(The Center Square) – Seattle Public Schools may not go through with a proposed plan to close four schools despite looming budget challenges.
The school district is facing a structural deficit of $90 million to $100 million in the upcoming school year.
Late last month, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Brent Jones presented his preliminary recommendation for school closures next year. Four schools were set for closure: North Beach Elementary, Sacajawea Elementary, Stevens Elementary and Sanislo Elementary.
Seattle Public Schools was initially considering closing 17 to 21 schools, which would have saved the district approximately $30 million. That would have left an estimated gap of around $70 million for the district to address after consolidations.
However, pushback from the community has led to the district considering alternative ways to close the structural deficit.
On Tuesday, Jones said he was considering pulling his preliminary recommendation for his “well-resourced schools” plan as a result.
“It is now clear that that direction is shifting and I am withdrawing my preliminary recommendation,” Jones said at a Tuesday night Seattle Public Schools Board meeting. “I will need to give it more consideration as to when it would come back, if it does.”
Applause was heard from those in attendance.
Right before this announcement from Jones, school board members shared their frustrations with the proposed school closures.
Seattle Public School Board President Liza Rankin was visibly emotional after the public comment period when parents spoke out against the proposed school closures. She said consolidation of schools is still an option the district board still may need to consider, but added that she “can’t imagine we get to the place where everybody feels good about voting ‘yes’ in January with what we have now.”
School Board Director Michelle Sarju predicted a grim future for the district.
“What’s about to come after January 20, 2025, is going to be devastating to this district, because we actually didn’t do our work that we needed to do before that,” Sarju said. “We’re not trying to break up communities; what we’re trying to do is save a system for all of your kids.”
Jones said the district has some assets to help solve the issue.
First, Seattle Public Schools does have $30 million in flexibility from the repayment of its capital loan program.
Second, the district is seeking $40 million in state funding. Jones said there have been productive discussions with members of the Legislature to secure that funding.
Lastly, the Seattle Public Schools Board is looking at $30 million in internal savings.
Jones also mentioned that the board is looking to authorize the placement of levies in front of voters in order to secure long-term financial stability for the district. That motion may come next month.
