Shows
Rainy Day RecessA Forensic Analysis of SPS with Vivian Van Gelder, Part 1In this first installment of our three-part series unpacking Left to Chance: Student Outcomes in Seattle Public Schools (2024), hosts Christie Robertson and Jasmine Pulido sit down with report author Vivian Van Gelder to trace thirty years of reform and turmoil inside Seattle Public Schools.The story begins in 1990 with the Cresap Audit, a state-commissioned report that deemed the district “nearly ungovernable,” and follows the arrival of Major General John Stanford, the charismatic outsider who redefined Seattle schools as a “market-based system.” Stanford’s three-year tenure (1995-1998) transformed governance...
2025-11-1249 min
Rainy Day Recess[RE-RELEASE] Vivian Song - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateVivian Song is running for Seattle School Board District 5, which covers Montlake to the Central District, Leschi to Eastlake, Capitol Hill, Madison Valley, and Madison Park. Her opponent is Janis White. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Vivian SongFinance professional and advocate for childrenParent with kids in both Seattle Public Schools and private schoolPreviously served as Seattle School Board directorWorked directly with SPS's $1.2 billion operating budgetServed on Levy Oversight CommitteeMember of...
2025-10-1017 min
Rainy Day Recess[RE-RELEASE] Janis White - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateJanis White is running for Seattle School Board District 5, which covers the Central Area, part of the International District, Leschi, Madrona, Capitol Hill, Madison Valley, Madison Park, Montlake, and Eastlake. Her opponent is Vivian Song. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Janis WhiteLawyer with over 40 years of practiceParent of three kids who attended Seattle Public Schools K-12 (graduated 2019 and 2023)Former president of Seattle Special Education PTSAFormer president of Ken Haven Music...
2025-10-1018 min
Rainy Day Recess[RE-RELEASE] Laura Marie Rivera - D4 Seattle School Board CandidateLaura Marie Rivera is running for Seattle School Board District 4, which covers Queen Anne, Belltown, South Lake Union, Downtown to I-5, Pioneer Square area, and parts of Fremont and Wallingford (including Lincoln High School). Her opponent is Joe Mizrahi. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Laura Marie RiveraRecently completed Doctor of Education (defended dissertation during campaign)Two decades as educator, nonprofit professionalFounded nonprofit on motherhood and leadership (first-of-its-kind study with nearly 1,000...
2025-10-1017 min
Rainy Day Recess[RE-RELEASE] Joe Mizrahi - D4 Seattle School Board Candidate (incumbent)Joe Mizrahi is running for Seattle School Board District 4, which covers Queen Anne, Fremont, Belltown, and South Lake Union. His opponent is Laura Marie Rivera. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Joe MizrahiSecretary Treasurer of UFCW 3000 (represents 60,000 frontline workers)Currently serving as District 4 school board director (appointed)Parent of three daughters in Seattle Public SchoolsCo-chair of $2 billion pension fundServes on multiple boardsHas testified to state legislature annually since 2008Key...
2025-10-1016 min
Rainy Day Recess[RE-RE-RELEASE] Sarah Clark - D2 Seattle School Board Candidate (incumbent)Sarah Clark is running for Seattle School Board District 2, which covers NW Seattle including Magnolia, Ballard, North Beach, southern Greenwood, and Green Lake. Her opponent is Kathleen Smith. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Sarah ClarkCurrently serving as District 2 school board director (appointed April 2024, running to retain seat)Director of Policy at Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of CommerceMaster's in Education Policy from University of WashingtonGraduate of Seattle Public Schools (Madrona Elementary, Washington...
2025-10-1019 min
Rainy Day Recess[RE-RELEASE] Kathleen Smith - D2 Seattle School Board CandidateKathleen Smith is running for Seattle School Board District 2, which covers Magnolia, Ballard, North Beach, and Green Lake. Her opponent is Sarah Clark. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Kathleen SmithData scientist at MicrosoftParent of 5-year-old entering kindergarten in SPSComes from family of educatorsAttended public schools, then Annie Wright School in TacomaEndorsed by Seattle Education AssociationKey PositionsFirst Priority:Add more ways...
