Seattle School Board Special Meeting Nov. 29, 2023

Summary

The Seattle School Board held an oath ceremony for newly elected directors, Gina Top and Evan Briggs, emphasizing the importance of their roles in shaping the district's future. The event also marked a bittersweet moment, bidding farewell to directors Harris and Hampson. President Hery and Superintendent Jones highlighted the board's achievements and the collective responsibility to advocate for all students and foster educational excellence. The ceremony underscored the board's commitment to equity and the challenges ahead, with a call for unity and support for the new directors as they embark on their term.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The meeting is being called to order, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the district with several generations of board directors present.
• 🌟 The outgoing board members have left a legacy of service and are passing the torch to new members during a challenging time.
• 📜 The new board members, Gina Top and Evan Briggs, are being welcomed and their responsibilities as directors of Seattle School District Number One are being emphasized.
• 🙌 The importance of a shared vision, values, and a sense of longevity in serving the district is highlighted.
• 🗣️ The board members are taking their oath of office, pledging to support the Constitution and promote the interests of education.
• 💬 Vice President Rankin apologizes for not fully supporting new board members in the past and commits to a more inclusive environment moving forward.
• 🌈 Director Rivera shares her personal journey of self-discovery and commitment to advocating for all students, especially native students.
• 🎥 Director Briggs reflects on his journey from filmmaker to board member, expressing optimism and readiness to tackle challenges.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Director Top acknowledges the support of her family and the importance of education in democracy, expressing eagerness to work towards equity in the district.
• 🤝 Superintendent Jones emphasizes the unity and cohesion of the board and administration, and the continuation of progress from previous board members' work.
• 📸 The ceremony concludes with a group photo of the new board members, symbolizing the start of their term and the collective commitment to the future of the district.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the gathering described in the transcript?

The main purpose of the gathering is to conduct an oath of office ceremony for newly elected School Board directors and to officially call the meeting of the board directors to order.

Who are the newly elected School Board directors mentioned in the transcript?

The newly elected School Board directors mentioned in the transcript are Gina Top and Evan Briggs.

What does the speaker emphasize as a critical aspect of serving in the board role?

The speaker emphasizes having a sense of vision, particularly a vision of longevity, as a critical aspect of serving in the board role.

What is the significance of the previous board directors to the new ones?

The knowledge and experience of the previous board directors are significant to the new ones as they will be starting in a tumultuous time and will need guidance to effectively serve on the board.

What does the vice president, Rankin, apologize for during her speech?

Vice president Rankin apologizes for not helping the new board members feel welcome and included during their onboarding process when they joined the board in 2021.

What is the main message director Rivera wants to convey in her speech?

Director Rivera wants to convey the importance of advocating for all students, especially those who need a voice at the table, and the need to reclaim her Native heritage and identity.

What does director Briggs highlight about the previous work done by the board?

Director Briggs highlights the groundwork laid by the previous board, particularly in creating a structure and governance model that will allow the board to be as effective as possible.

What does superintendent Jones emphasize about the board and his role?

Superintendent Jones emphasizes the cohesion and clear plan between the board and himself, and the importance of the board members' passion and expertise in moving the district forward.

What is the significance of the oath of office taken by the new directors?

The oath of office symbolizes the new directors' dedication to excellence and education, and their commitment to faithfully discharge the duties of their roles.

What does the speaker, president Hery, express about the future of the board and district?

President Hery expresses excitement about the future, acknowledging that there will be challenges but also highlighting the strong foundation and commitment to excellence that the board has built.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Opening Remarks and Introduction

The script begins with a series of musical cues, followed by an introduction to the event. The speaker acknowledges the audience and sets the stage for the meeting, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the occasion. The speaker reflects on the district's progress, the presence of multiple generations of board directors, and the importance of vision and values. They also express excitement for new members joining the board and the challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing the need for energy and commitment from all involved.

05:02

🏆 Welcoming New Board Directors

The speaker congratulates the new School Board directors, Gina Top and Evan Briggs, and emphasizes the responsibility and foundation they are stepping into. The board's previous achievements are highlighted, including being named Board of the Year. The speaker calls for recognition of the weight of responsibility the new directors are taking on and the support they will receive from the community. The ceremony's purpose is to swear in the new directors and symbolize their dedication to education and excellence.

