ENDORSEMENTS

PUBLICATIONS

  • 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.”

ORGANIZATIONS

  • 41st District Democrats 

“Jane has an immigrant background and will bring her lived experiences to the Bellevue School Board. Jane has taught in Bellevue and understands the educational community from being a parent as well as a teacher. She is a great listener and will work to restore the community/school board trust through transparency and communication. She is aware of and creative about mental health issues post pandemic and will work with the board and teachers to come up with strategies. The 41st LD Democrats endorsed Jane in 2019 for this same position and today the Endorsement Committee unanimously recommends Jane for Bellevue School Board once again.” 

  • 48th District Democrats 

  • Alliance for Gun Responsibility

  • Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE)

  • Bellevue Education Association (BEA) 

  • Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion (DDI)

  • King County Democrats 

  • King County Young Democrats 

  • MLK Labor

  • National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington

  • OneAmerica Votes

  • SEIU 775, long-term care workers providing quality in-home care, nursing home care and adult day health services in Washington and Montana

  • SEIU 925, our education workers: clerical, computer, food service, custodial, transportation, social and child care workers, adjunct professors, public defenders and many other

  • Washington Education Association (WEA) 

  • Womxn of Color in Education

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND DIGNITARIES
* Organizations included for identification only

  • Jeralee Anderson, Redmond City Council Vice President

“I was impressed with Ms. Aras the first time I met her. She has the best interests of the students in the Bellevue School District in mind and in her heart. My stepdaughter goes to Bellevue Schools and I am confident that Jane will ensure her success and growth on the Bellevue School Board!”

  • Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember, former Bellevue Mayor

  • Jeremy Barksdale, Bellevue City Councilmember

  • Dexter Borbe, Bellevue, Candidate for Bellevue City Council, Position 2

  • Lisa Callan, State Representative, 5th District; member of the Education, and the Human Services and Early Learning committees; former Issaquah School Board Director

“Jane has shown up for our children and families advocating for their needs as an educator, a parent, and community leader. Join me in supporting her for school board. Jane's experience, community engagement, leadership, and passion will give each and every child their best chance to thrive.”

  • Sam Cho, Port of Seattle commissioner

  • Manka Dhingra, State Senator, 45th District

  • Patty Kuderer, State Senator, 48th District

  • Chris Marks, former Bellevue School Board Director, retired, Bellevue

“As a former Director of the Bellevue School Board, I am very enthusiastic about the candidacy of Jane Aras. Her life as a teacher, parent and student-advocate from our increasingly diverse and beautifully multi-cultural community, has prepared her well for the complex world our children and educational systems must navigate.”

  • Marcie Maxwell, former senior policy advisor on education for Gov. Jay Inslee, former State Representative for the 41st District

“Students and families have endured quite a year. We need leaders who will unite and rebuild trust. Jane Aras brings a unique blend of experiences made for this moment. An educator with experience teaching our most vulnerable students, Jane is an activist for equity with decades of advocacy in schools and community. She was adopted from Korea as an 8-year-old and knows the sting of racism. Jane is the wife of an Indian immigrant and mother of bi-racial children.

“Jane’s life experiences reflect those who may not have a voice representing them on the Bellevue School Board. She builds bridges by listening and creating space for other voices. At this inflection point, Jane is the leader known to unite and rebuild ensuring a better vision of education in Bellevue.”

  • Lynne Robinson, Bellevue mayor 

  • Tana Senn, State Representative, 41st District

  • Vandana Slatter, State Representative, 48th District

  • John Stokes, Bellevue City Councilmember

  • Pamela Stuart, Sammamish City Councilmember

“Jane's experience as a special education teacher will prove invaluable on the school board, understanding the needs of the very diverse population of students in Bellevue. Ensuring that all needs are met for all students of all abilities and backgrounds and unique needs that every child and every household present. Jane is an advocate for ongoing training for staff and implementing a fair disciplinary policy. A vote for Jane is a vote for every student.”

  • My-Linh Thai, State Representative, 41st District, former Bellevue School Board member

“Jane Aras is a tireless advocate for our students. As an educator, she has taken thoughtful approaches to addressing challenging issues, and put students' wellbeing at the front and center of her decision-making. As a former Bellevue school board director, I know how important this approach is to finding common ground in policy decisions that is inclusive and equitable.

“I support Jane Aras because she puts kids and their families first.”

  • Kim-Khanh Van, Renton City Councilmember

  • Carolyn Watson, Bellevue School Board Director 

  • Lisa Wellman, State Senator, 41st District, chair of Early Learning and K12 Education

  • Claire Wilson, State Senator, 30th District, vice chair of Early Learning and K12 Education  

  • Bryan Yambe, Fife City Councilmember

  • Janice Zahn, Bellevue City Councilmember

“Jane Aras is a longtime Bellevue resident and dedicated volunteer and leader in our schools, focused on creating innovative programs for our students. She was ahead of her time in many cases, forging ahead to develop a before-school coding program for 1st through 5th-grade students when the district thought that children that age couldn’t learn programming. She later created a program focused on getting 4th and 5th-grade girls interested in programming, and helped teachers incorporate these ideas into their classrooms. She helped create a middle school coding competition to foster interest and passion for coding, and later volunteered to teach computer programming to high school students through the Microsoft’s TEALS program.

