Frisco

These Seattle schools could be closed due to new consolidation proposals

Bronwen Cerys September 12, 2024

LOS ANGELES — Seattle Public Schools on Wednesday announced two school consolidation plans the district is considering.

SPS has launched a new, well-resourced school website showcasing the two consolidation plans. The district also noted that each plan will help ensure their schools are right-sized and have the resources needed to help students succeed from preschool through fifth grade.

The two consolidation plans mentioned above are listed below:

Proposed Option A: Operates 52 elementary schools in its service area. This option closes 21 elementary schools and schools in grades K-8. Under this proposed plan, the district would save approximately $31.5 million, according to SPS.
Proposed Option B: Operates 56 schools, including elementary schools in the catchment area and one K-8 school per region. This option closes 17 schools. Under this proposed plan, the district would save about $25.5 million, according to SPS.

Under Option A, the following 21 schools would be closed: Licton Springs (K-8), Salmon Bay (K-8), North Beach, Broadview-Thomson (K-8), Green Lake, Decatur, Sacajawea, Cedar Park, Laurelhurst, Catharine Blaine (K-8), John Hay , McGilvra, Stevens, TOPS (K-8), Orca (K-8), Graham Hill, Dunlap, Rainier View, Lafayette, Boren STEM (K-8) and Sanislo.

In the proposed Option A, students in grades 6 through 8 who currently attend elementary schools will be educated at middle schools in their catchment area, according to SPS. The district also noted that Option A includes transitioning to elementary schools in their catchment area.

Under Option B, the following 17 schools would be closed:Licton Springs (K-8), North Beach, Broadview-Thomson (K-8), Green Lake, Decatur, Cedar Park, Laurelhurst, Catharine Blaine (K-8), John Hay, McGilvra, Stevens, Thurgood Marshall, Orca ( K-8), Graham Hill, Rainier View, Louisa Boren (K-8), and Sanislo.

In the proposed Option B, the plan will maintain one K-8 option in each region, according to SPS. The plan also calls for budget reductions through other strategies, including staff reductions, according to SPS.

“At SPS, we want to create a school system that is sustainable and healthy,” said Marni Campbell, well-resourced schools commissioner. “Our well-resourced schools plan will enable all SPS students to receive a world-class education in their neighborhood schools that meets their diverse needs.”

SPS said the website will allow visitors to see the details of each plan, including which schools in which region are being considered for consolidation. The website will also include the criteria considered in making those decisions, such as building conditions, learning environments, school capacity and enrollment trends.

SPS also said they are planning a series of community meetings so that everyone has a chance to understand the proposals and provide feedback. Below are the key dates SPS has announced for a series of upcoming meetings:

For more information about well-resourced schools, visit the Seattle Public Schools website.