Kathleen Smith is running for Seattle School Board District 2, which covers Magnolia, Ballard, North Beach, and Green Lake. Her opponent is Sarah Clark. 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 Kathleen Smith

• Data scientist at Microsoft
• Parent of 5-year-old entering kindergarten in SPS
• Comes from family of educators
• Attended public schools, then Annie Wright School in Tacoma
• Endorsed by Seattle Education Association

Key Positions

First Priority:

• Add more ways for student school board directors to have power and contribute

On School Board Role:

• Board sets policy and holds district accountable through superintendent
• Currently a disconnect between board and district
• Need balance between micromanaging and providing clear guardrails
• Important to build strong working relationships for alignment

On Superintendent Search:

• Should consider hiring interim superintendent first
• Need someone who will truly listen to community
• Balance listening with leading with confidence
• Must understand Seattle's geographic and demographic diversity

On District Structure:

• Current balance is worst of both worlds
• Schools have accountability (funding tied to enrollment) but no control
• District should be more accountable for quality; schools have more control
• Allow for local differentiation

On When Goals Aren't Met:

• Getting new superintendent is biggest lever for change
• Board doesn't have power to force district to change
• Power is in finding superintendent who will guide needed changes

On Community Engagement:

• Ultimate power is finding right superintendent
• Board can help engage community to define expectations clearly
• If district won't listen, must replace superintendent

On Her Approach:

• Not a policy wonk; brings data analysis and science skills
• Wants clearer metrics for measuring equity
• Known for seeking different perspectives and listening
• Fast learner despite learning curve
• Wants to fight for educator living wages

Other Positions:

• Strongly supports Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• Sees board role as accountable to voters

Educational Leader She Admires: Her mother (teacher)

Looking Forward to Working With: Liza Rankin

Important Info

• Ballots mailed: October 15th | Due: November 4th
• Also listen to: Interviews with all District 2, 4, 5, and 7 candidates at rainydayrecess.org
• Kathleen's campaign: https://www.smith-for-schools.com/
• Podcast info: rainydayrecess.org | [email protected]

Support the show

Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.