Plan to close 4 Seattle schools prompts pushback
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Stevens Elementary in Capitol Hill is among the schools being considered for closing. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
Parents continue to fight Seattle Public Schools' proposal to close elementary schools, even after the district reduced the number of campuses slated for possible closing from 21 to four.
Why it matters: School closings force students to relocate and have been found to hurt academic outcomes, while also disrupting surrounding neighborhoods and communities.
The latest: Several parents have launched a recall effort against Seattle School Board President Liza Rankin, citing "a rushed and improper process for closing schools" as a key reason Rankin should be removed from office.
- Rankin didn't respond to emails from Axios seeking comment Wednesday, but denied any wrongdoing in an interview with KUOW this week.
State of play: The district is holding community meetings this week and Monday to let families ask questions about the district's latest closure recommendations, which, if adopted by the school board, would shutter Stevens, Sanislo, North Beach and Sacajawea elementary schools.
- Seattle Public Schools officials estimate that each school closure could save the district between $750,000 and $2.5 million per year, helping it reduce its annual budget deficit that has grown to $94 million.
What they're saying: District officials say too many of Seattle's elementary schools — more than one-third — have fewer than 300 students, "which does not provide the desired learning environment for students, teachers and staff," per a recent district analysis.
- "By closing these four under-enrolled schools, we will start to build a stronger, more sustainable school system," Superintendent Brent Jones wrote in announcing his preliminary school closure recommendations last month.
The other side: Alex Wakeman Rouse, board co-chair of the parent group All Together for Seattle Schools, told Axios the closures won't save enough money to justify the negative effects they'll have on students and families.
- Her coalition, which she said consists of at least 200 parents, is urging school board members to vote no on the proposed school closures.
- "It's not even going to save any money, and it's going to harm student learning," said Rouse, whose coalition is separate from the group trying to recall Rankin.
- She said the school closures on the table are particularly likely to harm special education students, low-income students and students experiencing homelessness.
Between the lines: A recent poll of 613 likely Seattle voters by the left-leaning Northwest Progressive Institute found that most respondents oppose the proposed school closures.
- More than 40% of those surveyed said they'd "definitely" or "probably" vote to recall current school board members before their terms are up.
What we're watching: Rouse's group is organizing a rally ahead of next Tuesday's school board meeting, when board members are scheduled to receive an update on the closure recommendations.
- District officials say a final vote on the school closure plans is expected in January.