2025-10-1012 min
Rainy Day RecessCarol Rava - D7 Seattle School Board CandidateCarol Rava is running for Seattle School Board District 7, which covers South Seattle (east of I-5, south of Jackson). Her opponent is Jen LaVallee. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Carol RavaManages $150 million grant-making team at Ascendium philanthropyMaster's in Education Policy; nearly 30 years in educationFormer Executive Director of Strategic Planning at SPS (2008-2010)Parent/stepparent of 5 SPS students across multiple schoolsCompleting K-12 Finance certificate from Georgetown UniversityKey Positions
2025-10-0617 min
Rainy Day RecessJen LaVallee - D7 Seattle School Board CandidateJen LaVallee is running for Seattle School Board District 7, which covers South Seattle (Rainier Beach to Mount Baker, including parts of the International District and First Hill). Her opponent is Carol Rava. This interview is part of our 2025 Seattle School Board Candidate series. Every Seattle voter will vote on four school board races in the general election: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7.About Jen LaValleeProduct designer focusing on research, strategy, and designParent of two elementary school students in Seattle Public SchoolsHas testified at school board meetings and state legislatureHas served on a boardKey...
2025-10-0615 minRainy Day RecessSummer Recap & Big Changes AheadCo-hosts Christie, Cherylynne, and Jasmine give updates on some SPS developments over the summer, school board election results, and a big change coming soon to Rainy Day Recess.Summer School Board MeetingsJuly 2 School Board MeetingJuly 30 Special School Board MeetingAugust 27 School Board MeetingFred Podesta EmailSchool Board Primary Election Results School Board 2025Aug-results-final.pdfArticles MentionedThe GradeSeattle Times, August 8, 2025: Backing counted in Seattle School Board primaries; money, not so muchSeattle Times, August 20, 2025: Seattle teachers’ contract takes new approach to classroom disruptionsSeattle Times, August 28, 2025: Survey says this is what Seattle schools want in...
2025-09-1013 min
Rainy Day RecessJanis White - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Janis White, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. As a lawyer who put three children through Seattle Public Schools K-12, Janis argues that school board directors have broader legal responsibilities than commonly understood - that the board, not the superintendent, is accountable for proper district operation. She advocates for restoring standing committees, particularly a finance committee, and questions the current governance model's rigidity. Key topics include her focus on inclusive classrooms for students with disabilities, her two decades of parent...
2025-07-1822 min
Rainy Day RecessVivian Van Gelder - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Vivian Van Gelder, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. Note: Vivian has since stopped campaigning and is endorsing Janis White, but her name will still appear on the ballot. Vivian diagnoses Seattle Public Schools as needing fundamental restructuring rather than reform. She argues that the district's failed experiment in "radical decentralization" 30 years ago created widespread disconnection—schools competing against each other, losing sight of their educational purpose, and becoming isolated from the communities they serve. Her central thesis is that cur...
2025-07-1817 min
Rainy Day RecessVivian Song - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, host Christie Robertson interviews Vivian Song, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. As a former school board director making a comeback run, Vivian brings insider knowledge of Seattle Public Schools' $1.2 billion budget and her perspective on the board's challenges. She expresses frustration that "we haven't made much progress" on equitable budgeting since 2021 and argues the district struggles with community engagement—pointing to reactions over school closures, bell times, and option schools. Her platform centers on restoring institutional structures like Finance committees and Friday memos, addressing budget areas li...
2025-07-1821 min
Rainy Day RecessLandon Labosky - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this re-released episode of Rainy Day Recess (originally episode 26 from March 2025), host Christie Robertson interviews Landon Labosky, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. With a Masters in Public Administration and nearly a decade of youth development experience, Landon was motivated to run after witnessing the district's "communication downfall" during the 21-school closure proposal that "panicked 50,000 kids and families" without a plan. He advocates for making the current governance model less rigid to tackle operational problems and champions innovative collaboration between the school district, city, and county. Believing Seattle can achieve a "world class...