“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.”

EDUCATORS AND EDUCATION ADVOCATES

  • Dawn Abbott, Seattle, educator in Bellevue School District

  • Shana Bowen, Bellevue, educator

“I’ve taught in the Bellevue School District for 16 years and am proud to endorse Jane.”

  • Don Burress, Seattle, educator in Bellevue School District

“Bellevue School District is in desperate need of healing. Neither staff or students have had the chance to legitimately address the trauma of the past year. New leadership is essential to allow our staff, our students, and our community to recover. Jane Aras is the only candidate in this race that educators trust to make Bellevue a place where the whole student is cared for.”

  • Yunbo Cassady, Bellevue, educator

“As an educator and teacher, I fully trust and support Jane’s mission for our community and children’s future.”

  • Paul Charbonneau, Newcastle, Volunteer in Renton School District, Board member at NAMI Eastside

“As someone who works in youth mental health, Jane is the person Bellevue needs on it's school board for the best outcomes for kids!”

  • Keith Dougherty, Bellevue, Continuous Improvement Advocate for BSD 405

  • Beverly Doleac, Redmond, BSD educator

“I know Jane Aras will be a quality school board member. She has the background and judgement to represent the wider community, students, parents and teaching staff.”

  • Patricia Gilbert, Monroe, educator

  • BobiJo Hatch, Bellevue, school counselor

“I am honored to be able to say that I worked with Jane Aras when she was an elementary special education teacher. I was a school counselor at the time and still am. I can attest to the dedication that Jane possesses in creating opportunities for success for all students. She genuinely listens to all stakeholders, including students. She is a team player, bridge builder and was constantly working to collaborate in support of her students and their families. She is able to bring people together to create successful learning environments for students, families and the school community. As a special educator, she implemented data-driven curriculum and best practices as well as constantly thinking outside the box to meet all students' diverse needs. She 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. Our BSD school board needs a person who understands the education system and knows how to support all student needs. Jane is that person. I wholeheartedly endorse her for BSD school board.”

  • Joy Haverstick, Bellevue, educator

“Jane will bring an amazing voice to the Bellevue School District School Board. She is focused on healing, equity for all students, communication and more! Vote Jane Aras!”

  • Tessa Heady, Seattle, educator in Bellevue School District

  • Athena Jiménez, Renton, former educator

  • Patricia Johnson, Bow, former high school teacher, and one of Jane’s former teachers

“What a pleasure it is to see a former favorite student running for a school board position. Jane was an excellent student at Mount Vernon High School. She was intellectually curious, diligent, and very thoughtful. I taught Jane in several college prep classes and admired her willingness to seek beyond the obvious and strive for improvement. Jane and I kept in touch during her Gonzaga years where she also excelled. I’m pleased to endorse Jane for the Bellevue Board Position. She will listen, empathize, and move forward with the information. An excellent choice for a school board member!”

  • Erin Jones, education leader and advocate, candidate for State Superintendent of Schools, former Director of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) in the Tacoma School District, former Director of Equity and Achievement in the Federal Way School District, Former Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement

“I think Jane will make a fabulous school board member for Bellevue! She will be a fierce advocate for Bellevue students and families.” 

  • Margit Moore, educator 

  • Melinda Pederson, Bothell, educator in Bellevue School District

  • Susie Pietz, Bellevue, BSD Parent, volunteer, advocate

  • Morwenna Probert-Baker, Bellevue, educator

“I believe Jane is the perfect candidate for this position. Being a former educator herself I truly believe she understands just what our schools need. She puts the students, community, and staff at the center of her decision making. Jane is running because she cares and wants what's best for our schools and community.”

  • Rhiannon Probert-Baker, Bellevue, early childhood educator, BSD alumni

  • Sarah Reyneveld, board member Washington’s Paramount Duty

  • Maya Stevens, Bellevue, educator

“Pro- public education and Pro-Equity candidates serve BSD well. Jane knows this as an educator and community member with students in the BSD. Leading the way to a more inclusive and healthy community is why I endorse Jane Aras for BSD School Board!”

  • Jennifer Sun, Bellevue, educator and parent in Bellevue School District

  • Rachel Tochiki, Bellevue, special educator

  • Siena Traverso, Seattle, educator in Bellevue School District

“Jane Aras is deeply committed to serving all Bellevue students and amplifying the voices of those who have been sidelined in conversations about the future of our district.”

  • Tamara Truax, Shoreline, educator in Bellevue School District

“In spite of the trauma, uncertainty, and breakdown of trust and unity in the district, we are still a strong and caring community with a common goal of providing an education marked by excellence and equity. Jane has a history of finding innovative and inclusive ways to meet student and family needs by inviting a diverse array of voices into the process. She is an advocate for all students to receive the programs and support for a challenging and fulfilling education that propels them forward. Jane Aras possesses the experience and passion to repair our district community to the true partnership needed to heal and thrive.”