10:04

🤝 Swearing-In of New Directors

The script details the swearing-in process for the new directors, including Vice President Rankin, Director Rivera, and newly elected directors Evan Briggs and Gina Top. Each director solemnly swears to support the Constitution of the United States and the state of Washington, and to faithfully discharge their duties to the best of their ability. The ceremony includes signing papers and taking pictures with family and colleagues, marking the formal transition of the new directors into their roles.

15:07

🗣️ Reflections and Commitments

Vice President Rankin begins with an apology for not fully supporting new board members in the past and makes a commitment to the new directors, Gina and Evan, to ensure they feel welcome and included. Rankin shares personal stories, including the impact of the board's work on their family and the importance of serving students with disabilities and closing achievement gaps. They emphasize the board's power and responsibility to push for better outcomes and the need to focus on the primary purpose of ensuring the school district meets community expectations.

20:27

🌟 Expressing Optimism and Gratitude

Director Rivera shares their personal journey of self-discovery and cultural identity, expressing gratitude for the support of the Native community. They acknowledge the importance of advocacy for all students and the short time they have to make a significant impact. Rivera is optimistic about the future and the work that lies ahead, thanking their family and expressing admiration for all who have held the board director role.

25:30

🎬 From Filmmaker to Board Director

Director Briggs reflects on his journey from making a campaign video for Shandra Hampson to becoming a board director himself. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but feels optimistic about the future, crediting the groundwork laid by previous directors. Briggs emphasizes the importance of relationships and the collective effort of the board, district staff, and community to serve students. He thanks his family and calls for a standing ovation for all past and present board members, recognizing the difficulty of the role.

30:30

🌈 Embracing the Role of Public Servant

Director Top expresses honor and excitement in serving as a new board director, thanking their family, mentors, and community for their support. They highlight the transformative power of education and the importance of prioritizing equity. Director Top looks forward to working with the board and district staff to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive and is excited to get to work, emphasizing the impact of current decisions on the future.

35:30

🎉 Closing Remarks and Group Recognition

Superintendent Jones offers closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the full complement of board members and excitement for the future. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but emphasizes the clear plan and cohesion within the board and administration. Jones thanks the new directors for joining and compares their entry to a relay race, building on the progress made by previous directors. He also acknowledges the contributions of board members' families and the student board members, presenting the newly formed school board to the audience.

Keywords

💡Board Directors

Board Directors are elected or appointed individuals who oversee the management of an organization and ensure it operates according to the law and meets its objectives. In the context of the video, they are responsible for guiding the school district, making decisions that impact educational policies, and representing the community's interests. The script mentions several generations of board directors, highlighting the importance of experience and continuity in leadership.

💡Vision of Longevity

A vision of longevity refers to a long-term perspective or plan that ensures the sustainability and continued success of an organization or project. It involves thinking beyond immediate concerns and setting goals that will benefit future generations. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision that extends beyond their term, ensuring that the work they do today will have lasting impacts on the district's future.

💡Oath of Office

The Oath of Office is a formal declaration or promise made by a public official before assuming duty. It is a tradition that symbolizes the individual's commitment to uphold the constitution, perform their duties faithfully, and serve the public interest. In the video, the oath is a significant moment marking the official start of the new board directors' term and their pledge to serve the school district and its constituents.

💡Educational Community

The Educational Community encompasses all stakeholders involved in the education sector, including teachers, students, parents, administrators, board members, and support staff. It refers to the collective group of individuals who contribute to the educational process and share a common goal of providing quality education. In the video, the speaker addresses this community, recognizing their shared responsibility in shaping the future of the district.

💡Commitment

Commitment refers to the dedication and determination to fulfill one's promises or obligations. In the context of the video, it highlights the board directors' pledge to serve the district and the importance of their ongoing dedication to the role, despite the challenges they may face.

💡Inclusion

Inclusion is the act of creating an environment that welcomes and values the participation of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or differences. It is about ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed and feel a sense of belonging. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of modeling inclusion for students by being welcoming to newcomers and ensuring that all voices are heard at the board.

