In this re-released episode of Rainy Day Recess (originally episode 26 from March 2025), host Christie Robertson interviews Landon Labosky, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. With a Masters in Public Administration and nearly a decade of youth development experience, Landon was motivated to run after witnessing the district's "communication downfall" during the 21-school closure proposal that "panicked 50,000 kids and families" without a plan. He advocates for making the current governance model less rigid to tackle operational problems and champions innovative collaboration between the school district, city, and county. Believing Seattle can achieve a "world class school system" given its extraordinary wealth and educated population, he opposes broad-stroke solutions in favor of meeting individual classroom needs—whether that's an extra paraeducator in room three or two more mental health counselors at another school. His approach emphasizes board members being physically present in schools and community events rather than governing only from the dais, and he takes a nuanced stance on school safety that prioritizes student input over blanket policies. Listeners are encouraged to check out interviews with other District 5 candidates and stay informed for the upcoming elections.

Timestamps:

• 00:31 About D5
• 01:11 Background
• 03:00 Collaboration -- district, city, county
• 04:58 School board involvement in operational issues
• 06:48 Community relationships
• 08:19 School closures
• 12:46 Achievement gap
• 17:21 Student question - SROs
• 21:01 Student board director question
• 23:33 Preview of other D5 candidates

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Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.