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The Seattle School Board president wakes up in a small West Seattle home where a cotton-ball-shaped Christmas tree stands in the front window, twinkling with rainbow lights. A silver menorah decorated with leaves sits on the mantel. Two large cats, Costa and Scout, roam the halls, which are lined with framed artwork made by the board president’s daughter. Outside, the sky is dim, gray and steaming with mist.

Gina Topp, 36, has a daughter who will

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