Two School Board Directors To Leave District, Learn How To Run, April 19th Informational Session

Siri Bliesner, President of the School Board will not run for office November, 2023. She lives in Redmond within District #5.  Will she run for a City of Redmond Council member seat?  It's anyone's guess. 

Eric Laliberte, District #1 is running for re-election, though the seat is open to challengers.  Mr. Laliberte performed invaluable service while directing the Board during the pandemic.  District #1 encompasses Juanita and parts of Kirkland. 

Chris Carlson, a longtime board member will not run for office in November, 2023 as well. He represents District #2 which encompasses the Bridle Trails and Lake Sammamish areas. 

The School Board is holding an informational session on April 19th, 6-7 PM at LWSD Resource Center "to share information on what it means to be a Board Member." Board members must live in the District they would be representing. This "session" will be a good opportunity for prospective candidates to learn if they live in District #2, or #5.

District Map

Questions?  boardmembers@lwsd.org

Bob Yoder, opinion, 4/14/2023

Community Favorite Janet Richards Is Running For City Council

 

Janet Richards canvassing with her daughter, Mayor Birney, LWSD Director Bliesner,
County Council Representative Balducci and countless other supporters.

Meet Janet Richards

I am running for Redmond City Council (Position 2) as a voice for everyone, but specifically the voices that are all too often not included in our traditional methods of engaging the community.

Community service has been a lifelong passion of mine. I find understanding the unique journey of individuals eliminates false assumptions and opens the door to connection, enabling all to work in a manner that honors each person.

I believe a city council member should work with everyone, regardless of political party. This allows me to facilitate the challenging conversations necessary to impact the lives of people in our community. As a volunteer, mother, and professional in the high-tech industry, I understand our community and will continue to listen.

As Human Services Commissioner, I worked to prioritize funding to ensure community members in need receive necessary support. I was also an active, early member of the Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT) to advocate for the concerns of the BIPOC community. At Seattle Children’s, I led increasing the Diversity of the Family Advisory Council and was the only non-hospital employee included in the task force to update the hospital’s security policies to be more equitable.

The next four years will transform our city into a major transportation hub. I will work to ensure that we retain the unique charm of Redmond, while safely and equitably welcoming the new opportunities and diverse people this will bring.

I live in the Overlake neighborhood with my husband Colin, two children (with an older child living overseas), and rescue dogs Frodo and Winter.

My Experience

• Redmond City Human Services Commissioner, Vice Chair
• Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT)
• Seattle Children’s Hospital Family Advisory, Council Co-Chair
• Seattle Children's Hospital Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council (HEDI) member
• Right to Breathe Association, Leadership Team
• Microsoft, 22 years, Business Program Manager
• Microsoft, 6 years, Project Management Consultant

Education

BA Theology and Management Information Systems, Ambassador University

Learn More

Learn more about Janet's priorities for the City of Redmond. 

School Board approves interim construction financing for STEM, Redmond and Eastlake High Schools

Aerial update of STEM Project Site (April, 2012)

UPDATED:  The School board meeting this Monday was better attended by bond salesmen than citizens, as the board held a Hearing to approve two capital bond transactions, keeping STEM, Redmond High, and Eastlake High construction at running at full throttle.

One of the transactions, a $34 million LGO Bond sale, raised cash to cover short-term construction needs until the voter-approved "2012-2017 $65 million Capital Levy" dollars can catch up. The second board action raised $25 million from an aging  "2006 Eight-Year $436 million Capital Bond."  According to Barb Posthumus, district Business Services Manager,  a balance of $11 million remains of the original $436 million Bond.  

LGO's are "Limited Government Obligation" bonds and are non-voter approved.  Read More >>