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SPS Consolidations and Closures- What We Know.
Fri, Oct 4 10:03am

Seattle Public Schools Consolidations and Closure Update

 

On October 1st Seattle Public Schools announced a trimmed down closure and consolidation proposal from up to 21 schools to about 5. Thank you all for taking the time to spread the word about Fund SPS and write letters to the School Board and State Legislators. Our advocacy is working! 

While we celebrate the success of the diminished scale of school closures and wait for the district's updated closure plans it is important to note that our fight is far from over. The FundSPS committee believes that any school closures or cuts to classrooms are detrimental to our students’ education. Let us continue to be loud to the District about closure plans and to our Legislators to fully fund education!

 

What We Know:

  • SPS is proposing five schools for consolidations for the 25-26 school year.
  • K-8 and Option Schools are not being considered for consolidations
    • North Beach Elementary is the only attendance area school in the NW region that was on the larger proposed school consolidation lists. 
  • Selection of the five schools is based off of the following criteria:
    • Building condition: Physical building safety and health levels  
    • Learning environment: Facility’s design in support of all types of learning
    • Analyzing enrollment and capacity: Facility’s ability to hold 400+ students, including space for intensive IEP services and preschool classrooms 
    • Minimizing disruption for students and staff: Facility’s ability to keep as many students and families together as possible 
    • Maintaining student access to specialized service models: Facility’s ability to house the resources students need to thrive  
  • Closing five schools will not have a significant impact on the District’s massive budget shortfall. 

What We Don’t Know:

  • When the District will make their announcement. According to the October 1st announcement recommendations will be made “by the end of October”.
  • How the School Board will vote. The School Board has the ultimate authority to deny or approve the District’s recommendations.
  • What schools will be listed for closure and consolidation. 
  • What the District’s plan is to create “Well-Resourced Schools”. 
  • What impact closures and consolidations will have to neighboring school communities. 

Next steps:

SPS will share plans with the School Board by the end of October. We can then gather as a community at our November PTA meeting to discuss strategies and community priorities. 

What can we do while we wait?