-Hi.
My name is Christie Robertson.
I'm running for election to the Seattle School Board
in District 3.
And I'd like to share with you why I'm in this fight,
and what I hope to achieve.
I've called Seattle "home" ever since I started my Ph.D. program
in neurobiology and behavior at the UW in 1996.
Over the years since, I've worked in software,
had two children, and grown more and more deeply involved
as an advocate in our educational community.
Currently, I'm serving on the executive board
of the Seattle Special Education PTSA,
and I've had the opportunity to meet
and collaborate with so many others
who believe that we can do better by our kids.
What I think makes our public schools special
is the sense of collective effort and community.
We all come together -- parents, teachers, and neighbors --
to shape a vision for our children's education.
We entrust this vision to our schools and to our school board.
However, right now, it's clear to me
that our schools are struggling to reach that vision.
Despite the tireless work of our teachers,
and the advocacy of our community,
our schools are losing enrollment,
facing a budget crisis,
and failing our most vulnerable kids.
This is why I'm running for the school board.
As a parent and a community member
deeply involved in special education,
I bring a passion for inclusion, justice, and equity.
I'm committed to ensuring that every child,
regardless of their background or their abilities,
has access to a welcoming
and supportive educational experience.
I'm excited about the opportunity
to serve you on the school board,
and I look forward to working alongside you
to create a brighter future for our public schools --
a future where every child in Seattle
gets the great education they deserve.