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It’s widespread for a hyperlocal problem, reminiscent of plans round one explicit college, to provoke candidates to run for a seat on the Board of Schooling.
That’s the case for no less than one of many three individuals vying to characterize West Seattle, the place plans to broaden a worn-down elementary college — throughout a time of declining enrollment — have raised questions on spending priorities at Seattle Public Colleges.
Incumbent Leslie Harris is stepping down, and Maryanne Wooden’s impassioned candidacy, spurred by her opposition to what she calls “the megaschool” plan, ought to function a barometer of neighborhood sentiment in Harris’ wake. It is usually a mirrored image of anger throughout the varsity district at a marked lack of transparency across the present college board’s decision-making.
Regardless of some essential points raised by Wooden, The Seattle Occasions editorial board is endorsing Gina Topp to characterize District 6, due to her wider lens and priceless expertise bringing individuals collectively on complicated coverage questions. Topp, a lawyer, spent 5 years as senior authorized adviser to King County Government Dow Constantine, and people abilities shall be useful because the board navigates a tsunami of challenges.
The third candidate, Rosie McCarter, didn’t attend the editorial board’s endorsement assembly.
Within the face of a looming $131 million finances gap, Wooden is adamant that increasing Alki Elementary is the fallacious transfer. Topp was extra sanguine, calling the prospect of a brand new college “thrilling for the neighborhood,” whereas gently chiding the district for its “disappointing” failure to have interaction West Seattle households — “a missed alternative,” as she put it.
To make certain, a profession in politics brings its personal baggage, and Topp is clearly practiced on the sort of palatable conflict-avoidance that makes outsiders deride Seattle as a metropolis enamored of consensus to the purpose of paralysis.
She describes herself as “drama-free.” However which may be examined by mother and father pissed off with the district’s intention to dismantle its Extremely Succesful pupil cohort throughout the subsequent 5 years and mix accelerated learners into general-education school rooms, a plan Topp helps.
Her reply to Seattle’s “staggering” finances gap is to show again to the Legislature and demand that state funding fashions higher align with realities on the bottom. This can be acceptable, however it’s not a lot of a response to issues going through the district right this moment. It additionally suggests a willingness to just accept spending plans issued by college district leaders — with out asking powerful questions on what’s actually vital.
Ideally, if elected to the varsity board, Topp will put her negotiating abilities to work on behalf of scholars, above her style for consensus.
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