On Friday, January 13, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) sent out an email in which they threatened disciplinary action in the form of unexcused absences against students who plan to participate in Inauguration Day walkouts. As I noted yesterday, the letter’s implication that SPS will coordinate with the Seattle Police is highly troubling. I want to thank Neil Fox, parent of […]

Earlier today, Seattle Public Schools’ Office of Public Affairs sent out the following email, in which they threaten disciplinary action in the form of unexcused absences against students who plan to participate in Inauguration Day walkouts. The letter’s implication that Seattle Public Schools will coordinate with the Seattle Police is highly troubling. I stand with the […]

On September 9, 2015, my resolution to designate the week of September 14-18 as Seattle Educators Week passed unanimously.  Within this legislation, the Seattle City Council called on the school district to negotiate in good faith, and for the Washington State Legislature to fully fund education. Go here for the full text of the legislation, and watch […]

On Thursday, September 17 at 9:00 AM at City Hall, the City Council’s Housing Committee will discuss the Rent Control Resolution introduced by Councilmember Nick Licata and me (more details on the event here). Passing the Rent Control Resolution would make it official policy that the City of Seattle wants Washington State to lift its […]

Thank you to all those who came to City Hall today to support my resolution designating this week as Seattle Educators Week! With the unanimous passage of this legislation, the City Council calls on the school district to negotiate in good faith, and for the Washington State Legislature to fully fund education. See below for the […]

On September 10th, 2015, three days after the Seattle Education Association went on strike for a fair contract, I hosted a Community Forum, “Stand with Seattle Educators – Support a Fair Contract and High Quality Education for All.” The event was sponsored by the newly formed Coalition for the Schools Seattle Deserves, an alliance of educators, parents, […]

On Thursday, September 10th, I will co-host a community meeting with the Coalition for the Schools Seattle Deserves to discuss how we can come together and support Seattle’s striking educators. Please read the press release below for more information.  Read my statement about the issues concerning the educator’s contract here.  Councilmember Sawant to Co-Host Community […]

See below for the letter that I and two other Councilmembers sent to the Seattle School Board, urging them not to take legal action against the Seattle Education Association (the union representing teachers and other educators in Seattle). To read the solidarity statement I wrote supporting the union’s demands and a fair contract, see my blog […]

I support all the educators in the Seattle Education Association (SEA) who teach and guide the youth of Seattle. They are the best stewards of any education system. The district administration of Seattle Public Schools must listen to the union in their ongoing contract negotiations. Teachers and other educators deserve to be acknowledged for their […]

Last Monday, I sent out the following letter in solidarity with Seattle University’s Adjunct Professors who are walking out to demand better working conditions and defend their right to organize. Join the walkout this Wednesday!    February 16th, 2015 Dear Seattle University Adjunct Professors, As a member of both the Seattle City Council and the […]