E47 - Allycea Weil - D5 Seattle School Board Candidate

[00:00:03] Christie Robertson: Welcome to Rainy Day Recess, where we study and discuss Seattle Public Schools. This is our 2025 Seattle School Board candidate series. For each conversation, we start with a lightning round then ask two minute questions on the role of the school board in leadership and governance, and what is the real impact these candidates believe the school board can have on Seattle Public Schools.

Today we're releasing interviews with all six of the District 5 candidates. District 5 is roughly east Seattle. Earlier this week, we released our interviews with D2 and D4 school board candidates, and we'll cover D7 after the primary. Transcripts are available at rainydayrecess.org.

This episode is our interview with Allycea Weil. Be sure to listen to our interviews with Janis White, Julissa Sanchez, Landon Labosky, Vivian Song, and Vivian Van Gelder, which are also in your feed. We'll give you a quick preview of those interviews at the end of this episode. 

[00:01:09] Interview start

[00:01:09] Christie Robertson: Hello listeners. I'm Christie Robertson,

[00:01:13] Cherylynne Crowther: And I'm Cherylynne Crowther.

[00:01:14] Christie Robertson: And today we are here with Allycea Weil. Thanks for running for school board, Allycea, and welcome to Rainy Day Recess.

[00:01:23] Allycea Weil: Thank you. It's awesome to be here. I'm excited to jump right in.

[00:01:28] Lightning Round

[00:01:28] Christie Robertson: All right. And we're gonna start with the lightning round. And this section is meant to help listeners get to know you quickly. 

[00:01:34] Allycea Weil: Ok. 

[00:01:35] Christie Robertson: What are your name and pronouns?

[00:01:37] Allycea Weil: My name is Allycea Weil. Some people refer to me as Ally. My pronouns are she/her. Yeah.

[00:01:45] Christie Robertson: And how do you describe what you do?

[00:01:48] Allycea Weil: Well, as a freelancer, I have the opportunity and freedom to work on a lot of different projects. I have skills as a producer and coordinator, which allowed me to work on an amazing project where we taught about six youth intro filmmaking skills. They made some really strong, powerful documentaries and changed my whole perception on how kids actually learn and the capacity of complex thought that they're able to process. 

As a creative producer, I worked with the team that published the redlining walking tour here in the Central District. We made this digital walking guide so that anybody can learn this history of Seattle's racist housing practice. I've been pushing into different schools with it because it is a free resource.

Prior to my divorce, I was a really involved parent, involved in community, multiple years of organizing community and volunteering within the school system and advocating for educational justice towards the district.

Oh, and I am a part-time library assistant right now at Ingraham High School.

[00:02:56] Christie Robertson: Ok, so what director district are you running for and what neighborhoods does it encompass?

[00:03:01] Allycea Weil: I am running for District 5, and that is Central District where I live, Capitol Hill, Leschi, Eastlake, Montlake, Stevens, Washington Park, Madison Park, Madison Valley, Cherry Hill, and First Hill. Yeah.

[00:03:18] Cherylynne Crowther: This is Cherylynne. Next, some background questions. Answer yes or no, where possible, and add a short explanation if something needs context. 

Have you attended a school board meeting?

[00:03:29] Allycea Weil: Yes.

[00:03:30] Cherylynne Crowther: Have you testified at a board meeting?

[00:03:32] Allycea Weil: No, but I've submitted multiple times and I do think that there is an inherent disadvantage that single parents might not have the capacity to always work that within their schedule. So I think there's an inherent barrier to have our voices heard, which is often then interpreted as us not caring or wanting to have a voice at the table. 

[00:03:55] Cherylynne Crowther: Have you testified in the state legislature?

[00:03:58] Allycea Weil: I have not.

[00:03:59] Cherylynne Crowther: Where did you go to school as a child?

[00:04:02] Allycea Weil: I attended OB Whaley Elementary and LeVay Middle School in San Jose, California. And then after tech came in and gentrified my neighborhood, we moved to the Midwest. Which is culture shock. Then I was at Belzer Middle School and Lawrence Central High School, go Bears, in Indianapolis.

[00:04:23] Cherylynne Crowther: Do you have, or have you had kids in Seattle Public schools?

[00:04:26] Allycea Weil: Yes.

[00:04:28] Cherylynne Crowther: And any kids outside of Seattle Public Schools?

[00:04:30] Allycea Weil: No. I actually moved to Seattle for the public schools. Originally I'm from Phoenix, Arizona, and that's charter school land. And I didn't wanna fight for “the best schools”. I believe in an equitable education across all neighborhoods. So I really just wanted that for my kids.

