Last week, West Seattle School Director Irene Stewart said she would not seek a second term on the Seattle School Board.

Within moments, West Seattle businessman Steve Sundquist said he will run for Stewart's district 6 position.

Both said the decisions were made individually, but Sundquist and Stewart did communicate before each made their announcement. Stewart said she decided she needed more time to do other things and Sundquist said he had the time to take on the heavy duties of school director.

Stewart says she is choosing instead to advocate for public schools as a private person. Stewart was elected in 2003 to represent West Seattle and South Park. Directors are elected by district in the primary and citywide in the general election.

"I have accomplished much of what I intended to achieve when I ran for the school board four years ago," Stewart said. "At that time, there was little accountability for student, staff or administrative performance, no reserve fund, a bleak financial outlook, infrequent program evaluations, and little academic progress.

"Now, the district's financial management systems are sound. We have restored $26 million in reserve funds. Student performance data guides decision-making. School-based teams interview prospective principals. Program evaluations are underway. And, last (week), the board unanimously approved a contract with a new superintendent, an educator and leader who will provide rigorous academic programs and services to meet the needs of Seattle students.

"I want to return to community advocacy for public education and generate resources for school programs, including arts education."

She said she "fully support our new superintendent, Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson," will be working with her as she begins her tenure in July.

"Under Dr. Goodloe-Johnson's leadership, I have confidence that Seattle Public Schools will go from good to great," Steward said.

Stewart's term ends in late November. She noted directors serve as volunteers. Stewart works for the City of Seattle as director of the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens, a unit of the Human Services Department. She has two children - a freshman at Chief Sealth High School and a senior at West Seattle High School who will attend Johns Hopkins University in September.

Sundquist, 51, is a West Seattle resident and a parent.

"I believe every Seattle child deserves a quality education and the opportunity to succeed," said Sundquist in his announcement.

"We're incredibly fortunate to live in a city that strongly supports our public schools," he said, citing the overwhelming support for the recent Operations Levy and Capital Bond.

"But it's clear, parents and the public have increasingly lost confidence in the school board and its leadership. It's time for effective, new leadership. It's time to come together to bring strategic focus, a strong academic program for all schools, team play, and long-term fiscal health and accountability to the District. That's why I'm running."

Sundquist has served as managing director of national accounts, and chief information officer, for Russell Investment Group.

He retired from Russell in 2005. Now, he serves as chairman of the board for Climate Solutions, a global warming research and advocacy organization. He is also director of ONE/Northwest, a non-profit that helps environmental organizations influence critical decisions through the strategic use of IT-based tools and strategies for communicating and building relationships.

"I'm at a place in my life where I'm committed to devoting time and energy to my passions, and quality education for all our kids is a top priority for me," he said Sundquist. "My wife Liann and I have been inspired by the dedicated teachers and education our children have received as we've followed them through Pathfinder Elementary, Salmon Bay and now Chief Sealth High School. I look forward to meeting voters and earning their trust, so I can provide my experience and leadership on their behalf to Seattle schools that are continuing to help my own children realize their unique potential."