Amidst a $100 million budget crisis and a high-stakes search for a new superintendent, Seattle Public Schools is also revitalizing its governance with promising new adult board finalists and a dedicated cohort of student leaders championing equity and student voice.
Seattle Public Schools (SPS), a vital institution for a city known globally for its brainpower and innovation, is currently in a period of profound transition. Facing a substantial budget deficit and a search for new leadership, the district is simultaneously working to bolster its governance through thoughtful board appointments, including passionate student representatives. This confluence of challenges and opportunities defines a critical juncture for Seattle’s educational future.
Navigating the Helm: Seattle Public Schools’ Superintendent Search and Stability Crisis
The search for a new superintendent is a paramount concern for Seattle Public Schools. The district has narrowed its selection to two confidential candidates, referred to as “candidate seven” and “candidate eight” during recent interviews. Their identities are being kept private to protect their current leadership positions in other districts, ensuring a fair and professional process, as explained by School Board President Gina Topp. This search was initiated after Dr. Brent Jones announced his departure in March, having served as superintendent for three years with a final contract salary of $348,395. Fred Podesta has since stepped in as interim superintendent, with an approved salary of $320,355, since September 4. This marks a concerning pattern, as the new appointee will be the fourth superintendent for SPS since 2014, highlighting a history of high turnover in the position.
The executive search firm, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), gathered community input that revealed key priorities for the next superintendent. A significant 62% of respondents emphasized the need for a leader who prioritizes students’ readiness for the next grade and college. Additionally, 55% of respondents highlighted student and employee safety as a major focus. The desired characteristics for the new superintendent include a strong student focus, demonstrated financial expertise, extensive general experience, and a commitment to accountability. The two finalists are expected to present a 100-day plan, outlining their vision for the district’s future, as reported by The Center Square.
The Budget Beast: Fiscal Challenges and Community Backlash
Adding to the leadership transitions, Seattle Public Schools is confronting a nearly $100 million budget deficit. This severe financial challenge has prompted the district to consider drastic measures, including school consolidation. An initial plan to close up to 21 schools faced widespread unpopularity and was subsequently paused. A revised plan to consolidate five schools has since been announced.
Against this backdrop, the school board’s decision to approve a contract renewal and a nearly $25,000 pay raise for outgoing Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones sparked significant community outrage. The raise brought his total salary to $390,940, a 6.7% increase. Parents expressed concern and frustration, particularly as they were unable to provide comment at the meeting where the raise was approved, instead being limited to livestream observation or remote viewing. Brendan Levy, a parent, called the decision “particularly tone deaf,” while Jake Milstein, another parent, questioned the timing, stating, “timing is everything, and so I think the board meeting about the raise just happened at the wrong time.”
While the raise drew criticism, proponents argued for the importance of leadership stability, citing the district’s history of high turnover in the superintendent position. A school board document highlighted that avoiding such turnover is crucial for district stability, emphasizing the belief that students would benefit from Jones’s continued leadership and “commitment to our students and city.” However, it’s worth noting that even with the raise, Jones’s salary was not the highest in the state, with superintendents like Jon Holmen of Lake Washington School District ($474,125) and Damien Pattenaude of Renton School District ($417,688) earning more in the 2022-23 school year, as reported by KING 5.
Strengthening Governance: New Voices on the Seattle School Board
Despite the district’s challenges, Seattle Public Schools has attracted an impressive pool of candidates vying for two appointed school board vacancies. These positions opened due to abrupt resignations, meaning candidates didn’t undergo traditional campaigns. The caliber of the eight finalists is notable, with credentials including law degrees, master’s degrees in business or education, and a Ph.D. in science. Given the district’s mammoth budget hole, candidates with strong financial knowledge, experience governing large systems, and a willingness to ask difficult questions are highly valued.
Among the finalists, three stand out for their relevant qualities:
- Carol Thompson (District 2): An associate director of data management at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, Thompson is recognized for her refreshing willingness to challenge district officials. She advocated for analyzing why families are withdrawing from Seattle schools and urged a focus on preserving “educational gems” for long-term growth, rather than just immediate budget cuts, stating, “groupthink is not going to get us out of the box.”
- Joe Mizrahi (District 4): As secretary-treasurer of the United Food and Commercial Workers 3000, Mizrahi represents 10,000 employees. His background as an organizer and personal experience with “highly inequitable” schools drive his focus on closing disparities between student groups. His skills could prove invaluable in advocating for increased funding from state legislators.
- Laura Marie Rivera (District 4): Previously endorsed by The Seattle Times editorial board, Rivera holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management and is undaunted by the SPS budget, describing it as “a beast of a document.” Her advocacy for students with disabilities is a crucial asset, and she eloquently speaks to the board’s role as an essential link between district officials and families.
The need for responsive and transparent leadership is particularly acute, as the current board has faced widespread criticism for its opacity and unresponsiveness. The outcry from parents at Rainier View Elementary, who testified about unheeded problems with school leadership, serves as a stark example.
The Future Leaders: Student Representation and Advocacy
Beyond the adult leadership, Seattle Public Schools is actively fostering student engagement in governance. On August 27, three dedicated high school students were sworn in as the 2025–26 student school board members. These student leaders — representing West Seattle, Roosevelt, and Ballard high schools — bring a powerful blend of experience, advocacy, and vision to the board. Their collective mission is to champion educational equity, inclusive policies, and student voice, aiming to elevate mental health support, sustainability efforts, school safety, and equitable access to resources across the district, ensuring every student is heard and empowered.
The 2025-26 student school board members include:
- Josephine Mangelsen (West Seattle High School): A junior and co-founder of her school’s Jewish Student Union, Josephine’s passion for educational equity stems from classroom experience, including an internship at John Muir Elementary. Her priorities are elevating Career and Technical Education (CTE), promoting non-traditional educational pathways, uplifting underrepresented voices (marginalized by race, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, or age), and empowering younger students as thoughtful advocates.
- Isabelle Massoudi (Roosevelt High School): As president of multiple clubs (Envirothon, UNICEF, Neuroscience, HOSA) and an active member of DECA and the speech and debate team, Isabelle is a dedicated leader focused on amplifying student voices. Her passions include educational equity, mental health, sustainability, and creating inclusive pathways that prepare students for life beyond high school.
- Sabi Yoon (Ballard High School): Now in her second term, Sabi is a senior who founded her school’s mock trial team, captains varsity swim and tennis teams, and is a news section editor. Her student-centered perspective addresses critical issues such as school safety, the nutritional quality of school lunches, equitable funding for under-resourced programs, and fostering inclusive environments. Sabi also advocates for restructuring SPS policy 1250 to improve the experience and impact of future student board members, ensuring representation and opportunity for all students.
The integration of these articulate and committed student voices into the school board underscores a vital commitment to democratic representation and ensuring that policy decisions genuinely reflect the diverse needs and experiences of Seattle’s student population.
