[RE-RELEASE] Kathleen Smith - D2 Seattle School Board Candidate

Kathleen Smith is running for Seattle School Board District 2, which covers Magnolia, Ballard, North Beach, and Green Lake. Her opponent is Sarah Clark. 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 Kathleen SmithData scientist at MicrosoftParent of 5-year-old entering kindergarten in SPSComes from family of educatorsAttended public schools, then Annie Wright School in TacomaEndorsed by Seattle Education AssociationKey PositionsFirst Priority:Add more ways for student school board directors to have power and contributeOn School Board Role:Board sets policy and holds district accountable through superintendentCurrently a disconnect between board and districtNeed balance between micromanaging and providing clear guardrailsImportant to build strong working relationships for alignmentOn Superintendent Search:Should consider hiring interim superintendent firstNeed someone who will truly listen to communityBalance listening with leading with confidenceMust understand Seattle's geographic and demographic diversityOn District Structure:Current balance is worst of both worldsSchools have accountability (funding tied to enrollment) but no controlDistrict should be more accountable for quality; schools have more controlAllow for local differentiationOn When Goals Aren't Met:Getting new superintendent is biggest lever for changeBoard doesn't have power to force district to changePower is in finding superintendent who will guide needed changesOn Community Engagement:Ultimate power is finding right superintendentBoard can help engage community to define expectations clearlyIf district won't listen, must replace superintendentOn Her Approach:Not a policy wonk; brings data analysis and science skillsWants clearer metrics for measuring equityKnown for seeking different perspectives and listeningFast learner despite learning curveWants to fight for educator living wagesOther Positions:Strongly supports Individuals with Disabilities Education ActSees board role as accountable to votersEducational Leader She Admires: Her mother (teacher)Looking Forward to Working With: Liza RankinImportant InfoBallots mailed: October 15th | Due: November 4thAlso listen to: Interviews with all District 2, 4, 5, and 7 candidates at rainydayrecess.orgKathleen's campaign: https://www.smith-for-schools.com/Podcast info: rainydayrecess.org | [email protected] the showContact us at [email protected] Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.