The union that represents 5,000 Seattle public school teachers and staff members has endorsed Cary Moon for mayor.
The Seattle Education Association endorsement is the latest in the ongoing split among labor unions in the mayor's race. Most unions, including the prominent Service Employees International Union Local 775, have endorsed former U.S. attorney Jenny Durkan. Others, like United Food and Commercial Workers Local 21, are backing Moon.
In announcing the endorsement today, SEA Vice President and elementary school teacher Michael Tamayo said Seattle teachers face classroom overcrowding, difficulty keeping up with rent increases, and an opportunity gap among students. Tamayo said Moon would "bring a fresh approach to tackling these critical issues in our city."
"She'll ensure that city levy funds will go directly to serve K-12 students and staff in our schools," Tamayo said. Moon's opponent Jenny Durkan has said she would consider tapping that levy to fund community college.
In her education platform, Moon opposes that idea but says the city should "re-prioritize funding for crucial social services that low-income and homeless students need to succeed, including social workers, family support, school nurses, and mental health counselors."
