I am running for the Seattle School Board to raise standards, improve academic achievement for all students, and focus on turning around struggling school so that all children - in all neighborhoods - get the quality education they deserve. I know how our schools work and believe I have the experience that's needed on the board.

A letter to the editor last week raised questions about endorsements, recommendations and ratings that I am proud to have earned as a candidate for Seattle School Board. Newspapers and some organizations endorse, while many civic organizations make recommendations and still others evaluate candidates and offer their unique ratings.

To be clear, I have earned endorsements from The Seattle Times in the general election (sole) and primary, The Stranger in the general election (sole) and primary, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in the primary.

The following organizations have endorsed my candidacy: NW Progressive Institute (primary, general pending); 34th Democrats; 43rd Democrats; 46th Democrats; and the Alki Foundation recommended my candidacy to voters.

The Municipal League of King County rated me "Very Good: Makes significant contributions, is a skilled builder of consensus, inspires confidence in the way he/she would serve, is thorough and attentive to issues." Women in Unity, an African-American Women's advocacy non-profit rated me "Very Good" and Seattle Metropolitan Elections Committee gave me their "Meets Expectations" rating.

The endorsements, recommendations, and ratings are clearly identified on my homepage at www.sundquist4schools.com along with links to many of the endorsements for readers to review for themselves. A complete list of Seattle education leaders, advocates and citizens who have given their endorsements can also found on my Webpage.

While these evaluations are helpful and greatly appreciated, you - the voters - are the ones who count. I was proud to win 53 percent support in the District 6 primary among five candidates. In the general election, all Seattle voters will decide based upon issue positions, experience and our vision for Seattle Public Schools. I hope to earn your vote on election day.

Steve Sundquist

Candidate

Seattle School Board