💡Advocacy

Advocacy is the act of publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy. In the context of the video, it refers to the board directors' role in championing the needs and interests of students, staff, and the broader community within the educational system.

💡Equity

Equity refers to the principle of fairness and justice, ensuring that all individuals have access to the same opportunities and resources. In education, it means working to eliminate disparities and provide each student with the support they need to succeed. The video emphasizes the new board's priority to focus on equity, aiming to create a more just and inclusive educational environment.

💡Governance Model

A governance model outlines the structure, processes, and responsibilities for decision-making within an organization. It defines the relationships between different stakeholders, including board members, management, and the community. In the video, the governance model is discussed as a foundation for effective board operations and the collective effort to improve the school district.

💡Tumultuous Time

A tumultuous time refers to a period of great change, uncertainty, or upheaval. In the context of the video, it describes the current state of the school district, indicating that the new board directors are stepping into roles that come with significant challenges and the need for adaptability and resilience.

Highlights

The meeting is called to order, marking a bittersweet moment in the district's history.

The event is a special occasion with several generations of board directors present.

The importance of vision, values, and a sense of longevity in serving the role is emphasized.

The outgoing directors pass on critical knowledge to the new board members during a tumultuous time.

The newly elected School Board directors are welcomed and congratulated.

The Seattle School Board is recognized as the Council for Urban Boards of Education Board of the Year.

The board has introduced a new student governance model.

The oath of office ceremony symbolizes dedication to excellence and education.

Vice President Rankin apologizes for not fully supporting new board members in the past and commits to a more inclusive future.

The board's power and responsibility to push the system for better outcomes is acknowledged.

Director Rivera shares her personal journey of self-discovery and commitment to advocating for all students.

Director Briggs expresses optimism for the future and the importance of relationships in the system.

Director Top emphasizes the transformative value of education and the importance of equity.

Superintendent Jones highlights the unity and cohesion of the board and the challenges ahead.

The ceremony concludes with a group photo of the new board members.

Transcripts

[Music]

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[Music]

