Guest Columnists: Putting trust back in Seattle schools

The Schools First coalition takes seriously the trust we have built with voters over the past dozen years in passing school levies and bonds. We consider a strong public vote a precious investment, one that should never be taken for granted. The depth and level of public support for Seattle's public schools is the envy not just for cities here in Washington but of cities across the country.

As heartened as we were by the final levy and bond vote, we were also sobered as we listened to parents and voters throughout the campaign. Concerns about district leadership were raised in nearly every campaign forum and conversation.

It became clear that support for Seattle schools is not the same as public confidence.

We also identified an additional reason for concern when we analyzed the February election results. A surprising number of citizens voted with their feet. They stayed home. While most voters supported the school measures, for the first time in more than a decade, the actual number of voters casting ballots for vital school measures declined significantly -- by more than 10,000.

Schools First commissioned a poll of Seattle voters to learn more about their opinions of the ballot measures as well as their levels of satisfaction with Seattle schools, the direction and quality of education, and the leadership of the district. The poll was an accurate predictor of strong support for both measures.

But the poll also revealed serious concerns. The poll was conducted by an independent firm, EMC Research, at the end of last year.

The poll did not ask voters about individual board members but rather the board in general. The poll was conducted in November following the school closure debate and Superintendent Raj Manhas' resignation. Since then, the board has reorganized itself, Cheryl Chow is now president, and the focus of the board remained on the superintendent search and selection, now completed.

It is important to share what we learned during the campaign and to engage Seattle voters on the issue of School Board quality because it is fundamental to restoring public confidence.

This November, Seattle voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots for four board positions. Statewide, voters will have the opportunity to approve a constitutional amendment allowing school levies to pass by a simple majority. For those of us who care deeply about education, it is arguably the most important vote of the year.

For the first time, we will vote in a summer primary, on Aug. 21. Voters should mark their summer calendars and be sure to request absentee ballots if they are going to be on vacation. It is too important to skip this school assignment.

It's time for a serious community discussion about the quality of our School Board. These are difficult positions that require management experience and financial skills, strategic focus, political will, and an ability to work with others to get the job done for our children. The job pays less than $5,000 annually, in per diem reimbursement, if you choose to accept compensation. Those holding and seeking the positions clearly don't do it for the money, but rather for their dedication to our children. For that, they deserve appreciation.

Four of the seven positions are up for a vote this November. Schools First encourages all voters to get involved, meet the candidates, ask the tough questions and listen carefully to the answers. Restoring public confidence in the leadership and direction of schools is vital to maintaining public support. We must keep faith with the voters.