2025-07-1827 min
Rainy Day RecessJulissa Sanchez - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Julissa Sanchez, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. As a Director of Advocacy who grew up in the Central District before being gentrified out, Julissa brings a community organizer's perspective to education policy. She emphasizes being "shoulder to shoulder, elbow to elbow" with her community and advocates for "passing around the mic and megaphone" rather than advancing her own agenda. Her immediate priorities include making the school board bilingual and accessible, and focusing on undocumented students, English learners, and special...
2025-07-1820 min
Rainy Day RecessAllycea Weil - D5 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Allycea Weil, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Seattle School Board. Allycea brings a perspective as a gig worker and single parent who moved to Seattle specifically for the public schools. Key topics include her call for a financial audit of the district's billion-dollar budget, her proposal to redistribute PTA/PTO funds for equity across schools, and her emphasis on being present in school communities rather than relying on formal policy expertise. She advocates for site-based decision-making while calling out obstructionists in central...
2025-07-1822 min
Rainy Day RecessBill Campbell - D4 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Bill Campbell, a candidate for Seattle School Board District 4. The interview, part of the 2025 Seattle School Board candidate series, includes a lightning round to get to know Bill, followed by in-depth questions on the role of the school board in leadership and governance. Bill discusses his background, unique perspectives on education, and his plans to improve transparency, community involvement, and equity within Seattle Public Schools. Additionally, previews for interviews with other District 4 candidates, Joe Mizrahi and Laura Marie Rivera, are given, while noting non-responses from...
2025-07-1619 min
Rainy Day RecessJoe Mizrahi - D4 Seattle School Board Candidate (incumbent)In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosted by Christie Robertson, Joe Mizrahi, the current school board director for District 4, discusses his candidacy for the 2025 Seattle School Board. The discussion covers Mizrahi's background, including his roles in labor education, his focus on governance and policy as a school board director, and his views on education policy, school autonomy, and centralization. Mizrahi also emphasizes accountability, communication, and community engagement as key priorities in his approach to leadership and governance within Seattle Public Schools. Transcripts and additional candidate interviews are available at rainydayrecess.org.01:38 Lightning Round06:23 2-minute...
2025-07-1617 min
Rainy Day RecessLaura Marie Rivera - D4 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Laura Marie Rivera, a candidate for the Seattle School Board District 4. Rivera discusses her extensive background in education and nonprofit work, and her views on the role of the school board in leadership and governance. Following a lightning round of quick questions, the conversation delves into Rivera's perspectives on school board responsibilities, superintendent selection, and balancing centralized control with school-based decision-making. The episode also previews interviews with other District 4 candidates, Joe Mizrahi and Bill Campbell, and highlights the importance of public engagement and flexible, student-focused...
2025-07-1619 min
Rainy Day RecessKathleen Smith - D2 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Cherylynne Crowther interview Kathleen Smith, a candidate for the Seattle School Board District 2 seat. The conversation begins with lightning-round questions to quickly familiarize listeners with Smith, who is a data scientist at Microsoft. Smith shares her educational background, professional experience, and thoughts on the role of the school board. She emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and finding a superintendent who genuinely listens to the community. Smith also discusses the challenges of balancing centralized control with school-based decision-making and advocates for clearer metrics to m...
2025-07-1414 min
Rainy Day RecessEric Feeny - D2 Seattle School Board CandidateIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Colin Meyer interview 2025 Seattle School Board candidate Eric Feeny from District 2. The discussion begins with a lightning round of quick questions covering Feeny's background, qualifications, and viewpoints on education and school board roles. Key topics include his approach to school board leadership, specific policies he supports, and his strategies for improving Seattle Public Schools. Feeny emphasizes the importance of community engagement, transparent communication, and institutional reform. Eric's campaign page: https://www.feenys.net/The episode also highlights other District 2 candidates, Sarah Clark and Kathleen S...
