Janis White

Transparent Budgeting

High Achievement

Inclusive Learning for All Students

Meet Janis

For more than two decades, Janis White has been a champion for Seattle’s students and families.

She is the Founding President of All Youth Belong, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing inclusion and belonging for disabled youth in community life.

Janis is the former Board President of the Seattle Special Education PTSA and of the Kinhaven Music School. She also led as President of the TOPS K-8 Site Council, one of the schools the district has previously proposed closing to address our budget crisis.

FOR SEATTLE SCHOOLS

FIGHTING FOR STUDENTS

Janis knows what is at stake for Seattle Schools. She knows that to challenge the status quo, we must hold leadership accountable and bring people together to find solutions.

As our school board director, she is ready to fight for transparent budgeting, inclusive education, and policies that put students first.

KEY ISSUES

How Janis Will Fight For Our Students »

  • Fighting for High Achievement Programs

    Current Challenge: District leaders have cut high achievement programs leading many parents to consider moving their kids out of Seattle Public Schools, contributing to a downward spiral of declining enrollment that worsens our budget crisis.

    Janis's Commitment: Fight to restore and expand access to Higher Achievement programs and provide opportunities for students to have their needs met and advance.

  • Transparent and Responsible Budgeting

    Current Challenge: The district faces significant budget deficits and has proposed dozens of school closures, impacting educational quality and resources.

    Janis's Commitment: Advocate for full funding from the State Legislature, conduct thorough budget analyses to prioritize student outcomes, and promote transparency by involving community experts in financial discussions early and often. 



  • Supporting Students with Disabilities

    Current Challenge: Over 20% of Seattle Public Schools students have disabilities, yet District strategies often overlook their unique needs, violating their legal rights.

    Janis's Commitment: Integrate the needs of students with disabilities into all district decision-making processes improving outcomes for every student, advocate for inclusive policies, and ensure the implementation of evidence-based instruction and services for all abilities.

  • Addressing the Crisis of Student Mental Health

    Current Challenge: According to an analysis by Children’s Alliance, more than 1 in every 5 students in our K-12 schools suffer from major depression or anxiety with many more exhibiting serious symptoms.

    Janis's Commitment: Deliver on the demands of students after the Ingraham High School Shooting to fully fund more guidance counselors and therapists in our classrooms, increase access to group therapy options, and address the negative impact of social media use on our kids. 

  • Equity and Inclusion

    Current Challenge: Equity initiatives and protections for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students are under threat, jeopardizing the progress made in addressing the diverse needs of every student.

    Janis's Commitment: Champion anti-racism, anti-ableism and other inclusive policies because they don’t just benefit the students who need them, these programs recognize the intersectionality of student identities, and ensure all students have access to world-class resources and opportunities.



"Our schools must be places where every child is seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. I will listen, learn, and lead with integrity to ensure Seattle Schools reflect the diverse needs of our students."

- Janis White

SEATTLE SCHOOLS

IN THE NEWS

Our kids and schools need help. Janis White will work hard to help make Seattle Public Schools more inclusive, equitable, and effective for our students.

Janis doesn't just talk, she leads. Through her role as the past president of Seattle's Special Education PTSA, she worked with parents to help publish a comprehensive guide for families, caregivers, and educators to better support students with disabilities and understand their rights.

It's available online for free and was presented to over 50 PTSA groups in Seattle.

GET INVOLVED

Join Janis in her mission to create a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable Seattle Public Schools system.