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 Smith
- Data scientist at Microsoft
- Parent of 5-year-old entering kindergarten in SPS
- Comes from family of educators
- Attended public schools, then Annie Wright School in Tacoma
- Endorsed by Seattle Education Association
Key Positions
First Priority:
- Add more ways for student school board directors to have power and contribute
On School Board Role:
- Board sets policy and holds district accountable through superintendent
- Currently a disconnect between board and district
- Need balance between micromanaging and providing clear guardrails
- Important to build strong working relationships for alignment
On Superintendent Search:
- Should consider hiring interim superintendent first
- Need someone who will truly listen to community
- Balance listening with leading with confidence
- Must understand Seattle's geographic and demographic diversity
On District Structure:
- Current balance is worst of both worlds
- Schools have accountability (funding tied to enrollment) but no control
- District should be more accountable for quality; schools have more control
- Allow for local differentiation
On When Goals Aren't Met:
- Getting new superintendent is biggest lever for change
- Board doesn't have power to force district to change
- Power is in finding superintendent who will guide needed changes
On Community Engagement:
- Ultimate power is finding right superintendent
- Board can help engage community to define expectations clearly
- If district won't listen, must replace superintendent
On Her Approach:
- Not a policy wonk; brings data analysis and science skills
- Wants clearer metrics for measuring equity
- Known for seeking different perspectives and listening
- Fast learner despite learning curve
- Wants to fight for educator living wages
Other Positions:
- Strongly supports Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Sees board role as accountable to voters
Educational Leader She Admires: Her mother (teacher)
Looking Forward to Working With: Liza Rankin
Important Info
- Ballots mailed: October 15th | Due: November 4th
- Also listen to: Interviews with all District 2, 4, 5, and 7 candidates at rainydayrecess.org
- Kathleen's campaign: https://www.smith-for-schools.com/
- Podcast info: rainydayrecess.org | hello@rainydayrecess.org
Contact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
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