Bedford and Smith for SPS board

I attended a webinar for Spokane Public School Board candidates forum organized by Coalition of Color (APIC, NAACP, HBPA and MCAS) on Oct. 2. I enjoyed the questions posted to four candidates, they all responded in a civic and friendly manner, obviously some candidates had more substances or gave answers informed by data.

To me, I am looking for do they really have a heart for equity, inclusion and diversity (EID), because this is essential for BIPOC and other marginalized students e.g. LGBTQ+ students and students with disabilities to get what are promised: “Excellence for everyone”. When one candidate said she will reach out to listen to parent voters, Dr. Mellissa Bedford said: “Not only reaching out to voters, I think it is same important to reach out to refugees, immigrants parents, as many of them may not be voters, but their children are going to the public schools we serve. We need to have their voiced heard.”

I felt immediately warmed by her thoughtfulness.

When Riley Smith said what kept him up in nights was how to make high school students prepare for post-high school, that college is not the only way to success, trade and tech school should be implemented better, I was inspired.

I know none of them personally, but I see who real understand the duty of SPS now: Dr. Mellissa Bedford for Position 3, Mr. Riley Smith for Position 4.

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Spokane