all right friends we're going to get

started in about 30 seconds

so if you're getting a snack that is

great but if you could find your seat

that would be even

better

all right we are going to

officially uh call this meeting of sorts

to

order uh this is a really Bittersweet

moment and I will spare yall um my

typical speeches but it is just a really

interesting time in our district and

it's a really special moment because we

have what feels like several generations

of board directors in the room tonight

um to be able to do this work requires a

sense of vision certainly a sense of

values um but more importantly a vision

of longevity and one of the critical

aspects of this is having served in this

role for four years at this point I've

been able to serve with board directors

who have gone on to bigger and better

things and I am very excited to welcome

in a couple of new folks tonight and

we've got some really big challenges is

ahead of us that uh are going to require

all of your energy so I hope you have

had conversations with your

family but um what I would just like to

say

is as we say goodbye or see you later or

see you at the podium to director Harris

and director hampson um that knowledge

that you have bestowed upon us is going

to be critical uh especially given that

our two new board directors are going to

be starting in a very tumultuous time

and I could not be more excited that

those two individuals are going to be

joining us up on the dis um but that

sense of longevity uh is really just

present for me tonight and I know that

it's present for uh even those who are

returning to the board so uh with that

being said I am so happy to turn this

over to uh our faithful leader

superintendent Jones um to bring us all

together for what is going to be a

really fun couple of years yes thank you

president hery distinguished guest and

members of our educational Community are

you excited to be

here all right

fantastic uh it's a great with great

pleasure I stand before you today to

welcome you to the oath the oath of

office ceremony for our newly elected

School Board directors thank you to

everyone for being present for joining

us to mark this beginning of a new

interation of Seattle School Board

School Board number one and you notice

we have number one because we are number

one uh I want to extend my S sincere

congratulations to Gina top and Evan

Briggs who are now entrusted with the

responsibility of guiding our school

district now they are building on a

foundation this board was the recent

recipients of the council for urban

Boards of Education Board of the Year

national board of the Year this board

also brought forward

a new student governance model this

board also had two people elected with

overwhelming majorities so that we can

continue this work so they're stepping

into a space where we are doing really

well as a as a collective and so as they

take the oath of office today let us all

recognize as Brandon said the weight of

the responsibilities of our newly

director our newly elected directors

with their holding they know this they

know how significant it is but we are

going to bring them in and embrace them

so that they can be as effective as we

know they're going to be serving on the

school board is a commitment to shaping

the future of our district advocating

for the needs of every student and

fostering an environment of Excellence

so without further Ado let us proceed to

the oath of office a pledge that

symbolizes dedication to Excellence and

education I'm going to hand it back to

you president hery and we're going to

start these o thank you so

much all right so first up I would like

to invite uh my co-pilot vice president

Rankin

forward yes it is okay to

[Applause]

celebrate all right vice president

Rankin I state your

name the microphone I got you we we got

you

I Liza Ranken do hereby solemnly swear

do hereby solemnly swear that I will

support the Constitution of the United

States that I will support the

Constitution of the United States

promote the interest of

Education about that one promote the

interests of education and support the

Constitution of the state of Washington

and support the Constitution of the

state of Washington and will Faithfully

discharge the duties of a direct dor of

School District number one and will

Faithfully discharge the duties of

director of Seattle School District

number one King County state of

Washington King County state of

Washington to the best of my ability to

the best of my ability all right we're

going to go sign the paper thank

[Applause]

you

SM

you can't really do itong whatever no do

we do photo now or the next

o and family that wants to take a

picture with with director ranking

please do we're going to do it up here

we're GNA do it right over we're going

to do it right over here director

ranky person I

know hey

Liza yeah come here

come

one

more all right

hey

you all right uh next uh I'm going to

invite up to the podium director Rivera

and director

Harris over here

okay where's my script your

script

I I Lisa

rera do hereby solemnly swear do hereby

solemnly swear that I will support the

Constitution of the United States that I

will support the Constitution of the

United States promote the interests of

Education promote the interests of

Education will Faithfully discharge the

duties of director of Seattle School

District number one and will Faithfully

discharged the duties of director of

Seattle School District number one King

County King County state of Washington

state of Washington to the best of my

ability to the best of my

ability got

[Applause]

it

e

e

hello there we go all right uh next we

are going to invite up newly elected

director Evan

Briggs patr I Evan Briggs do hereby

solemnly swear do hereby solemnly swear

that I will support the Constitution of

the United States that I will support

the Constitution of the United States

and the constitution of the state of

Washington and the constitution of the

state of Washington promote the interest

of Education promote the interest of

education and will Faithfully discharge

the duties of director of Seattle School

District number one and will Faithfully

discharge the duties of director Seattle

School District number one King County

state of Washington King County state of

Washington to the best of my ability to

the best of my ability thank

you

we got four papers that say the same

thing let's see all

right and last but not least I would

like to invite up newly elected director

Miss Gina to

[Applause]