2025-07-1418 min
Rainy Day RecessSarah Clark - D2 Seattle School Board Candidate (incumbent)In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Jasmine Pulido interview Sarah Clark, a current Seattle School Board member running to retain her seat in District 2, which encompasses northwest Seattle. Sarah discusses her background in education policy, her motivations for running, and the challenges the district faces, particularly regarding the budget and school safety. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement, coalition-building, and her vision for improving Seattle Public Schools. The episode also includes a student-recorded safety question from Rafael Brewer, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in schools.Sarah's campaign w...
2025-07-1420 min
Rainy Day RecessBilingual Orientation Centers Slated for Closure This FallSeattle Public Schools is quietly eliminating specialized programs for newcomer students - recent immigrants with limited English skills who need intensive support. Teachers at Dunlap Elementary brought this story to our attention because they've been sitting in empty classrooms for four years while newcomer students struggle in overcrowded mainstream classrooms.We speak with Tricia DeVille, a newcomer teacher with over 20 years of experience, and Nhi Nguyen, who was DeVille's student in the program back in 2008 and is now a kindergarten teacher at Dunlap herself. We explore how these programs used to work, why a 2008 audit recommended strengthening...
2025-06-1623 min
Rainy Day RecessDeaf and Hard of Hearing families push for accessIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, Cherylynne Crowther takes the reins to discuss the ongoing exclusion of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) families in Seattle Public Schools. After a group of Deaf parents testified about enrollment barriers at the April 23 board meeting, many returned two weeks later to a district engagement event, only to find there were no interpreters. The district apologized, but the apology wasn’t interpreted either.We explore the long history of inaccessibility in SPS along with the specific changes families are calling for now, including: enrollment at DHH schools for ch...
2025-05-2327 min
Rainy Day RecessStudent Stories: Quincy Jones Theatre DisrepairIn this student-reported episode, Garfield High School sophomore Rafael Brewer takes us inside the Quincy Jones Performing Arts Center, a space used for theater, music, assemblies, and community events. He shares the importance of the theater, how long-standing maintenance issues have impacted student learning, and the challenges of getting repairs addressed by Seattle Public Schools.You can get tickets now for Garfield’s 2025 spring musical Footloose. (Please buy tickets! It helps support the theatre and we have worked really hard on this production!)See our Show NotesSupport us on PatreonSupport th...
2025-05-2018 min
Rainy Day RecessBig 3 Final Briefing - Paramount Duty, DeferredIn this final Big 3 Briefing of the 2025 legislative session, we walk through where things landed for education funding in Washington state. We cover what passed around special education, MSOC, and transportation, break down key budget numbers, and reflect on the progress made—and the gaps that remain. It’s our wrap-up of the session, and a look ahead to what comes next.- Megan Larkin & Christie RobertsonSee our comprehensive Show NotesSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cher...
2025-05-0640 min
Rainy Day RecessWaitlists in Seattle Public SchoolsThis is a VIDEO.This episode explores the questions surrounding school waitlists in Seattle Public Schools — particularly for option schools — including how they’re handled, why they often don’t move, and what the impacts are for students and families. Thanks for the many contributions from educators, students, and community members. including:Liza RankinShraddha ShirudeJaneal MaureraJessica BaxterErin CombsKaitlin MurdockVivian Van Gelder / SESECLeslie HarrisSue PetersAll Together for Seattle Schools – ATSSSeattle School Options Coalition – SSOCSee more in our Show Notes. -- by Dawson NicholsSubscribe to our podcast at rainydayrecess.orgSupport o...
2025-04-2440 min
Rainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 13 - Rung by RungAs budget negotiations reach their final phase, we recap where the Big 3 bills—special education, transportation, and MSOC—stand and what’s still on the table. We also reflect on the highs, lows, and hard lessons of the past 12 weeks, and talk about what advocacy looks like when progress comes one rung at a time. If you’re feeling frustrated or burned out, this one’s for you.See our extensive Show Notes.- Megan Larkin and Christie RobertsonSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess mus...
