SEATTLE — After months of a public pressure campaign against Seattle Public Schools' proposal to close and consolidate schools, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announced he intends to "reconsider the preliminary recommendation" that would close four SPS elementary schools: North Beach, Sacajawea, Sanislo and Stevens.
The proposed closures are part of the district's plan to address a $94 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year. That, too, has come under fire from angry parents. Citing an independent budget analysis, they say closing the schools would likely save an estimated $1.2 to $1.6 million, or 1.3% to 1.7% of the budget deficit. SPS estimated closing the four schools would save $5.57 million, 6% of the budget deficit. Either way, those against the closures argued the amount of money saved didn't make sense for how disruptive it would be to families and students.
Other measures included in the proposal to address the deficit included lobbying lawmakers in Olympia for more money, laying off central office staff, changing school bell times to run more bus routes with fewer buses, and renewing two levies in 2025.
At Tuesday's school board meeting, more than two dozen people spoke against the proposal. Many, through emotional testimony, shared how these schools have been lifelines for them and their families.
At the end of public comments, Board President Liza Rankin tearfully addressed the crowd. She made it clear: they, like community members, feel they've been left in the dark about the proposed plan.
"Your questions haven't been answered. Our questions haven't been answered," she said. "I can't see how the plan we have right now is in alignment with any of the things we've asked for. I'm not saying we don't need to consider consolidation still. I'm just saying I can't imagine where everybody feels good voting yes in January with what we have now."
Many in the community have said they want to be included in decisions for closing and consolidating. In the meeting, public commenters highlighted the good work their respective schools were doing for students. Rankin specifically mentioned Sacajawea Elementary. She said because of historic segregation, many children with learning disabilities were forced to go to that school. Because of that, it's become one of the most intentionally inclusive schools in the district. Rankin said things like that make schools special, not the buildings. She and others want the superintendent to put forth a proposal that would show how they plan to continue on the culture and programs for any school they plan to close.
Jones hasn't announced when he plans to reconsider the current recommendations.