Podcasts about Seattle Public Schools

GUEST: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner // Tennessee is giving Starbucks $30 million // SCENARIOS!

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — local crime report // Ian Sherr on the legal battle between Elon Musk and Open AI // Patrick De Haan on the price of fuel // Charlie Commentary on a dire situation on Aurora Ave // Jill Schlesinger on the end of CBS Radio and economic advice for listeners // Gee Scott on high testing scores in Seattle Public Schools

Ben Shuldiner just hit 100 days in his role as the superintendent of Seattle Public Schools.... and he’s had to tackle some pretty big issues in that short window. Like a budget deficit, which could be as much as $100 million. And student safety, after two Rainier Beach High School students were shot and killed at a bus stop in January. And screen time in the classrooms (Shuldiner recently implemented a new cell phone policy limiting student screen time during the school day) Shuldiner sat down for a live interview to answer a whole bunch of questions from us here on Soundside and from our listeners. Guest: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Related links: Can new superintendent Shuldiner the burden of Seattle Public Schools? | KUOW 100 days for Seattle’s new superintendent. How is he doing? | The Seattle Times Seattle’s new superintendent takes aim at administrative bloat | The Seattle Times Why U.S. Test Scores Are in a ‘Generation-Long Decline’ | The New York Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just in time for summer, Seattle Public Schools started a new cell phone policy. The goal is to increase student focus. We’ll get into some new research about what school cell phone bans can actually change for students with Duke University Professor Jason Baron. Read the study results here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdos at the perv park in Seattle got a small legal victory. Seattle Public Schools’ cell phone ban is now in effect. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger continues to show that her campaign as a moderate was a lie. // LongForm: GUEST: Jesse Proudman owns several startups in Seattle but says he's leaving the city due to the high cost of doing business. // Quick Hit: A bombshell Washington Free Beacon reporting finds race-based housing schemes in Multnomah County. Far-left Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib wants to protect the “right” to public camping.

Seattle Public Schools is set to implement a new district-wide cell phone policy next week, mandating that students keep their devices powered off and out of sight throughout the school day. The initiative aims to enhance student focus, minimize classroom distractions, and establish uniform expectations across all district campuses. The policy introduces more stringent regulations for younger students, while high schoolers will be permitted limited usage. Seattle Public School's Superintendent Ben Shuldiner shares more details about the new policy on this episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: A look at the next big bridge project between Everett and Mukilteo // Luke Duecy with a Tech Talk: A deep look into the earnings report from big tech companies, and how AI investments factor in // Robert Sherman in Tel Aviv with an update on the war with Iran // Charlie Commentary on how Sound Transit can learn from San Francisco's transit agency // Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal on the state's education budget and falling test scores // James Lynch with the a feature on the oldest Washingtonian who just passed away this month // Gee Scott on a new cell phone ban in Seattle Public Schools

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: ⚔️ Progressive Democrats take on moderate incumbents

Erin Shafkind is an artist, writer, and educator living in Seattle, WA. Erin studied art and earned a BA and teaching certificate at California State University, Humboldt and received an MFA from Lesley University's College of Art and Design in Boston. Erin has been teaching art in Seattle Public Schools since 1998. These days Erin hand-builds and throws on the pottery wheel using stoneware and porcelain and occasionally works with earthenware clay bodies. Erin writes about art and artists for national magazines and local galleries. https://ThePottersCast.com/1218

