SEATTLE — The list of approximately 20 schools that will be closed in the Seattle Public Schools District won't be released until the start of the 2024-25 school year.
In a letter to families, Superintendent Dr. Brent C. Jones said that instead of releasing the list at Wednesday's school board meeting, the board will take more time to hear comments and concerns from families.
The proposal to consolidate the district's 70 elementary schools down to 50 schools was first announced in early May. It was part of the district's Well-Resourced School plan, which aims to "provide sustainable and equitable access to services and programs for all our students."
The scheduled board meeting will still be held on Wednesday, but officials will present more information about the plan to families, including what is guiding the decision, precise enrollment data and details on school building condition assessments. There will also be an opportunity for public comment.
According to Jones, the board will hear more input from the community through the summer and early fall. Then, there will be an official vote on the plan before winter break in December.
If approved, the proposed changes would go into effect during the 2025-26 school year.
This proposed consolidation plan comes as Seattle Public Schools is seeing low enrollment and a projected $105 million budget shortfall.
The district’s website states that as of October 2023, the average elementary school enrollment is 317 students. It said there are 29 elementary and K through 8 schools with fewer than 300 students. The district said the ideal size of an elementary school is approximately 450-600 students.