2025-04-1142 min
Rainy Day RecessThe SESSFA Move-a-Thon!We shine the community spotlight on the Southeast Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance (SESSFA) and their annual Move-a-Thon — a creative fundraising event that supports 17 public schools in Southeast Seattle. Guest Heather Hart explains how the Move-a-Thon got started, what it looks like at different schools, and the unique equity-based model used to distribute the funds raised.You’ll hear how Move-a-Thon dollars go toward everything from snacks and field trips to interpreters and library books—and how it’s helping to build stronger, more connected school communities. Mercer Middle School PTA Vice President Arthitaya Katayama shares firsthand how the fund...
2025-04-0716 minRainy Day RecessCommunity Spotlight: Champions for Educational Empowerment's school board training seriesDebbie Carlsen introduces "Learning Together," a free training series for prospective school board director candidates. Debbie shares her experience as a former candidate and explains how Champions for Educational Empowerment created this program to help potential board members understand both campaign strategies and board responsibilities. The series covers district organizations, board roles, governance models, budget fundamentals, and campaign tactics specific to Seattle School Board races.Upcoming sessions include Student Outcomes Focused Governance (April 9)Budget Fundamentals (April 19)Campaign Strategies (April 23)Registration is still open. Sign up for the Champions for Educational Empowerment training seriesE...
2025-04-0414 min
Rainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 12 - The man behind the curtainBudget LandLast week was action-packed with House and Senate budgets dropping last Monday as we were preparing our Week 11 episode. Since then, both budgets have been heard and exec’d out of their fiscal committees, and the Senate budget bill SB 5167 was passed off the Senate and passed off the House floor as this episode was being prepared for publication. The House introduced a “striking amendment” that removed the contents of the Senate bill and replaced it with the contents of the House bill HB 1198. This conflict will form the basis of the remaining negotiations, which will p...
2025-04-0242 min
Rainy Day Recess"The next step is the next step" - SPS superintendent search beginsSeattle's school board kicked off the superintendent search process on March 25th following Dr. Brent Jones' announced departure, authorizing President Gina Topp to begin seeking proposals from search firms under an ambitious timeline targeting a September appointment. Board members expressed hesitancy over the rapid pace, with Directors Sarju, Rankin, and Hersey advocating for an interim superintendent to allow for a more thorough search, especially considering four board seats are up for election this fall. All agreed to proceed with taking the next step toward hiring a superintendent search firm, while keeping options open. This search unfolds against a backdrop...
2025-03-2718 min
Rainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 11 - Don Your Green-Tinted GlassesBill LandWe update listeners on our two remaining education funding bills - SB 5192 for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs and SB 5263 for Special Education). These bills have now had a hearing and are waiting for a vote in the House Appropriations committee. We highlight powerful testimony including Bellevue School District's announcement that they'll face "binding conditions" (educational bankruptcy) without additional funding. Budget LandWe take you on a welcome tour of "Budget Land" to give you an orientation to Washington State's budget-adoption process. House and Senate Budgets dropped as we were preparing t...
2025-03-2534 min
Rainy Day RecessIntroducing... Landon Labosky, School Board Candidate for District 5We continue our series introducing candidates running for Seattle School Board in 2025. In this episode, we're joined by Landon Labosky, who is running for the District 5 seat currently held by Michelle Sarju. Labosky discusses his background working with young people, his views on school board governance, collaboration with city and county agencies, addressing operational issues, and his approach to educational equity and potential school closures. He also answers questions from Garfield student Rafael Brewer and from our Student School Board Directors Colin Bragg, Sabi Yoon, and Safiya Ilyas. The primary election is in August, and the general election follows...