Guys…high school was CRAZY.This week, we sit down with names you may know from Text Me Back outros of yore, Isolde Raftery and Ella Hushagen. That's right, Garfield Class of NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS UNITE! Woof woof Bulldogs! Ella and Isolde unpack even more of what the hell went on at Garfield High, and it's a true testament to their journalistic chops that they broke this story back in Y2K and are still looking for answers (still waiting on your comments Seattle Public Schools! Call Isolde back!!!!). You're going to want to go listen to all available eps ASAP because all this makes Lindy and Meagan make sense. Pleaaaase please go listen to Adults in the Room! It's sooooooo gooooood. We're getting involved with THAT. And tell us about YOUR insane time being a teenager in the Discord at Patreon.com/textmebackpod :)Trigger warning: We do not go into gratuitous or explicit detail about these awful topics, but as it is the premise of Adults in the Room we talk about suicide, sexual abuse, and grooming. You know…major themes of the ‘90s. NEVER LISTENED TO THE POD BEFORE? HERE IS YOUR STARTER KIT TO BEING BFFS WITH US!Meet Kevin in: Lindy and Meagan Need to Talk About KevinLearn why they keep saying BBW in Lindy and Meagan Are Officially BBWsDiscover the Kayak Dad Lore in: It's Our First Episode!WE NEED OUR ACCOLADES! It helps people find the show.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only please) on Spotify⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only please) on Apple PodcastsGive us Rave Reviews and Accolades on Apple Podcasts! REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:Keep on Swamping.This show always gets my serotonin flowing. I think you should keep going with Swamp Person, too! Meagan offers a great perspective on the current state of the country. It's not sugar coating, but it doesn't make me want to wander into the woods to be eaten by a cougar.KMARTINEZ328 **THIS REVIEW** IS OUR SEROTONIN AND WE WILL NOT LET YOU BE EATEN BY A COUGAR!!!!!!!!!STUFF TO CHECK OUT:Adults in the Room with our besties Ella and Isolde!!Learn more about Rick here!Pre-Order Lindy's book!!!! Adult BracesNEWSLETTER ME BACK (A FREE WAY TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!)Check out SWAMP PERSON Subscribe to Lindy's newsletter butt news!Check out our MERCH so we can make MORE merch!! (Patrons get a discount, so check us out at patreon.com/textmebackpod)Listen Ad-Free by joining our $12 Patreon tier Freakaconda!Subscribe to Lindy's newsletter butt news!Join our Discord! We're obsessed with these people.⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°If you like this episode and want us to keep making the show forever, please subscribe to our Patreon. This podcast will always be free, but we need your help to produce it -- and if you support our Patreon, you'll get all kinds of goodies in addition to the show itself! Learn more about the different tiers and rewards here: https://www.patreon.com/TextMeBackPodAlso! Please keep in touch with us! You can text OR CALL us at the Best Friend Party Phone: (703) 829-0003.We're on Instagram at @textmebackpod!You can email us at deartextmeback@gmail.com!WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU SO BAD!⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°TEXT ME BACK is a production of Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays, proud members of the BFF Network. Our senior producer is Meagan Hatcher-Mays. Our other senior producer is Lindy West. Our show is produced by Alli Slice.Our music is by Chief Ahamefule J. Oluo. Diana Bowen is our video and creative advisor. Our digital strategist is Chance Nichols.You can also follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok @textmebackpod. And for even more bestie content, follow Lindy and Meagan on Instagram at @thelindywest and @importantmeagan!⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The high school winter sports season is concluding, marking the commencement of playoffs in Seattle, where Metro League basketball is at the forefront. Tara Davis, the Director of Athletics for Seattle Public Schools, provides insights into Metro League sports on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Today, Thursday, February 12 on Urban Forum Northwest:*Representative Jamila Taylor (D)-30 LD talks about her priorities that include investing in communities and economic development; expanding access to behavioral health care. Her legislation to create a Homeowner Covenant Program has assisted hundreds of first time home owners in Washington State.*Hayward Evans, Co Convener, Seattle King County Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) comments on the organization's Black History event that will be held on February 21st at Holgate Street Church of Christ. *Dr. Beatrice Butler is Village Leader/President, Seattle Black Child Development Institute (BCDI) and she serves as the Racial Equity Advancement Specialist for Seattle Public Schools. She will receive the Dr. Maxine Mimms Education Excellence Award from the Seattle King County Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) on Saturday, February 21 at the organization's Black History Month event at Holgate Street Church of Christ.*Gabriel Prawl, President, Seattle Chapter, A. Phillip Randolph Institute (API) invites you to the annual Charles Rolland African American Legislative Day Monday, February 16 10:00 am-3:30 pm in Olympia. The gathering will be held at the Capital Building in the Columbia Room.*Gwen Allen-Carston, Executive Director, Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) is inviting Kent residents, including youth to join her to "Get on the Bus" to venture down to Olympia for African American Legislative Day. The bus will leave from Kent Meridian High School on Monday at 7:00 am. Call 253.486.9029 for information.*Randy Cross of the Royal Esquire Club comments on the activities that will be held at the club for the month. The big event will be their Valentines event that will be held on Valentines Day on Saturday, February14.Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information.Like us on Facebook.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon tell you who they think will be the next Sam Darnold. Do the guys have an issue with the Seattle Public Schools remaining open during Seahawks' parade, with no excused absences?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around The NFL hits league headlines, including Seattle Public Schools remaining open during the Seahawks' championship parade and discussion about potential landing spots for David Njoku, along with other NFL storylines.