[00:04:52] Cherylynne Crowther: Great. Have you worked in education?

[00:04:55] Allycea Weil: Yes. 

[00:04:56] Cherylynne Crowther: Have you been in a union?

[00:04:58] Allycea Weil: Yes. Film union, teamster.

[00:05:01] Cherylynne Crowther: Have you been on a board?

[00:05:03] Allycea Weil: Yes. I've served on two boards. One at Greenlake Elementary, their PTA, and then the ERAC- Equity Race Advisory Committee for the superintendent.

[00:05:13] Cherylynne Crowther: Have you ever worked with a large budget?

[00:05:16] Allycea Weil: I was curious about this. Define “large budget”, like what is a large budget?

[00:05:22] Cherylynne Crowther: The school budget is at least a billion dollars, so that's large. I mean, a large budget could also be a million dollars. It could be, depending on your organization, I mean, a hundred thousand dollars.

[00:05:31] Allycea Weil: Okay, so I didn't directly work with the budget at Greenlake Elementary, which raised upwards, when we were there, about a quarter of a million dollars. I know. Girl. Versus Licton Springs, which when I was heading the PTO there I set a goal at the beginning of the year to raise $25,000, which was a big deal for that school and did a lot of good work. And so I was really proud of the community for coming together and actually being able to complete that goal.

[00:06:01] Christie Robertson: Okay, now we're gonna have some quick takes. Who is an educational leader you admire?

[00:06:06] Allycea Weil: Dr. Tracy Gill Castro.

[00:06:09] Christie Robertson: She's the head of Washington Ethnic Studies Now...

[00:06:12] Allycea Weil: Oh, so many things. Yeah. Yes. That's her claim to fame in SPS world. She's also a professor over at UW. Just doing the most work in advancing equity through an academic lens. And yeah, she's just very inspiring.

[00:06:28] Christie Robertson: Who is a school board director you're looking forward to working with.

[00:06:32] Allycea Weil: Evan Briggs. We're both filmmakers, so it'd be really cool to, like, chat with her through that lens.

[00:06:38] Christie Robertson: What's one education policy you strongly support?

[00:06:42] Allycea Weil: Policy 0030. The policy around equity and creating that framework so that equity across the whole district.

[00:06:53] Christie Robertson: And do you see the school board role more as a trustee with the duty to the institution or as an elected representative role that's accountable to voters? 

[00:07:04] Allycea Weil: Oh! Is that a quick one?

[00:07:07] Christie Robertson: It can be. I mean, some people just are really like, "My duty's to the voters". And others are like, "People elect me, and I need to take care of the institution. And once I'm elected, I'm not constantly trying to go check back in with them."

[00:07:22] Allycea Weil: Okay. Yeah it's definitely more elected in my perspective. I'm basically elected to communicate the needs and desires and concerns of the community. That includes the families that trust the school with their babies and the educators who work there and wanna have a good life and also help those kids become really wonderful citizens. My true north is to make sure that any policy that comes out, any changes that occur are in the benefit of those who elected me to be there.

[00:07:59] Christie Robertson: And what's one thing you'd change about the school board immediately?

[00:08:07] Allycea Weil: Um...

[00:08:08] Christie Robertson: You're like, "one thing?"

[00:08:10] Allycea Weil: I know, so many. I think one thing that really needs to be done immediately is a financial audit. I think as we've been talking about billionaires and how much wealth that actually is, to say that we have over a billion dollar budget and we also have a shortfall is like, "Where is all THAT money going?" So it would be, I think for transparency, having some kind of financial audit of various programs, positions within central office. And just really understanding where the money's going, what our investments that we hold are, in case there's any kind of return on those investments that we can put towards covering that shortfall. So I think that would be the most beneficial thing to know at this moment.

[00:08:57] Cherylynne Crowther: Lastly, what is one lightning round question you would add for other candidates?

[00:09:03] Allycea Weil: Ah! “Would you support building a policy framework to examine and distribute a certain amount of PTA and PTO, booster, and other private organizations' funds to establish more equity across the school district?”

[00:09:19] Cherylynne Crowther: And what's your answer to that question?

[00:09:20] Allycea Weil: Hell yes! Hell yes, let's talk about it, friends.

[00:09:27] Main interview questions

[00:09:27] Christie Robertson: Awesome. Okay, so now let's move into the main interview questions. These focus on institutional change and the role of the school board. You'll have up to two minutes to answer each one, but don't feel like you have to use all the time. 

Ready to start?

[00:09:41] Allycea Weil: Ready.

[00:09:42] Cherylynne Crowther: And this is Cherylynne. What does a school board director actually do?