I and state your first name or your full

name I Gina top do hereby solemnly swear

do hereby solemnly swear that I will

support the Constitution of the United

States that I will support the

Constitution of the United States and

the constitution of the state of

Washington and the constitution of the

state of Washington promote promote the

interest of Education promote the

interests of education and will

Faithfully discharge the duties of

director of School District number one

and will Faithfully discharge the duties

of director of Seattle School District

number one King County state of

Washington King County state of

Washington to the best of my ability to

the best of my ability thank

you

e

e

all right we have now reached uh the

portion of the event this evening where

directors will offer brief comments lies

I'm looking at you five

minutes just kidding just kidding just

kidding um and we will begin with vice

president

Rankin

all right well as Brandon noted you all

have heard me talk plenty so um I I had

I started writing some notes for myself

and I got kind

of I don't know overwhelmed and and

stopped writing notes um but I did want

to start with um an apology and a

commitment and the apology that I have

is to um director song

and director sarju because when you all

joined the board in

2021 I think we were so consumed with

covid and everything and you know half

of us were only two years into our own

terms um I'm thinking back to that time

and I really can't remember your

onboarding process and that to me says

that I didn't help with any of that of

making sure that you you felt welcome

and included and had what you needed to

participate and be

successful and so um on behalf of I

think the whole board I just I really

want to apologize for that because I

think

um that didn't show our commitment to

each other and it didn't set you up to

be able to bring your full self and your

full contribution and so my commitment

is to Gina and Evan or excuse me

directors top and Briggs

that you're not joining our

board we we have we are now the board we

are now the

board you all have the same role that

any of the rest of us have and we're all

here to support one another and I really

want to be um making a commitment to you

now in front of everybody uh that any

question you have any support you need

uh we need to be able to model for our

students what inclusion looks like and

what it looks like to be welcoming to

newcomers and to those who may not have

been part of the group but now are um

and so my commitment and I hope that

you'll call me out if I don't meet this

commitment is to make sure that you have

what you need from us and that you don't

feel like the newcomers that you feel

like part of the board which we are now

the

board um so my husband isn't here

tonight because he's in Dallas at the

Seahawks game or getting getting ready

so speaking of commitment

um but you know what he has dealt with

and supported me through an awful lot so

I absolutely do not begrudge him his

annual trip with his brother who lives

on the east coast to meet up at an away

Seahawks game somewhere they do it once

a year it just happened to be right now

the game's actually tomorrow um but my

parents are here and my two kids are

here um mostly

willingly um and uh my kids have been

coming here to the John Stanford center

since they were small enough to play in

that back corner under the

table while they were waiting for me to

give testimony or meet with staff or

talk to directors or something um and if

everything goes as it should

in about 3 and a half years I will be

handing a diploma to my older son

EMT um as he graduates from Nathan Hill

High

School so

from this to he's now got a couple

inches on me um that's how long our

family have been coming into this room

um and I sort of part of what got me

kind of overwhelmed and frustrated is

that that is the whole childhood

spent in toe coming here to advocate for

kids in our

community and um that's a whole

childhood waiting for students with

disabilities to be served in classrooms

with their peers and it's a whole

childhood to wait for outcomes for black

and Native students to match outcomes of

white

students and um

I'm have the immense privilege of myself

and my children having the luxury of

that time and other people's kids and

the kids that we're all here for do not

and we can't a childhood goes so

fast and um we can't continue to

deliberate and wait and hope that the

district does something

um so not to be a total Downer I have

good news and bad news and they're

actually kind of the same thing which is

that what I've learned in the time as an

advocate and being on the board for four

years is that it is completely within

the power and control and authority of

the board to push the system to do

better that's also the bad news because

it's actually up to us

um and it is we we are the board is the

ultimate

Authority according to state law and on

behalf of our community we are given the

authority to act as the representatives

from the

community and if we don't do our job in

governance nobody else is going to fill

that spot there are so many different

things that pull board directors in all

kinds of directions and they feel really

important and they are really important

but just like back in 2021 when we let

Co pull

us and didn't bring in our new

colleagues as fully as we could have

there's always going to be a reason not

to stop and wait and make sure that

everyone has what they need and that

we're bringing everybody in and so um

now I'm gonna I'm trying not to start

rambling because I hear my notes run out

um

that that's what we're all here to do

and that's what uh in this term now that

I know from the first term of all the de

derailments all the distractions that I

fell to that I sometimes probably caused

because something seemed really

important those all took us away from

our primary purpose which is is to

ensure on behalf of the entire

community that our school district lives

up to the expectations that we also set

for it nobody else is going to do that

job nobody else is going to say this is

what we expect this is how we're going

to measure

success and then do

it it's all on us so um I just I thank

my family for being willing to um let me

do this a second time and I think board

directors passed and present for the

work that we're doing on behalf of kids

and um to not get so like heavy I'm

actually really excited I'm really

excited to have this Clarity and to have

more and more people joining in and

understanding the need for that Clarity

and the way that we can claim our power

as the board on behalf of our entire

community and really get clear in our

demands on what we expect as not the

like smackdowns of the district but the

leaders of the district it's actually

and the three student board members too

we're in charge you guys it's totally

totally totally up to us and um I'm

really proud and grateful to be able to

have this opportunity to be able to move

forward the work from those that came

before me and to have um the colleagues

that I do have as we go forward thank

you

[Applause]