Around The NFL hits league headlines, including Seattle Public Schools remaining open during the Seahawks' championship parade and discussion about potential landing spots for David Njoku, along with other NFL storylines. ITL then turns its attention to Houston and asks the big question: which Texan not named C.J. Stroud must emerge as a dominant player next season — and is that player already on the roster? The hour wraps with What's Popping in the world of sports and entertainment.

Astros baseball is officially here and ITL checks the pulse on how everyone is feeling about Houston heading into the season before pivoting to the Rockets and debating whether the formula is actually simple — knock down threes and win — or if Ime Udoka may be overcomplicating things. Around The NFL covers headlines including Seattle Public Schools staying open during the Seahawks' championship parade and potential landing spots for David Njoku, while the crew asks which Texan not named C.J. Stroud must emerge as dominant next year — and whether that player is already on the roster. A new list of five NFL teams poised to make a big jump sparks debate as four are in the AFC, followed by Lunch-Time Confessions shenanigans and Judge John Lopez ruling on Kevin Durant's body language and Cooper Kupp's Hall of Fame case. The show wraps with early Astros predictions and Figgy's Mixtape bringing chaos with rising rose prices around the country, a man in England accused of murder upset about missing GTA 6, and more off-the-wall stories.

Seattle Public Schools has a new Superintendent. Ben Shuldiner was the only finalist for the position, and the Seattle School Board unanimously approved his contract back in November. On Sunday he stepped into the role early after two teenagers, who are believed to be SPS students, were shot and killed at a bus stop in Rainier Valley. The shooting happened near both South Shore PK-8, and Rainier Beach High School. Soundside sat down with Shuldiner to get his response to the shooting, and to preview his priorities for leading the largest school district in Washington. Guest: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Related stories: 2 teen boys killed at bus stop on Rainier Avenue in Seattle - KUOW Seattle School Board names lone superintendent finalist, a district leader recruited from Michigan - KUOW No cops at Garfield High. Seattle School Board rejects plan to revive resource officer program - KUOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not even kids with learning disabilities are immune from indoctrination in Seattle Public Schools. The state admits it overstated climate benefits by 9,500%. Socialist mayors eye private property rights. The most cringeworthy thing to ever happen in Congress.

Looters are taking advantage of the floods in Snohomish County. The FBI in Los Angeles foiled a terrorist attack plotted by pro-Palestinian radicals for New Year’s Eve. Left-wing lunatic Jennifer Welch said that Charlie Kirk justified his own murder. // LongForm: GUEST: Arin is a Seattle Public Schools parent who says graduations coinciding with next summer's World Cup has created a lot of stress. // Quick Hit: Erika Kirk is meeting in private with Candace Owens.

Looters are taking advantage of the floods in Snohomish County. The FBI in Los Angeles foiled a terrorist attack plotted by pro-Palestinian radicals for New Year’s Eve. Left-wing lunatic Jennifer Welch said that Charlie Kirk justified his own murder. // LongForm: GUEST: Arin is a Seattle Public Schools parent who says graduations coinciding with next summer's World Cup has created a lot of stress. // Quick Hit: Erika Kirk is meeting in private with Candace Owens.

