seattle's families.
And I thank you for your support.