Turnover in store for Seattle board

As he talked about Tuesday's election results, Seattle School Board President Michael DeBell had a realization. With Cheryl Chow's decision not to run, and Mary Bass trailing, he likely soon will have more experience than any of his colleagues.

"I can't believe I may be the board's senior member," he said. If Bass loses, he said, that's "definitely continuing the pattern of lots of turnover on the Seattle School Board."

DeBell, running unopposed, won a second four-year term. But Bass, who has been on the board for eight years, is losing her bid for a third term to challenger Kay Smith-Blum.

Retired educator Betty Patu won the seat now held by Chow, who has been on the board as long as DeBell. Patu defeated research scientist Wilson Chin.

Bass and Chin weren't ready to concede Wednesday — although they both acknowledged their chances of winning were small.

"I would like folks to know it's been absolutely wonderful serving on behalf of the students and families in Seattle," said Bass.

Change on the board may not be bad. Many say the arrival of four newcomers in 2007 brought an end to a dysfunctional period marred by conflict. But new board members always bring new dynamics, and some say it's too early to tell what those will be.

Smith-Blum, a longtime clothing-store owner and school volunteer, focused her campaign on the need for change, and has a long list of proposals — everything from ramping up foreign-language instruction to extending the school day.

"I'm darn excited about what we can do,"she said Tuesday. "I know that I am one of seven. I also know that I'm a newbie, and there are five other people on that board who have been there for two years at a minimum.

"I know there's a lot of information I don't know yet ... but I really have worked hard in the past 4 ½ months to be on top of as many issues as I could possibly be.

Patu was eager to start work, too, saying she wanted to unite the board in an effort to ensure a quality education for all students.

Some school-district observers said Wednesday that they'll miss Bass' presence on the board.

The Central Area has lost a critical voice, said George Griffin of the nonprofit Alliance for Education.

DeBell said he's grateful for his time working with Bass, praising her nonideological approach to many issues.

Still, he said, he welcomes the energy the new board members will bring.

Smith-Blum, he said, will find that the district already has an agenda of its own.

"It won't be easy to squeeze lots of new ideas into that existing work ... but I welcome her ideas and discussions about how we can address some of them."

Linda Shaw: 206-464-2359 or lshaw@seattletimes.com