Betty Patu | Seattle school Board

Betty Patu has worked tirelessly for Seattle Public schools for the past 32 years and KNOWS how to be an effective VOICE for the community she serves. She is a team player and welcomes community input and involvement.
Betty Patu was the primary driving force behind keeping Rainier Beach High School open. This same commitment and drive will be replicated to the concerns of her community encouraging supporters with the same persistence to endure any challenge.
Betty Patu is responsible for having the highest number of South Pacific Islander students graduate from public school in any one year. The success of this program was recognized by Seattle Public Schools, thus creating the same model for ALL students.
Betty Patu has successfully directed award-winning educational programs recognized to increase graduation rates, grow the number of college-bound students and reduce gang violence.
Betty Patu is extraordinarily active in her community. She is a current board member at Rainier Beach Community Empowerment Coalition, Past President of Asian Counseling Referral Services (ACRS) Vice President of Rainier Beach Foundation, Past Vice President, Rainier Beach Parent, Teachers, Students Association (PTSA) and Founder/President, Islanders Children & Youth Services (ICYS).
Over the past two decades, Betty Patu has been honored with numerous awards, including the Asian Pacific Women's Caucus, "Warrior in Education" Award, Patty Murray "tennis shoe" award, the Governor's Volunteer Award, the Mayor's Volunteer Award and the Big Sister "Role Model" Award.
Betty Patu believes in the safety of all our children. She proved that by asking a young man who was holding up a classroom to surrender his gun to her. Her method of treating all children with respect and making sure that each one of them are provided an equitable and quality education.
Betty Patu has focused on helping students make-up failing credits and dedicated her life to reducing cross-cultural tensions. Many at-risk students now come back to school to complete their education and graduate with their diplomas thanks to Betty Patu.
Betty Patu believes the District needs to focus more on working with parents, communities, and businesses to bring about the respect that students need for teachers, faculty and for themselves. It takes a village...
Endorsed by: YOU - Parents, Students and Communities!