Jen LaVallee - D7 Seattle School Board Candidate

Jen LaVallee is running for Seattle School Board District 7, which covers South Seattle (Rainier Beach to Mount Baker, including parts of the International District and First Hill). Her opponent is Carol Rava. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Jen LaValleeProduct designer focusing on research, strategy, and designParent of two elementary school students in Seattle Public SchoolsHas testified at school board meetings and state legislatureHas served on a boardKey PositionsFirst Priority:Restore board committees with thoughtful construction to ensure recommendations are actionableOn Budget Crisis:Solving deficits should not come from large cuts to schoolsSupports independent audits and ensuring budget timelines allow for deep review of impactsBoard members need to push for stability and growth, not just school-based cutsOn Superintendent Search:Need effective management to address central office dysfunctionLeader who can communicate effectively, test ideas, and look deeply at unintended impactsSomeone with insight from other districts who can build a better functioning SPSOn District Structure:Need a different balance between centralized control and school-based decision makingSchools have unique programs that make parents excitedMust ensure all kids meet baselines for success and education qualityPartnership between central office and school sites needs improvementOn When Goals Aren't Met:First assess if the goal was attainableEvaluate what steps were taken and be critical about whether they were right stepsHold superintendent accountableSet up for future success based on learningOn Community Engagement:Community expects people to show up and engageToo many community values are not part of Student Outcomes Focused Governance frameworkWould be responsive, as she has been in her community for yearsOther Positions:Strongly supports the Ensuring Educational and Racial Equity policyWants better enrollment planning to reduce October shufflesSees board role as leaning toward representative/accountable to voters, balanced with making hard decisions for long-term benefitEducational Leader She Admires: Aaron Pribble, her 12th grade teacher who suggested she get tested for dyslexiaExcited to Work With: Director Joe MizrahiImportant InfoBallots mailed: October 15th | Due: November 4thAlso listen to: Interviews with all District 2, 4, 5, and 7 candidates at rainydayrecess.orgJen's campaign: votelavallee.comPodcast info: rainydayrecess.org | [email protected] the showContact us at [email protected] Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.