Seattle Public Schools leave parents scrambling as World Cup chaos collides with graduations. There’s reportedly new revelations about Donald Trump’s connection to Epstein, but there’s something the media isn’t telling you. Tim Walz continues to dig a deeper hole in his fraud scandal. // LongForm: GUEST: Chris Sullivan on a new smartphone app that could toll you. // Quick Hit: Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) is now saying he misspoke when he called the DC terrorist attack and accident.

An adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins School of Education and the former superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, Joseph Olchefske, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss weighted student funding, and how it can best be implemented to increase student achievement.

What's Trending: Travelers could run into some issues with some serious storms that could impact your Thanksgiving travel plans. Seattle Public Schools have proposed the idea of a district-wide cell phone policy for their students. GUEST: Chris Sullivan on this weekend’s biggest traffic challenges. // LongForm: GUEST: State Rep. Travis Couture responds to Trump’s AI executive order and how Democrats are running our budget into the toilet. The Quick Hit: Seattle City Council President Sarah Nelson is trying to restrict political consultants ability to help at Seattle City Hall  

In this first installment of our three-part series unpacking Left to Chance: Student Outcomes in Seattle Public Schools (2024), hosts Christie Robertson and Jasmine Pulido sit down with report author Vivian Van Gelder to trace thirty years of reform and turmoil inside Seattle Public Schools.The story begins in 1990 with the Cresap Audit, a state-commissioned report that deemed the district “nearly ungovernable,” and follows the arrival of Major General John Stanford, the charismatic outsider who redefined Seattle schools as a “market-based system.” Stanford's three-year tenure (1995-1998) transformed governance, funding, and labor relations—introducing open-choice enrollment, principal “CEOs,” and the 1997 trust agreement between the district and the Seattle Education Association (SEA).Drawing from Van Gelder's decade-long research and Left to Chance (Southeast Seattle Education Coalition), this episode examines how these reforms—rooted in neoliberal management theory, school-based decision-making, and business-style accountability—continue to shape Seattle Public Schools today.

Katie Wilson gains ground in the mayor's race, Seattle Public Schools has a new superintendent, and Seattle's pro women's hockey team gets a name! It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning, We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a monthslong search, the Seattle Public Schools district finally has a new superintendent. The Seattle School Board voted to name Ben Shuldiner as the lone finalist for the role. Shuldiner is currently the superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan. He’ll be the fourth superintendent in the last decade. Back in March, former superintendent Brent Jones announced he was planning to step down from the position … and would have left in September. Instead, he went on medical leave in May and since then the role has been filled by an interim superintendent. Shuldiner's appointment comes during a period of turmoil for the district, which has been facing a budget shortfall and grappling with issues around school safety. KUOW's Sami West tells us about her takeaways from her conversation with him this week. Guest: Sami West, KUOW reporter who has been following the ongoing search for a new superintendent at Seattle Public Schools. Related Stories: KUOW - Seattle School Board names lone superintendent finalist, a district leader recruited from Michigan KUOW - Seattle School Board moves 2 unnamed finalists forward in superintendent search KUOW - Seattle Public Schools to hunt for new leader as Superintendent Jones steps down Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes. Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeding thousands of kids every day is no easy task—but school nutrition professionals are up for the challenge! In this video, Chef Aaron Smith, Director of Culinary Services for Seattle Public Schools, shares his creative Peanut Butter Toast Bar concept: a fun, customizable option designed to keep students excited about school meals. He's joined by Angela Gomez, RDN, SNS, who specializes in making meals both nutritious and kid-approved. Angela also explains how schools can safely manage meal modifications and communicate clearly about peanut allergies. Together, they build peanut butter toast with a lineup of tasty toppings—bananas, blueberries, chocolate chips, and even bold choices like sriracha and marmalade—for kids who like to spice things up. Learn more and get the recipe at https://www.plantforwardkitchen.org/sweet-and-spicy-pbj

