SEATTLE — Hundreds of families throughout Seattle Public Schools (SPS) are thankful during this holiday weekend after the district announced it would no longer be closing or consolidating schools next year.
One of the schools saved is North Beach Elementary, which was also under consideration for closure due to a budget shortfall nearly 20 years ago.
"For months we've been really fighting and petitioning to keep our school open so it really is a sigh of relief," said Maisie Antoniello.
Maisie Antoniello’s two sons go to North Beach.
"I think closing schools should be the last resort," said Antoniello.
North Beach was one of four schools still on the chopping block. After an initial proposal in September that would close 21 schools. But now three months later, the district said it'll look to "legislative and levy renewal advocacy" to address its budget issues.
"A school is so much more than a building,” said Antoniello. “It really is about a community, teachers, students and families altogether make it special. Create the secret sauce if you will."
This isn't the first time North Beach has been on the brink of closure. In 2005, the district was also considering closing it due to budget shortfalls. History is repeating itself, however, and North Beach and other SPS schools on the verge of closing will remain open for at least another school year.
"I'm just so grateful that we have another year here,” said Antoniello. “Hopefully this is just the beginning of a long chapter to make sure that kids are really well educated, and communities continue to thrive."