  • Archana Verma, Bellevue, BSD alum and parent; former Bellevue Schools Foundation trustee

  • Robyn Wells, Bellevue, Bellevue School District parent, educator and alumni

OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS

  • Karol Brown, Chair of 41st Democrats; Managing Attorney of World One Law Group

“I think Jane will make a fabulous school board member for Bellevue! She will fierce advocate for Bellevue students and families.”

  • Kathleen Friedman, PCO, 41st District 

“She cares about students They are her #1 priority. She will support the teachers in doing their job.”

  • Cathy Habib, Board Chair, Eastside Pathways at Eastside Pathways 

  • Toshiko Hasegawa, Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs 

  • Matt Kanter, Redmond, Former Chair, King County Young Democrats

  • Lori Liddle, Bellevue, 41st District Democrats, membership chair

  • Jagan Nemani, Bellevue, President - Major League Cricket Academy Seattle

“Jane is a biggest supporter of cricketing community. She is all about supporting the growth of this sport in the region and about supporting the kids/community that is involved with this sport. We support Jane's election into BSD405 board.”

  • Lisa Webber, Bellevue, chair 48th District Democrats

  • Emily Wicks, president National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington

  • Matthew Wieck, PCO, 41st District

INDIVIDUALS
*Organization affiliations for identification only

  • Jivana Aras, Bellevue, BSD high school student

  • Sharpn Bond, Bellevue

Energetic, insightful and empathic, this experienced teacher would be a valuable team member

  • Janice Bristol, Bellevue

  • Eve Chan, Bellevue

  • Wen Cui, Bellevue

  • Lauri Deaton-Grein, Bellevue

  • Malinda Elien, equity advocate, Bellevue

  • Priya Fernandes, Bellevue

  • Hanna Floss, Bellevue

“Jane is a highly qualified educator and a compassionate parent who will consider ALL students' needs when decisions are made. Jane will be a great advocate for our BSD kids!”

  • Randy Grein, Bellevue

“Jane understands education. It's more than putting time in, it's more than preparing the fast learners for an early start to college. Education is fundamental to our Democracy and the right of all children. That's important because children, people do not all think alike. They have different mental abilities and interests, and it is a teachers responsibility to educate each of them. Jane has experience teaching at all levels - special needs, gifted and the rest who are often ignored. She will bring this experience and her love of young minds to the Bellevue School Board. I urge you to support Jane and vote for her, she is far and away the best candidate for the position.”

  • Neetika Gupta, Bellevue

  • Sang Han, Bellevue

“I endorse Jane Aras based on proactivity from her supporters and also the statements I read on her website that resonates with me.”

  • Dennis Hanson, Bellevue, BSD alumni

  • Lori Hanson, Bellevue, BSD alumni

  • Humaira Jackson, Bellevue

  • Gwyneth Jones, Bellevue

“Jane Aras is the most qualified candidate for the position. Her background and dedication are exactly what we need as the board tries to rebuild families' trust.”

  • Lisa Kim, Issaquah

  • Cindy Lee, Bellevue

  • Jeani Littrell-Kwik, Bellevue

“I will vote for Jane and will encourage friends, family and neighbors to do the same. Jane has been active as a volunteer in children's activities and has advocated on behalf of students for many years. She wants what is best for young people and would make decisions that are well-researched.”

  • Romi Mahajan, Bellevue, BSD alumni

  • Sara Newman, Bellevue

  • Tina Nguyen, Bellevue, parent in BSD

“I endorse Jane Aras for the BSD board. I put several kids through the BSD system, and see Jane offering the qualities that both parents and educators need to push us through these changing times.”

  • Oswald Norton, Bellevue

“Jane is the right person with the best experience to collaborate in leading our school district forward as an inclusive district that supports children from all social, economic and cultural backgrounds.”

  • Leo Ohata, Bellevue, Associated Student Body Board Member, former robotics team captain of the Technototes

“Jane Aras promotes STEAM education as a mentor of our Sammamish High School Robotics Team. She volunteers her time after school to teach kids presentation skills, writing, and design. She doesn’t just talk the talk. She walks the walk. We need Jane Aras on the Bellevue School Board.”

  • Tyler Oshima, Bellevue, rising senior in BSD

  • Mary Peterson, Bellevue

“Jane would be a great addition to the school board. She comes with a variety of experiences from servicing on district committees, a former special education teacher, and her three kids were Bellevue School district students. She would be a valuable asset to the board.”

  • Ruth Raskind, Bellevue, BSD Parent, volunteer, advocate

  • Sonja Ross, Bellevue

  • Megan Russell, Bellevue, BSD parent

  • Tiffany Smith-Fleischman, Issaquah

  • Margie Ye, Bellevue

Add your name to Jane’s list of supporters