Smarter Investments for Student Success: Partnering with Parents, Nonprofits, and Schools
Public education is a lifeline to many. I’ve seen how access to strong schools can change the trajectory of a child’s life and unlock opportunity for entire families. That’s why I’m committed to supporting students, families, and educators through smart policy and strategic partnerships that make every public dollar count.
In South King County, we know that learning doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why I was proud to be part of the regional Roadmap Project, which brought together leaders from seven school districts to improve outcomes for students across our communities. But schools can’t do it alone. Education must be integrated with wraparound services—safe neighborhoods, stable housing, mental health support, and community trust.
Thanks to the Best Starts for Kids levy, King County has made historic investments in children and youth by funding nonprofit organizations that deliver critical services. But to truly maximize impact, we must ensure these nonprofits are working in close coordination with local governments, school districts, and community stakeholders. That means:
Aligning services to avoid duplication and ensure efficient use of public dollars
Holding partners accountable for measurable outcomes
Tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of each King County district
Providing technical assistance to nonprofits—leveraging County resources and trusted partners like the Seattle Foundation, where I served for seven years—to strengthen capacity, improve program delivery, and ensure long-term sustainability
As a former Kent School Board member, I’ve seen how powerful these partnerships can be when they’re intentional and community-driven. That’s why I’m advancing a set of collaborative priorities to strengthen our educational ecosystem:
Family Engagement Grants: Through Best Starts for Kids, fund programs that build trust and collaboration between schools and parents—especially in underserved communities.
School-Based Health Centers: Expand access to mental health services by supporting school-based clinics in partnership with public health agencies and nonprofits.
Safe Routes to School: Work with cities and transportation agencies to improve infrastructure so students can walk or bike safely to class.
After-School and Summer Learning: Partner with nonprofits to deliver enrichment and academic support—coordinated with schools and tailored to local needs.
Teacher Housing Initiatives: Support affordable housing near schools to help educators live in the communities they serve—leveraging County housing tools and funding.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Facilitate partnerships between school districts and local businesses in unincorporated areas, where chambers of commerce may not exist, to provide hands-on learning and job pathways.
Digital Equity Programs: Collaborate with school districts and broadband providers to ensure every student has access to devices and reliable internet at home.
Strong schools build strong communities. Let’s invest in partnerships that lift up every child, support every family, and reflect the values we share: equity, opportunity, and hope.