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the "muted optimism" over the city's most recent economic forecast, a crowded ballot for Seattle voters, Seattle Public Schools' rejection of a school resource officer plan for Garfield High School, a court victory for the city's nude beach, and the reaction after a legal decision to allow President Trump to deploy National Guard troops to Portland. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Vivian Song is running for Seattle School Board District 5, which covers Montlake to the Central District, Leschi to Eastlake, Capitol Hill, Madison Valley, and Madison Park. Her opponent is Janis White. 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 Vivian SongFinance professional and advocate for childrenParent with kids in both Seattle Public Schools and private schoolPreviously served as Seattle School Board directorWorked directly with SPS's $1.2 billion operating budgetServed on Levy Oversight CommitteeMember of a unionKey PositionsFirst Priority:Bring back Finance committee and Friday memosAdd another school board meeting each monthOn Structural Deficit:Look at largest sources (bus transportation and substitutes)Spend money more efficiently while delivering better servicesOn School Board Role:Serving as community representatives has been missingDistrict needs to bring community along in decisionsLack of community involvement needs to be front and centerOn Superintendent Search:Need someone good at building a team who can identify their strengths and weaknessesShould set plan for first 100 days and a 10-year visionConcerned chief academic officer position hasn't been filledOn District Structure:Supports hybrid approach balancing centralized and school-based decision makingSchools should have flexibility in professional development, enrichment, and culturally relevant curriculumCentral office should ensure equity and set clear goals for student successOn When Goals Aren't Met:Board should take action, not merely accept progress monitoringAsk what work has been done to understand why strategies haven't workedEnsure principals participate in progress monitoring and receive dataOn Community Engagement:Board should demonstrate awareness and push superintendent to make a planTrack and communicate what topics are being heard from communityBe careful not to listen only to loudest voicesOther Positions:Budgeting needs to be equitable and student-centeredSees board role as accountable to votersEducational Leader She Admires: John StanfordExcited 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.orgVivian's campaign: songforseattleschools.comPodcast info: rainydayrecess.org | hello@rainydayrecess.orgSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

