A newly comprised Seattle School Board held its first meeting on Dec. 3, as newly elected and returning members were officially sworn in following last month’s election.
Newly elected directors include Jen LaVallee, representing District 7, and Kathleen Smith, representing District 2. Returning to the board are Joe Mizrahi of District 4 and Vivian Song of District 5.
The updated board will soon begin working closely with Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, who is set to take office Feb. 1. Shuldiner was recently hired to lead Seattle Public Schools and has emphasized a commitment to listening to the SPS community and positioning the district as a premier urban school system.
During the meeting, all four directors expressed a shared commitment to collaboration and aligning with Shuldiner’s vision.
“We are so pleased to welcome our new directors,” said Board President Gina Topp. “This Board is committed to the real, hands-on work of strengthening our schools, improving how we operate, and staying rooted in our community. We share the superintendent’s vision for making Seattle the best urban school district in the country, and we’re ready to get to work together.”