Improvement comes to the Seattle School Board

THE third time apparently is a charm. Voters tired of believing Seattle School Board member Mary Bass' good intentions would amount to anything voted her out.

Two terms — eight years — was enough.

There is more than a hint of voter pragmatism in retailer Kay Smith-Blum's crushing victory over Bass. This race, more than the two other board races, underscored the depth to which apathy about the city schools has been replaced by intense interest and a refusal to settle for lackluster political representation.

Smith-Blum's considerable energy and experience raising money for various school programs won't relieve her of the considerable homework involved in learning education policy.

Retired administrator Betty Patu joins Smith-Blum as the board's newcomers. Board member Michael DeBell's second term should include the same emphasis on strong leadership and consensus building.

The board's rookies must get up to speed quickly. A strong work ethic and ability to ask the right questions goes without saying.

The stakes are high. The well-documented need for education reform is overshadowed by inadequate state funding and uncertain federal support. The achievements of the current board — reopening buildings, new school boundaries and shifting academic programs — must continue smoothly with the help of Smith-Blum and Patu.

Board members must balance the interests of the district's 90-some schools against an intimate understanding of the needs of their own communities. They must be at once powerful advocates for their district and for schools citywide.

Another balance is challenging, and working with district staff and board colleagues. This board cannot afford four more years of good intentions. Everyone must participate in improving schools.