ENDORSED by the Seattle Times

“The Bellevue School District community’s deep divisions would challenge an experienced diplomat, let alone a volunteer school board director … Jane Aras is the best suited to bridge the divide. … Aras is a thoughtful listener with a deep concern for students’ social and emotional well-being. She will bring a calming presence to a fractured school community that remains tense and mistrustful after last year’s public power struggle between the teachers’ union, parents, district leadership and members of the school board.”

As we emerge from the pandemic and look ahead to a forever-changed educational landscape, we must:

• Address the mental health emergency in our community

• Prioritize social and emotional development for long term success

• Foster academic excellence through inspiration and empowerment

• Guarantee equitable access to high quality education for all students

The community supports Jane Aras

“Her personal life story has given her the skills necessary to be a bridge-builder, which is a necessary role in this season of the district’s development.”
—ERIN JONES

“Jane’s forward-thinking approach, her understanding that kids are capable of so much more when given the opportunities, and her hands-on experience in our schools are valuable perspectives we need on our school board.”
—JANICE ZAHN

“I believe Jane Aras brings such clarity and the courage needed to ensure equity and racial equity is weaved throughout district policy, teaching and learning, and curriculum development to provide access and support to those students farthest from educational justice.”
—PAUL SUTTON

“Jane has worked with high needs populations and 100% understands the importance of social-emotional and mental health development and the impact on academic performance and overall development.
—BOBIJO HATCH

“As a Bellevue parent, I have witnessed first-hand how students of color and underserved populations have not adequately been served by Bellevue School District. Jane’s compassion, experience and resolve will contribute to the board’s ability to advance policies that address such shortcomings and compliment the breadth of diverse perspectives deserved by Bellevue students.”
—LESTER JACKSON

“Jane’s knowledge of curriculum and instruction, her work ethics, and passion for equity and access will be true assets to her work on the Bellevue School District Board.”
—TAMMY WATANABE

“An educator with experience teaching our most vulnerable students, Jane is an activist for equity with decades of advocacy in schools and community.”
—MARCIE MAXWELL