Seattle Public Schools have only been back in session for about a month, but it’s already been a busy year for the district. We wanted to get caught up on what’s been happening, so we reached out to Interim Superintendent Fred Podesta for a conversation last week. We talked with him about school lunch protests, the budget, and a proposed pilot program to bring a school engagement officer back to one Seattle high school. Guest Fred Podesta, interim superintendent, Seattle Public SchoolsThank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 11am on Monday, September 15th, students at high schools across Seattle walked out of class, and headed to Seattle Public Schools’ district office downtown. They were protesting changes to lunch times, announced last week by the district, that they say will negatively affect student experience at school. KUOW reporter Noel Gasca was at the Seattle Public Schools district office, where students are gathering to protest, and joined us to explain. Guest: KUOW reporter Noel Gasca Related stories: Seattle students ready to fight ‘horrendous’ schedule change - Seattle Times One lunch SPS - Student led instagram page Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Seattle School Board is extending the search for a new superintendent, past the original deadline to hire someone by the fall. That means the district will not have a permanent leader when its roughly 50,000 students come back in the fall. We review why the school board wants more time for the search, and what that delay means for students, teachers and parents. Editor's Note: KUOW incorrectly stated that former Seattle School Board director Vivian Song represented District 2. She represented District 4. Additionally, Song denies violating state law in continuing to serve her term following a change of address. Guest Sami West, online editor/reporter, KUOW Links When will Seattle Public Schools get its next superintendent? Not this fall - KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alaska Airlines is still reeling from last night's IT outage, wildfires continue to rage across the state, and Seattle Public Schools faces federal funding cuts. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US House votes to rescind public radio money, Seattle Public Schools continue to look for a new superintendent, and Amazon carbon emissions rise. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Vivian Van Gelder, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. Note: Vivian has since stopped campaigning and is endorsing Janis White, but her name will still appear on the ballot. Vivian  diagnoses Seattle Public Schools as needing fundamental restructuring rather than reform. She argues that the district's failed experiment in "radical decentralization" 30 years ago created widespread disconnection—schools competing against each other, losing sight of their educational purpose, and becoming isolated from the communities they serve. Her central thesis is that current accountability measures like progress monitoring cannot work because the district lacks the foundational capacity for meaningful organizational change. She advocates for external intervention to help build proper structures before implementing governance models, describing the current approach as "putting the cart before the horse." Vivian also critiques the school board election process as fundamentally inaccessible to ordinary people with day jobs and children, arguing that effective campaigning skills differ entirely from effective governance skills. Her vision centers on reconnecting schools as the heart of healthy democratic communities. Listeners are encouraged to check out interviews with other District 5 candidates and stay informed for the upcoming elections.Timestamps:01:18 Interview start01:36 Lightning Round07:05 Main interview questions15:42 Preview of other D5 candidatesSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, host Christie Robertson interviews Vivian Song, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. As a former school board director making a comeback run, Vivian brings insider knowledge of Seattle Public Schools' $1.2 billion budget and her perspective on the board's challenges. She expresses frustration that "we haven't made much progress" on equitable budgeting since 2021 and argues the district struggles with community engagement—pointing to reactions over school closures, bell times, and option schools. Her platform centers on restoring institutional structures like Finance committees and Friday memos, addressing budget areas like bus transportation and substitutes, and finding a superintendent who can create long-term visions instead of "lurching from crisis to crisis." She proposes systematic community feedback tracking modeled after City Councilmember Debora Juarez's newsletters and advocates for a hybrid approach balancing school autonomy with district oversight. With experience on multiple levy oversight committees and international school systems, she offers a data-driven perspective shaped by previous board service. Listeners are encouraged to check out interviews with other District 5 candidates and stay informed for the upcoming elections.Timestamps:01:07 Interview start01:19 Lightning Round06:07 Main interview questions17:55 Preview of other D5 candidatesSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosted by Christie Robertson, Joe Mizrahi, the current school board director for District 4, discusses his candidacy for the 2025 Seattle School Board. The discussion covers Mizrahi's background, including his roles in labor education, his focus on governance and policy as a school board director, and his views on education policy, school autonomy, and centralization. Mizrahi also emphasizes accountability, communication, and community engagement as key priorities in his approach to leadership and governance within Seattle Public Schools. Transcripts and additional candidate interviews are available at rainydayrecess.org.01:38 Lightning Round06:23 2-minute questionsSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Bill Campbell, a candidate for Seattle School Board District 4. The interview, part of the 2025 Seattle School Board candidate series, includes a lightning round to get to know Bill, followed by in-depth questions on the role of the school board in leadership and governance. Bill discusses his background, unique perspectives on education, and his plans to improve transparency, community involvement, and equity within Seattle Public Schools. Additionally, previews for interviews with other District 4 candidates, Joe Mizrahi and Laura Marie Rivera, are given, while noting non-responses from other candidates.01:27 Lightning Round06:22 2-minute questionsSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Colin Meyer interview 2025 Seattle School Board candidate Eric Feeny from District 2. The discussion begins with a lightning round of quick questions covering Feeny's background, qualifications, and viewpoints on education and school board roles. Key topics include his approach to school board leadership, specific policies he supports, and his strategies for improving Seattle Public Schools. Feeny emphasizes the importance of community engagement, transparent communication, and institutional reform. Eric's campaign page: https://www.feenys.net/The episode also highlights other District 2 candidates, Sarah Clark and Kathleen Smith, and provides election information ahead of the August 5 primary.01:08 Interview with Eric Feeny Begins01:38 Lightning Round with Eric Feeny07:23 Main Interview Questions07:42 Eric Feeny's Vision and Policies12:23 Community Engagement and Communication13:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion16:37 Closing Remarks and Other CandidatesSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Jasmine Pulido interview Sarah Clark, a current Seattle School Board member running to retain her seat in District 2, which encompasses northwest Seattle. Sarah discusses her background in education policy, her motivations for running, and the challenges the district faces, particularly regarding the budget and school safety. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement, coalition-building, and her vision for improving Seattle Public Schools. The episode also includes a student-recorded safety question from Rafael Brewer, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in schools.Sarah's campaign website https://www.sarah4schoolboard.org/03:26 Reasons for running, then and now09:52 Budget12:56 Student Question15:59 One ThingSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

