Vivian Song Announces Campaign For Seattle School Board

Seattle – On May 6, Vivian Song, a business finance professional who previously served on the Seattle School Board, announced that she will run for the District 5 Seattle School Board open seat in 2025, a seat being vacated by current member Michelle Sarju.

Vivian Song, a business finance professional who previously served on the Seattle School Board, recently announced that she will run for the open Seattle School Board District 5 Seat that is being vacated by current member Michelle Sarju.

“At a time when Seattle Public Schools is once again facing budget challenges and the need to hire a new Superintendent, and on the heels of an ill-conceived plan to close neighborhood schools, it is critical to have leaders with the financial expertise and long-term vision to make our schools serve every Seattle child with the options and opportunities they deserve,” said Song. “A diverse city needs a diversity of schools — a one-size-fits-all model won’t work for our kids, families, and communities.”

In 2021, Song was elected to the School Board as a representative for District 4. However, in 2024, she resigned from that seat after returning to full-time residency in Capitol Hill, District 5, where she now resides with her family.

Song, who spent most of her professional career as a private sector business and finance analyst, previously represented District 4 on the school board before resigning her seat in 2024 to return to her full-time residency in Capital Hill. Song said she deeply enjoyed her time on the School Board when they collectively worked hard to set up a new director for stability, leadership, and sound financial management.

“I am eager to resume service to the students and families of Seattle as we address a rapidly changing K-12 landscape, address Trump’s attacks on public education, seek to boost enrollment rates, and prepare kids for careers and college,” said Song.

After previously winning with over 70 percent of the citywide vote in 2021, Song, launches her campaign with notable endorsements. These endorsements include, current School Board President Gina Topp, and School Board Directors Sarah Clark and Joe Mizrahi.

Mizrahi, a union official and advocate for working families, was appointed to the District 4 position vacated by Song and is eager for her re-election.

“We need Vivian’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Seattle students, support for teachers and educators, and commitment to neighborhood schools on our Board,” said Mizrahi. “I look forward to working with her as we set a new tone for our district, and the communities we serve.”

School Board President Gina Topp, a small business owner and West Seattle resident who is leading efforts to hire a new Superintendent, welcomes Song’s potential return.

“Vivian is a strong, principled, and progressive leader with a proven track record of fighting for our students and families,” said Topp. “We need School Board Directors dedicated to student success and the district’s financial stability to help ensure we give our next Superintendent every opportunity to help every student reach their potential. I know Vivian is that leader.”

Song is also endorsed by Seattle Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, former School Board Director Lisa Rivera, and numerous parents, educators, and community leaders in District 5.

“I’m grateful for the early outpouring of support for my campaign and the opportunity to once again serve on the School Board,” said Song. “I know that we can ensure a bright future for every Seattle child — with schools and programs tailored to their needs and their futures.”