2025-03-2423 min
Rainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 10 - Our Senate Bills Enter the House Lion's DenWill our education bills survive the House Appropriations committee? Senate bills 5192 (MSOC) and 5263 (Special Education) survived the Senate with enough umph to still be worth our advocacy. But now face the committee that previously slashed a $600 per student increase to just $5.55. We reveal which representatives hold the red pens, how to make your voice heard (e.g. sign in pro!) at the crucial March 19th hearing (watch here, 4pm Wednesday), and get real-world town hall advocacy wisdom from high schooler Rafael Brewer, who went toe-to-toe with legislators at the rowdy 43rd district town hall. Plus, we enter "Budget Land"...
2025-03-1840 min
Rainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 9 - Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t LoseIn this week’s Rainy Day Recess, we talk about the legislator town halls that are coming up in the next few weeks and how to advocate at them. We are halfway through the legislature’s 105-day session, and we can show support for what we want to see change in the Big 3 bills by showing up and pushing the legislators to fund our schools. We give you some examples of ways to push the legislators to listen to you, and how to get around their avoidance. Although talking to legislators about what you want is great, if you can’...
2025-03-1232 min
Rainy Day RecessIntroducing... Sarah Clark, School Board Candidate for District 2We kick off our series introducing candidates running for the Seattle School Board in 2025. The primary election is in August, and the general election follows in November. In this first episode, we’re joined by Sarah Clark, who was appointed to the board for Director District 2 in April 2024. She is now running to retain her seat for the remaining two years of the term.- Christie Robertson and Jasmine PulidoSee our Show NotesSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, lo...
2025-03-1020 minRainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 8 - BloodbathIn this week's episode of Rainy Day Recess, we track the latest developments in the fight for education funding in Washington state—and it's been a rough week.Two transportation funding bills have officially died, leaving advocates scrambling for a budget proviso to secure critical funding for students with high transportation needs. Special education funding also took a major hit, as the House unexpectedly removed a strong special ed bill (HB 1310) from consideration, replacing it with a much weaker alternative (HB 1357). While some provisions from HB 1310 were added to HB 1357, funding levels were dramatically reduced. Mea...
2025-03-0428 minRainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 7 - Fiscal WeekIn week 7 of our Big 3 Briefing series, we provide updates on the legislative process for the Big 3 education funding priorities: special education, pupil transportation, and materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC).All of the Big 3 bills survived the policy cutoff, and some of them look on track to make it through the fiscal cutoff this Friday - the MSOC and special education bills are all scheduled for executive sessions on Thursday, February 27. However, transportation funding increases are at risk, as key bills have not yet been scheduled as of yet.We break down how fiscal...
2025-02-2616 minRainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 6 - Some Bill Will DieSee our Show NotesIn Week 6 of the 2025 Washington State legislative session, we delve into the status of the Big 3 funding priorities for public education: special education, pupil transportation, and MSOC (materials, supplies, and operating costs). With the first policy cutoff approaching on February 21st, any bill not passed out of its policy committee by then will be considered dead for the year—though exceptions exist.Megan Larkin shares insights on how to advocate for the Big 3 bills, emphasizing the importance of contacting key legislators and maintaining pressure to get bills scheduled for executive action.
2025-02-2019 minRainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 5 - A Marathon, Not a SprintWe are now in Week 5 of the 2025 Washington State legislative session, continuing our deep dive into the Big 3 priorities—transportation, special education, and MSOC (materials, supplies, and operating costs). Megan Larkin guides us through the latest updates, legislative deadlines, and advocacy actions needed to push these crucial bills forward.This week’s theme: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” With many bills still making their way through the process, now is the time to stay engaged and keep the pressure on lawmakers to ensure full funding for public education.Send us a voice memo with your...
