Gloria Suella Menchaca

Introduce Yourself

Why do you want to serve as a Seattle Public School Board Director?

My name is Gloria. Public education shaped me into a lifelong public servant. I’m a scientist, strategist, and bilingual community advocate running to protect public schools from closures and restore transparency, integrity, and real partnership with families.

Board Skills
What skills or perspectives do you bring that are currently missing or underrepresented on the
school board?

As a multiracial, multiethnic scientist and Midwesterner with East Coast experience, I bring integrity, clear, bold communication, and community-driven problem-solving—plus real-world public health, education, and policy experience. I’m not afraid to stand alone for what’s right.

Top Challenge
What is SPS’s biggest challenge, and what specific action would you take to help solve it?

Lack of transparency. I’d increase public meetings to twice a month and lock it into policy—rebuilding trust through consistent, open communication. Our community deserves a board that leads with clarity and accountability, not conflict of interest.

Community Partnership and Board Operations
What will you do to improve relationships with the community, specifically with parents and
educators?

Allow those who want to speak to do so if they attend important meetings. I propose every meeting have a virtual attendance option and public surveys with questions and responses posted publicly after each meeting. This will give access and shift from symbolic listening to concrete action.

School Closures

Did you support or oppose the recent school closure proposals? Do you think that school closures/consolidations should be considered in the coming 5 years?

I oppose the proposals. Seattle’s enrollment challenges won’t be solved by shutting down our schools. We must stop outsourcing and reinvest in community-based, student-centered solutions—closures in the next five years? Absolutely not.

Socioeconomic Equity
What policies or budget actions would you support that would reduce socioeconomic and racial
disparities among Seattle Public Schools students?

I support school-based public transit tutoring, local university partnerships degree requirements for students to tutor in local publicly funded schools for two quarters or a semester. Let’s invest directly and equitably in students instead of waiting for outside funding.

Academic Rigor and Advanced Learning What should SPS do to improve academic rigor? Do you believe SPS should provide advanced learning opportunities such as Walk to Math and Highly Capable Services? Should advanced learning services be available at every school or only certain locations?

Every student deserves challenge and support. Advanced learning, including Walk to Math, should be accessible to all schools, not just privileged areas. Corporate and community volunteers should be offered 4-day workweek incentives to tutor in our public schools. Rigor shouldn’t compromise access or inclusion.

Special Education and English Language Learners
How will you improve the delivery of special education services to students in SPS? How will you
improve the delivery of education to English language learners?

We must fully fund IEP teams, reduce staff turnover, and prioritize bilingual and bicultural support staff. Services must follow students, not the other way around. Every student has a right to learn in a setting that respects their needs.

Enrollment Decline More than 20% of Seattle children are enrolled in private school (second-highest in the country). Do you believe SPS should try to attract and enroll more families? If so, what would you do to achieve that goal? What degree of enrollment choice should be allowed?

Focus on serving our current students with high-quality academic and support services, rebuilding trust to keep schools open. Choice is important, but not at the expense of equity in public schools.

School Diversity
Should SPS offer a variety of schools with different building sizes, curriculum formats (e.g.,
STEM, DLI, expeditionary) and grade bands (e.g., K-8)? Why or why not?

Students learn differently, and school variety helps families find the right fit. We should utilize buildings we have more strategically, ensuring equity in access. Innovation should enhance, not deepen, existing disparities. Every student deserves excellent, culturally affirming education.

Budget & Efficiency
Beyond advocating for more state funding, what specific steps should SPS take to improve its
operational efficiency and fiscal health?

Stop outsourcing what our communities can handle. Audit contracts and use a systems-based approach to reallocate resources. Let’s foster a culture of responsibility and sustainable, community-rooted solutionsnot delay and avoidance.

Student Safety
What should SPS do to improve physical safety for students at school and in getting to and from
school?

Create academic success centers in every school library. Partner with local colleges and corporations to bring in trusted mentors and tutors. Invest in licensed mental health professionals—not retired police—to truly support student well-being.

Role of the School Board (SOFG)

Since 2021 the board has followed a way of operating called Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) that has been the subject of recent media questioning. Do you believe SOFG has been a successful model for the board to date and do you support continuing to implement it?

It has been poorly implemented. Stop outsourcing what our communities can handle and reinvest Seattle’s sustainable resources to serve our community effectively, prioritizing transparency and community trust.