[00:09:47] Allycea Weil: So the role is described as hire and evaluate the superintendent, advocate and connect with community, as well as craft policy that really affects the overall culture of the district, and balance the budget and come up with a budget that works for all.

[00:10:08] Christie Robertson: And what should the school board focus on most when it comes to finding the next superintendent?

[00:10:15] Allycea Weil: I think someone grounded in equity is key. Like someone who foundationally knows it in their bones of like how to see that. Which, they'll be able to see blind spots that people don't normally see of how certain policy and operations might affect those who have to live out those decisions on the ground floor. So that's key. 

And I think someone who is very unapologetic, someone who is really strong in their values and understands, just, like, certain perks might need to wait while we establish a strong foundation of a trusted and functional district. Not just like being bullied by the most loudest, robust voices in the room, but also understanding that those that might not be able to be in the room do care and wanna also have a seat at the table.

And strong leadership as they oversee programs and operations and departments. Someone who, like, wants to see their educators rise up in the ranks and is willing to work in partnership with the school board in a collaborative way.

And someone who sees education and educating young people as a more holistic experience, understanding that a safe school doesn't necessarily mean cops. Maybe it means more counselors. And so yeah, that just goes back to the equity part of it. 

Someone who can really innovate Seattle Public Schools to what it should be.

[00:11:52] Cherylynne Crowther: What do you think is the right balance between centralized control versus school-based decision making?

[00:12:00] Allycea Weil: Can I ask a clarifying question? 

[00:12:02] Cherylynne Crowther: Yeah. 

Yes.

[00:12:03] Christie Robertson: For sure. 

[00:12:04] Allycea Weil: Does centralized, also include like, budget, personnel, pedagogy, maintenance infrastructure? Like is that like at the district level versus the school site level?

[00:12:15] Christie Robertson: Yeah, exactly. 

[00:12:16] Allycea Weil: Ok. 

[00:12:17] Christie Robertson: Not the infrastructure so much, but all the other things you said.

[00:12:19] Allycea Weil: Okay. I think with certain things, centralization is fine. You know, there are elements that I think help the overall culture and community that should be centralized. But every school is, I've been saying this, every school is like an ecosystem and a unique ecosystem, and I believe the district should be to support that and allow it to thrive and serve its community.

So, yeah, I think that we should trust our principals, trust our administrators that are front line to how these kids are engaging with each other, how they're engaging with the curriculum, what programs specifically would benefit their neighborhood. If there's expansion opportunity to provide additional learning in the school community, them being able to build that program out and give the teachers what they need, and the paras and the IAs, what they need to do their job effectively and be in a healthy mindset while they teach our kids. So I think that the emphasis should be on site-based management.

[00:13:25] Christie Robertson: And the next couple of questions are about goals and guardrails. What should the board do if the district isn't meeting its goals for students?

[00:13:34] Allycea Weil: I mean that's where a matrix would be really beneficial, right? So that we can see like, okay, this was the goal, here's the outcome, let's investigate why we're not meeting the goals we set. 

I think that there's just, again, a lot of, like, inconsistency in leadership. You know, we've had so much turnover with our superintendent that we don't have clear leadership. The policies of the board keep popcorning and bouncing around. It's just we need to be in lockstep and have strong leaders that, like, stand on business, to take from our kids' language.

And having reports that include that, so all of our families can have a voice in understanding what's going on at the district level. And empowering our student school board, and the policies that they come up with. 

I mean, and firing those at the district office that are obstructionists. Honestly, if they're not doing their job, like anybody else, like, whether it's three strikes, you're out, this is important. You're literally have the future of the country in your hands as an educational professional. And if central office people are preventing certain programs from thriving that would benefit our children, then they need to go.

[00:14:55] Cherylynne Crowther: What should the board do when the district is not meeting community expectations?

[00:15:01] Allycea Weil: I think this is where the partnership with superintendent is key and important. So the superintendent, being a collaborative partner, should investigate that, figure out what the problem is, and work with us to figure out "Okay, why is this not reflecting what community needs are? What's going on here?" 

And then being able to communicate what's going on clearly and transparently with the community, so that they can understand what's going on. 

And also come up with ideas, as a board. It’s like yeah, I am elected to be a leader, but a good leader also knows when to shut up and listen. And also to everyone. Not just to the loudest.

Yeah, I think that I'm one of those people that's really annoying about that and will fight for change. I think that we’re seeing that, actually, with the push in of cops going into Garfield. We have guardrails of keeping kids safe and encouraging their social emotional development. And I'd love to know how SPD will be part of that, or even part of a safe climate, when there's harassment within their own ranks. So, I think there's a lot of wrong going on to say the least.