2025-02-1025 minRainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 4It’s week 4 of the 2025 legislative session in Washington State. Megan Larkin is helping us follow the education bills related to the Big 3 priorities embraced by major education advocacy organizations across Washington. See our Show NotesTRANSPORTATION BILLS:SB 5187 - WellmanHB 1579 - Nance MSOC (Materials, Supplies, Operating Costs) BILLS:SB 5192 - NoblesHB 1338 - BergSPECIAL EDUCATION BILLS:SB 5263 - Pedersen/BraunHB 1310 - PolletSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
2025-02-0434 minRainy Day RecessBig 3 Briefing, Week 3It’s week 3 of the 2025 legislative session in Washington State. Megan Larkin is helping us follow the education bills related to the Big 3 priorities embraced by the major education advocacy organizations across Washington (WASSDA, WASA, and WSPTA). --> SIGN IN on special education bills in Appropriations. See our Show NotesEach person’s opinions are their own. Contact us with comments, questions, or corrections at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Support the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Ch...
2025-01-2828 minRainy Day RecessHow to "Sign in Pro" (Legislative Advocacy 102)This is also a Video! Jump straight to the demonstration.In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, we guide listeners through the process of signing in "pro" to support key education funding bills in Washington State. With a step-by-step demonstration, we make it easy for anyone to take action and help secure funding for public schools. Listen to Advocacy 101 for background.----------->>>>>>>>>>>>> Sign in Pro on the Funding BillsThis interview was edited for length and clarity. Each person’s opinions are their own. Support the show
2025-01-1919 minRainy Day RecessLegislative Advocacy 101, with Megan LarkinJoin Rainy Day Recess as we kick off a new series exploring the Washington State Legislature and its impact on Seattle Public Schools. We’re joined on this journey by Megan Larkin—advocate, SPS parent, and legislative expert—to break down how laws are made and how you can take action to shape them. With critical education funding gaps and a new legislative session underway, we’ll give parents, educators, and students the tools to stay informed, speak up, and make an impact for Seattle Public Schools and beyond.This interview was edited for length and clarity. Each per...
2025-01-1728 min
Rainy Day RecessFixing Washington’s Broken School Funding System, with Oliver Miska, David Knight, and Kendall FujiokaWith school districts across Washington facing severe budget shortfalls, we explore solutions through the People's Big 5 initiative. Education activist Oliver Miska, joined by UW researchers Dr. David S. Knight and Kendall Fujioka, break down why Washington's school funding system remains broken and how combining funding reform with progressive revenue could fix it. Learn why changing both how we raise money for schools and how we distribute it is crucial for creating an equitable education system that works for all students.Each person’s opinions are their own. See our Show Notes.Support the show...
2025-01-1046 minRainy Day RecessHighly Capable and Advanced Learning in Seattle, with Jie LeiIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, we talk with Jie Lei, a Seattle Public Schools parent and former student, about the past, present, and uncertain future of the district’s Highly Capable and Advanced Learning programs. Jie shares powerful personal stories, from being misidentified as needing special education after immigrating to the U.S., to ultimately thriving in advanced learning programs that set her on a path to college by age 14.We explore the district’s controversial decision to phase out the Highly Capable Cohort (HCC) model without fully implementing promised neighborhood-based services. Jie discusses how thes...
2024-12-2045 minRainy Day RecessDistrict Deep Dive with Alex Wakeman RouseIn this episode of Rainy Day Recess, we explore the Seattle Public Schools budget crisis with guest Alex Wakeman Rouse, co-chair of All Together for Seattle Schools. We dive into All Together for Seattle Schools' advocacy work, especially advocating for the Washington State legislature to fulfill its Paramount Duty to fully fund Washington Schools. We also discuss some of the complexities of the district’s budget. Alex explores potential budget solutions, emphasizing non-student-facing cuts, increased transparency, and potential enrollment growth. See our Show NotesSupport the showContact us at hello@rainydayrecess.org.
2024-12-1052 min
Sales MavenListener Questions Answered By NikkiThis episode is "a little something extra" for everyone today, as this is the 200th episode. Nikki had no idea this podcast she started in March 2020 would grow to 200 episodes, providing value for the amazing Sales Maven Community and beyond. This podcast is able to continue thanks to listeners like you! Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, two wonderful clients, Cherylynne Crowther and...
2023-12-1832 min