BELLEVUE, Wash. — A grassroots effort is growing with more parents pushing back on the idea of consolidating public schools.
Across Bellevue, "No More School Closures" signs are popping up at intersections and at the local library, where parents spent Friday morning planning.
"We organized a meetup for Bellevue parents to come here and share their concerns and their opinion,” said Suhani Agrawal, a Bellevue School District parent.
Parents in Bellevue are doing that because consolidating more schools is under consideration. The district already decided earlier this year to consolidate two elementary schools because of a $31 million deficit. Now families at middle schools in Bellevue are hoping they won't be next.
"Can you look for those cuts elsewhere in your budget?” asked Agrawal. “Cut back on your non-instructional staff.”
Agrawal has a student at Odle Middle School, and has been part of the effort, making posters and having a presence at school board meetings.
At Thursday night’s meeting, Dr. Kelly Aramaki, the district's superintendent, said school funding is tied to enrollment and enrollment is down.
"We don't get enough resources from the state in order to fund everything we need in a public school system,” said Dr. Aramaki.
It is not just public schools in Bellevue. Several districts across the state are having similar conversations, including in Seattle, where the superintendent says the district will have to make tough choices.
"Our resources must match our revenue,” Dr. Brent Jones said in a video posted on the district’s website.
Seattle Public Schools is facing a significant projected budget deficit, and it is also an issue in Olympia where the district is weighing possible school closures.
"Before we even think about closing a school, can we work together to have some alternative,” asked Ru Sheng, a Bellevue School District parent.
With the district's final decision still months away, parents are taking action now.
"By voicing our concerns, by sharing our opinions, I think that it would make a difference. It would help parents have a seat at the table,” said Agrawal.