Julissa Sanchez

Introduce Yourself

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

I want to serve as a Seattle Public School Board Director because our students deserve welcoming, safe schools that respect and value their cultures, traditions, and languages. Representation matters. We must empower the diverse communities most affected by school board decisions, as they have historically been excluded from the policy-making process.

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

As a first-generation SPS student from an immigrant family, I understand how external factors affect learning. My experience advocating for underserved youth and housing justice, and my ability to connect with the immigrant community, are unique and needed on the board.

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

School safety and gun violence cause anxiety among students and families. I will address it by:

1) Listening to students to rebuild trust;

2) Expanding culturally responsive mental health services;

3) Strengthening partnerships with groups like Community Passageways and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility;

4) Implementing restorative justice practices.

Community Partnership and Board Operations

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

Community-building: Dedicated forums for open dialogue; fostering connection & collaboration. Non-English-centered events.Cultural events: Celebrating diversity & promoting understanding. Strategic partnerships: Stronger alliances between parents & educators.

Develop strategies to involve parents frequently unable to participate due to work.

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 school closures. The voices of affected students, families, and communities must be prioritized. A thorough assessment of unintended consequences and a robust, needs-centered plan are essential before any closure decisions are made.

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

Championing belonging and equity through Ethnic and Chicano Studies.

Foster collaboration between city government, the school district, administrators, educators, students, and families to address housing instability and its effects, using an intersectional approach.

Dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.

Implement restorative disciplinary practices.

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?

I do believe that SPS should provide advanced learning opportunities, but create equitable access to these opportunities by testing all students and connecting them to the appropriate programs.

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?

Collaborating with families and students on individualized plans, as well as offering staff training on IEP best practices.

Implementing dual language, immersion, and culturally relevant curricula. The goal is to foster inclusive environments that promote diversity and respect, avoiding the " othering" of special education and EEL students.

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?

SPS should diversify its curriculum to include neurodiversity and increase access to highly capable programs.

Enrollment decline is linked to gentrification and displacement; therefore, SPS must collaborate with the city on affordable housing initiatives to retain young residents in Seattle.

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?

I am not opposed; however, my primary concern is always ensuring these diverse educational options are equitably accessible to all students, based on their individual interests and capabilities.

Budget & Efficiency

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

For enhanced operational efficiency, a transparent budget and fiscal health evaluation is essential. This includes re-evaluating resource allocation, adopting operational innovations, and fostering strong community partnerships. A sustainable fiscal strategy balances efficiency and equity, ensuring cost-cutting doesn't harm vulnerable students.

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

Student safety is a community responsibility, requiring a village-wide approach. Sustainable improvements can be achieved through community engagement and investment in safety and prevention initiatives. Overall school safety will also benefit from inclusive school environments, anti-bullying culture, and threat assessments.

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?

I question the SOFG model's transparency and effectiveness, particularly in light of recent scrutiny. I need to review its impact on students before supporting its continued implementation.