all right next up we're gonna have

director

Rivera okay hi again hello um so I've

been until I have five minutes

apparently I could talk about whatever I

want so so yeah no well that that's fun

I know but but if you know me you know

that that's pushing it for me I I don't

usually fine enough I don't have enough

to say that I feel like is worth taking

five minutes of people's time so I talk

quick I'm G to try to slow it down and

I'm going to try to use this as well as

I can um because honestly I believe that

less is more so um um but I've already

killed half a minute I think so I'm

doing pretty good um but really when I

thought about what I can share with you

um during this time that is all mine to

say what I want and be no I'm not going

to do anything um too at landish but I

do want to uh I thought that what I

should probably start with doing um

because I don't really remember how this

went four years ago honestly but I

should probably introduce

myself um my name is

lisaa um

I

um I am four years older than I was four

years ago and I feel like a whole

lifetime wiser um this this job will do

that to you um the people we work with

are constantly pushing you and

encouraging you and working with you to

be your best self and um and part of

that is knowing who you are

so probably seems we to introduce myself

because a lot of you probably feel like

you know me

enough and do you and do I because again

four years ago you know I think I spent

most of my energy trying to decide I

Latino am I Hispanic my Cho and I

usually just landed somewhere on

Mexican-American because I was

comfortable and easy but what I didn't

do I think both actively and passively

was identify as native because I am I am

kamanchi and

tumara um but like many natives I grew

up disconnected from my c culture um

because some people in this country

worked very hard and very deliberately

and very intentionally to separate my

ancestors from their language and their

cultural practices their religion um so

as I work to reclaim my Heritage and my

identity I'm very thankful for the love

and support of the Native Community I

found in the um Urban native education

Alliance um and I was especially honored

that past summer to have been um

recognized as their advocate of the year

I got a blanket just like you guys it's

exact same one actually so we all

match um and

um but I know there's a lot more there's

a lot more advocacy to be done I was

very honored to have that but I I know

that there's a lot more advocacy not

just for our native students but for our

Le next students for our Asian students

and for all of our students who need a

voice at this table that ultimately

steers this huge ship of SPS um so I

will strive to do that in my term um

because we only get a really short

amount of time four years sounds like a

lot but it's it goes by so fast um and

so we have a very short amount of time

to make a big big difference and I am

excited to be joining you all on this

journey thank

[Applause]