[00:16:21] Christie Robertson: And here's the last question. What's something that you want voters to take away about your approach to being a school board director?

[00:16:29] Allycea Weil: Hmm. I want voters to take away that I am going to be very present at the school, at the PTAs, at the PTO meetings. I'll go to places of worship to connect with families. I wanna plug in and know how each of my schools operate. Like I said earlier, they're all unique ecosystems. What TOPS needs is very different than what Leschi needs is very different than the various schools around, like McGilvra. Like all of 'em, they're so very different. 

And so the best way I can support and understand and hear from all the voices are to be where they are. And not just be like, "oh, if you can find me. If you can get to me, then I'll pass along your message or could consider in this policy." No, I'm gonna be in Garfield attending club meetings that the kids have to see, "Okay, what are they trying to do in here? How can I support them? How can I use this power that they've trusted me with to benefit them?" 

A lot of the time people will look at a resume of a candidate and say, like, "Oh, do you have policy expertise?" And it's like, I know how to read a report and write and craft things as well, even without that policy background. And honestly, the result of those with that background hasn't been very good. So, I don't know, as a common person, as a gig worker, as someone who is from the population, it's just hard to see wealthy, resourced people trying to make an effective policy for us. And time and time again, it just seems to fail. And I think we know what we need.

[00:18:10] Cherylynne Crowther: Thank you so much for being here today, Allycea Weil. And we really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us and with Seattle voters. Good luck with your campaign.

[00:18:20] Allycea Weil: Thank you. I appreciate being here. I honestly appreciate you guys and you guys are gonna be very helpful in amplifying us candidates that like, don't have a lot of name clout. So I just really appreciate you guys, and your platform, inviting us all on and just being really equitable about it.

[00:18:39] Christie Robertson: Thanks, I really appreciate that. 

[00:18:40] Preview of other D5 candidates

[00:18:41] Christie Robertson: Be sure to listen to our interviews with the other five D5 candidates. 

Janis White:

[00:18:49] Janis White: We have a law in Washington that defines the responsibilities of school board directors. And as a lawyer, that's where I start. And that law is actually a lot broader than many people realize. School board directors adopt policies, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and approve the budget. And those three things are important to be sure, but I don't think they tell the whole story. Starting with the state law, it says that "the school board is accountable for the proper operation of the district". Not the superintendent – the school board. That doesn't mean that the school board should get involved in day-to-day management, but the school board must have processes in place to be able to know whether the district is operating as intended by its policies.

[00:19:30] Christie Robertson: Julissa Sanchez:

[00:19:32] Julissa Sanchez: I am shoulder to shoulder, elbow to elbow with my community. I'm not here for my agenda or my voice. I am a leader that likes to pass around the mic and the megaphone. My leading is definitely going to be with the voice and experiences of students. And, most importantly, underserved students. And right now my approach is really going to be very protective of undocumented students, English learners, and young people who are in special education programs. And really listen to, like, what do they need? Because they are the experts of their lives and of their solutions. Young people are so wise. And we as adults sometimes forget that. 

[00:20:24] Christie Robertson: Landon Labosky:

[00:20:26] Landon Labosky: The school board needs to be able to understand the complex issues happening at the district level and really dig into the policy issues happening with funding. Cig into the operational issues that are happening with transportation and, like, insurance at schools or keeping the lights on at schools. But then on the flip side, we need to be including parents and community members more. And you need to be able to take that information and communicate it effectively to reach a wide audience. 

[00:20:56] Christie Robertson: Vivian Song: 

[00:20:57] Vivian Song: So there are five or six things that are listed in the state law. Hire and evaluate the superintendent. Set the vision for the district. Adopt policies. Oversee the budget. And serve as community representatives. I think what has been really missing in the last few years is the serving as community representatives. I think it's been really interesting that the district has been trying to push forward on really large changes and been met with community resistance. I think that is a reflection of the fact that the district hasn't brought community along in those decisions. 

[00:21:37] Christie Robertson: And Vivian Van Gelder: 

[00:21:40] Vivian Van Gelder: I think the shortcomings of the progress monitoring system that the board has set up right now are kind of a reflection of the lack of capacity inside our central office to actually engage in meaningful organizational change and restructuring, which is what we desperately need. Progress monitoring is not a bad idea in itself, but that kind of model can only work when the initial conditions for it exists. And that means that you need a central administration that can actually be responsive to what the board is asking of it. And we don't have that right now. When we don't have the conditions for accountability, it can't really work. 

[00:22:07] Christie Robertson: Ballots will be mailed Friday, July 18th, and primary ballots are due by Tuesday, August 5th. As always, stay curious, stay cozy, and thanks for listening to Rainy Day Recess.