This week… It’s our yearly tradition - Casual Pride-Day is back. We’ll talk about how Seattle’s queer community is celebrating pride this month, what the mood is under the Trump Administration, and the media picks to end your pride month with, from two of Seattle’s biggest movie buffs. Freelance Arts Reporter Jas Keimig and Film Curator-slash-Drag Queen Chase Burns (aka Uh Oh) are here to talk all things Pride. Weigh in on Seattle Public Schools’ new superintendent here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Ferguson urges Congress to protect Medicaid, student's family sues Seattle Public Schools over alleged antisemitism, and WA opens its first publicly funded EV charging station. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Public Schools is quietly eliminating specialized programs for newcomer students - recent immigrants with limited English skills who need intensive support. Teachers at Dunlap Elementary brought this story to our attention because they've been sitting in empty classrooms for four years while newcomer students struggle in overcrowded mainstream classrooms.We speak with Tricia DeVille, a newcomer teacher with over 20 years of experience, and Nhi Nguyen, who was DeVille's student in the program back in 2008 and is now a kindergarten teacher at Dunlap herself. We explore how these programs used to work, why a 2008 audit recommended strengthening them, and what's being lost as the district chooses to scatter specialized teachers across multiple schools instead of maintaining dedicated newcomer classrooms.This is accountability reporting on a policy decision that's affecting real kids, but happening largely out of public view.See our Show Notes-- Christie Robertson & Cherylynne CrowtherSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.

Starbucks baristas are furious over the company’s new dress code. After the violent crime surge, Seattle Public Schools are finally embracing police again. The United States experienced a record drop in overdose deaths. // Big Local: Spokane is removing a controversial war memorial. Spokane might be getting a zip line soon. A fleeing suspect was seriously injured in Puyallup after jumping off an overpass. A man with dementia was able to leave an Auburn hospital completely unimpeded. // You Pick the Topic: Rep. Eric Swalwell got into a heated exchange with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over an allegedly “doctored” photo of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Microsoft cuts 1,985 WA workers as it lays off 3% of global staff // Seattle Public Schools sued by family of Garfield student killed in shooting // Valley Medical to close hospital units amid financial woes // 'Plain disrespectful': Bellingham hospital workers demand better pay from PeaceHealth // Darryl Hall has a huge problem with the term “yacht rock”

Microsoft cuts 1,985 WA workers as it lays off 3% of global staff // Seattle Public Schools sued by family of Garfield student killed in shooting // Valley Medical to close hospital units amid financial woes // 'Plain disrespectful': Bellingham hospital workers demand better pay from PeaceHealth // Darryl Hall has a huge problem with the term “yacht rock”

Microsoft to lay off nearly 2K workers in WA, family of Garfield student who was killed last year sues Seattle Public Schools, and Paul Allen's estate is selling the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. The interview in this episode was produced by KUOW's John O'Brien. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA international students sue the Trump Administration, parents call for better enrollment management at Seattle Public Schools, and nearby residents of Denny Blaine Park are suing the City of Seattle. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle parents expressed their concerns to Seattle Public Schools over waitlists and lack of school choice. Is REAL ID going to be pushed back again? Guest: Host of “Jew or False” Jason Kessler has a new documentary on antisemitism at UW. // Big Local: A Renton rideshare driver was charged with sexual assault of a minor. Spokane passed a measure that bans employers from inquiring about someone’s housing status. The Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River has been closed. // You Pick the Topic: Fox’s Martha MacCallum got into a heated exchange with American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten.

WA's Attorney General sues Seattle Public Schools, after-hours lounges in Seattle must abide by new security rules, and WA Dems push for a budget that could mean higher property taxes. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.