you

director

Briggs hey everyone thanks for being

here um I also wrote something and I I

don't think I'm Really Gonna use it um

but don't worry I'm going to keep it

short so um when I was driving over here

I was remembering making a video for

Shandra hampson when she was campaigning

four years ago I'm a filmmaker so I make

videos for people a lot and I remember

like meeting with Shandra and seeing all

the things she was doing and I was like

wow um that's really cool of Shandra to

be doing this because like I wouldn't

ever want to do

that and here I am so um that's really

funny and um also as I was getting ready

to come here um with my trusty Netflix

notebook that's been my notekee keeper

throughout this campaign journey I found

a piece of Pap there all the pages are

falling out now um and it has it's from

like one of the first days Shandra and I

were meeting together to like it's time

for you to to do this like you have to

file you have to do other things and so

I found this page that just really

brought me back um it says file PDC F1

King County elections King County

Democrats questionnaire policy ideas

250w bio voters guide statement it's

just like this laundry list of things

that I remember like Shandra fire hosing

at me that needed to get done like ASAP

and I was like okay okay and that was in

May and now it's November and like that

never stopped it never it never stopped

and I know that that marked the

beginning of a huge Adventure which was

the campaign and that's over now and now

this marks the start of a whole new

adventure which is doing the job and I

know that we are entering as director as

president hery said a tumultuous time

for the district um and that's very real

there are real challenges that that

we're facing but I actually feel really

optimistic about the future um because I

really think that we're going to I think

we got this and I think a huge part of

the reason for that is because of a lot

of the work that Sean ra director hamson

previous director hamson um has done to

lay really important groundwork along

with the rest of the board for creating

a structure and a governance model that

will allow us to be as effective as we

possibly can and I was very inspired by

shandra's um the way she explained to me

how why this was important and the way

she explained how this actually helps

all of our relationships function better

and as a relationship person um I can

say that I really believe that any

system is really only as good as the

relationships that underg it and we have

an opportunity now to reorient ourselves

to the idea that we are all all of us

board uh District staff families

Community we are all on the same side

for kids so

I'm all on board for that I'm ready to

go and I also want to thank my family

who has has

really been

awesome um and Chandra

to I'm an emotional person um I'm really

so grateful for all of you and I also am

want to acknowledge how much respect and

admiration I have for any body who has

ever done this job um and so I would

actually love if if all the people who

are current past anybody who has ever

been in this role could stand up so we

could give you a standing ovation

because it is a it's it's hard I haven't

even done it yet and I know it's

hard so come on

everybody

[Applause]

okay that's it for me thank

you uh director

top perfect well it is an honor to stand

before you this evening as a newly Torin

seal Public Schools board director um

this journey has been possible really

because of the support of my family

mentors and an incredible community that

I'm ready and excited and proud to serve

um I do want to say a few thank yous um

first to my mom she is a public school

educator 34 years and has taught me the

value the transform ative value of

education and really that education is

the foundation of our democracy so thank

you Mom and then there's my sister who's

only year two being a high school math

teacher um but her strength and

resilience and the fact that she goes

back every day is inspiring to me so I

want to thank her as well and my husband

and daughter who are here oh playing in

the back uh she's the little little

two-year-old um she reminds me she

reminds us every day really

our things we do now the work we do now

the impact we have on the fut the impact

and the decisions we make now impact our

future greatly and we have to put in the

work in order to get the outcomes we

want

um I'm really excited to work with this

new board this or and these leaders and

excited that I get to join and feel

fortunate that I get to join a board

that prioritizes Equity I can't wait to

get to work with you guys when when's

our first meeting in in like a

week uh yeah and um I think last I just

want to acknowledge the Educators and

the staff and the administrators who are

the backbone of the system who make this

place work I look forward to partnering

with you and working with you thank you

so much for your commitment to our

students

Futures I can't say enough that I'm

excited to get to work um helping to

make sure that each and every student is

excited to go to school each day and has

the opportunities to thrive so thank

[Applause]

you uh to offer a few closing remarks

superintendent

Jones get

CL

uh that's that's right uh so the place I

go on Sunday Sunday mornings that that's

required so uh nonetheless I'm just

grateful that we have a full compliment

of board members uh I'm I'm excited

about where we're going to go we know

that this road that we have is going to

be a little rocky we know that right nod

with me um but we have a clear plan we

have uh we have a cohesion around what

we're trying to do this is the first

time I believe that a board and a

superintendent have been getting along

and uh and is that that's worthy of

something

right and so uh to to directors tops and

Briggs thank you for signing on I think

you all are coming on with your eyes

wide open thank you for for doing this

uh you're going to be added additions to

this and think about this as a relay

race so we had uh directors hamson and

Harris handing you all the Baton and so

so we're going to just continue to build

on that it's not it's not something

where we're going to uh cut and replace

it's building building as we go forward

so um and then I as I read your resumés

and what you bring to the table your

your passion your expertise this is

going to be added to what we're trying

to do so thank you so much and I just

want to thank all of you here families

in advance uh your your your loved ones

who are board members are going to have

some nights where they're going to be

staying a little later than they

expected they're going to be

contributing in ways they didn't know

that they were going to be contributing

and we're just again Greatful for that

we're also grateful for our student

board members these folks are extremely

sharp they they really guide us in terms

of understanding what we need to do next

uh board members would you agree with me

on that yeah ABS absolutely and so at

this time I'm honored to present the

school board for Seattle Public Schools

so board members please come

[Applause]

up so this is the opportunity for us to

take a picture and with all the the new

board members and we're going to move

this out of the way and then that will

be the conclusion of our ceremony

tonight

yes we're gonna do it

[Music]

again

[Music]

sorry

Wasing

why y

have know they

got she look she got the

angle and I can see it from here

[Music]

it's got go my school I

forgot

all

right