Peter Maier For Seattle School Board

Dear Neighbors:

I’m seeking re-election to the Seattle School Board where I have had the honor of serving District One in North Seattle since 2007. I want to continue my efforts to improve the quality of education that our city’s 48,000 public school students need and deserve.

Led by a steady School Board that has focused on what will be best for students, our public schools are making progress. Enrollment has increased to levels not seen since the 1990s; a new student assignment plan is in place that builds neighborhoods and significantly reduces transportation costs; and we now have innovative labor contracts with the District’s teachers and principals that emphasize meeting student needs. The Board has made difficult but necessary decisions in the face of declining State financing. Test scores are up across nearly all grade levels in tested subjects, outpacing the state averages. The Board acted swiftly and decisively in dealing with the Small Business Development program and Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson and is working diligently to strengthen financial oversight.

I have played key leadership roles in these decisions. I also have been active in smaller ways to help our schools, such as advocating in Olympia, visiting many schools and community events, teaching math to a middle school class, bringing a Powerful Schools tutoring program to low-income students at Northgate Elementary, and leading the Board in developing three successful levy ballot measures in 2010.

Looking ahead, our schools still need change to achieve better educational outcomes for all students. We also need to make adjustments in the Strategic Plan to take account of decreased funds and lessons learned. The Board needs to address enrollment capacity challenges as an estimated 5,000 additional students enroll in SPS in the next five years. Decreased State funding will call for conservative budgeting and implementation of tighter Board oversight of District management. We also need to continue to strengthen our schools, especially where student outcomes remain unacceptably low.

I will continue to provide informed and steady leadership to achieve these goals. None of these challenges will be easy. I welcome your ideas, suggestions and support.

Peter Maier