“The reach of strong School Board members can be both broad and deep. The people who occupy those positions need to possess the ability to provide moral and ethical clarity to help solve infinitely complex and complicated issues students face in their day-to-day school lives. Equity, and the extent to which the district needs to remedy inequities, is one such area. 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.

“I have known Jane for several years and have found her to be a thoughtful advocate for Bellevue students, especially for those who are most vulnerable within the school system. Her leadership is crucial in the coming years as the school district works to ensure more equitable academic, social, and emotional outcomes for all Bellevue School District students.

“Jane’s experience is especially relevant for the demands placed upon the School Board. She is a parent of a child who not only qualified for the gifted program, he started attending the University of Washington in what would have been is sophomore year in high school. She has also served a Special Education teacher and has a deep understanding of the struggles students with disabilities face on a day to day basis. Lastly, she has served on numerous district committees that dealt with issues of equity and equality. Jane listens to people, she asks thoughtful questions, and she does not hesitate to stand up for those students who most need an advocate in the school system. Her vast experience in areas that are most important for the district at this moment in time make her the strongest candidate for Bellevue School Board moving forward.

“I received my doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Washington and currently work as an Assistant Professor of Education at Pacific Lutheran University and thus, I have some expertise with education and educational policy. The reach of strong School Board members can be both broad and deep. The people who occupy those positions need to possess the ability to provide moral and ethical clarity to help solve infinitely complex and complicated issues students face in their day-to-day school lives. Equity, and the extent to which the district needs to remedy inequities, is one such area. I believe Jane Aras brings such clarity and the courage needed to ensure the current equity policy is implemented with fidelity and the intent with which it was written.”