SEATTLE — Hundreds of Seattle families are fighting to keep their children's schools open, including parents at North Beach Elementary which the district is now considering shutting down for the second time.
"We feel like our school is special to us, it's amazing,” said Jennifer Markovitz, the North Beach Elementary PTA president. “But I'm guessing that every school that is on both of these closure lists feels that same way."
It's a sentiment felt by hundreds of Seattle Public School families that received an email last week their child's school is on a potential closure list.
"It's been a real roller coaster, lots of uncertainty for our families,” said Markovitz. “Lots of anxiety for our kids and staff and it's been really hard."
There are two proposed plans from the Seattle schools district, one that could close 21 schools or 17 schools.
According to the district, the criteria it used for these choices are based on building conditions, learning environments, capacity and enrollment. On both of those proposed plans is North Beach Elementary School, which is where Markovitz's kids attend.
"What can we do and how can we fight this and how can we fight for not just our kids but all kids in Seattle Public Schools," said Markovitz.
Markovitz is now teaming up with other parents in the district. Launching a new website called "Fund SPS." She's urging parents to reach out to their school board directors and state legislators.
"We do not accept this plan,” said Markovitz. “This is not the solution to fund our schools. And that they need to go back to the drawing board."
A board that's written off this school before.
"Is a business plan more important than a community?" asked Liz Moore, asking SPS the same question she asked nearly 20 years ago when her son was going to North Beach. In 2005 the district was considering closing it, also due to budget shortfalls.
But Moore said she and other parents rallied together and helped raise more than $70,000 to enhance the school's programs and facilities.
"I think it's tragedy for any community elementary school to close, because community elementary schools bring everyone together," said Moore.
And for some families, hope for a brighter future. "I am feeling hopeful,” said Markovtitz. “Yeah, I think we can tell the district this is not acceptable."
The superintendent will announce preliminary recommendations in October with a final vote in December.