-Hi. My name is Debbie Carlsen.
And I'm running for Seattle School Board Director
in District 1.
Our public schools have been critical at bringing opportunity
and learning to generations of Seattle's children,
but we have much more work to do
to increase academic achievement,
ensure every student has a healthy and inclusive
learning environment, and the school district
is managed with transparency and accountability.
I've lived in Seattle for 27 years,
and over the past 15 years,
I've served on the Best Start for Kids Advisory Board,
as executive director of an LGBTQ+ nonprofit,
as interim policy director for NAMI Washington,
which is National Alliance on Mental Illness
and as mobilizing contractor for Children's Alliance.
I was a community organizer for Hotel
and Restaurant Employees Local 8,
and currently I am an early learning educator.
As Olympic Hills PTA advocacy chair,
I have a firsthand understanding of challenges
and opportunities in our schools.
I'm running to be a strong LGBTQ voice on the school board,
and ensure children of all identities
feel a sense of belonging in their schools.
The inequities in academic achievement
still need urgent attention and focus to make the school
district an excellent learning environment.
My vision here, in becoming a school board member --
one, ensuring every student feels a sense
of belonging in their schools,
that no matter what your identity is,
students can thrive and feel safe
while gaining a high-quality education.
Two, implementing a robust community engagement process,
especially when big district decisions need to be made
that center communities farthest from educational opportunities.
And three, bringing more transparency
back in the budget and policy development process.
I'm excited to take my experience in education,
community organizing, and labor
to get pragmatic results for all students.
I'd be honored to earn your vote.