Well-Resourced Schools at Seattle Public Schools
Learn more about our work to build a System of Well-Resourced Schools
In June 2023, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) launched a community-wide initiative to create a system of well-resourced schools. This effort was in response to a significant budget deficit and declining student enrollment.
Our goal is to stabilize the SPS budget and match the number of students with the appropriate number of schools. Ultimately, we want to ensure that every student is prepared for college, career, and life.
Find the proposals including names of schools being considered for closure or consolidation
What would it look like if this initiative ensured educational and racial equity and access for every student?
What is the Well-Resourced School Initiative?
Our goal is that every school in our district will uphold our community’s values and offer a comprehensive education to prepare students for lifelong success. A well-resourced school is a central hub for students, families, staff, and community.
A well-resourced elementary school has everything it needs to help students learn and succeed, including learning tools and materials, as well as teachers and staff who care about students’ well-being and success.
Because SPS operates more than 70 schools serving our youngest students, the recommendations focus on the schools that serve students in preschool through 5th grade, this includes elementary and K-8 schools.
104 Total Schools
Seattle Public Schools has 73 schools that serve our preschool-5th grade students
Twenty-nine of our elementary schools serve less than 300 students.
See how school sizes compare in school districts in the greater Puget Sound region.
Our main goal is to make sure students get a great education, even when we face challenges.
Well-resourced schools is our path to deliver a future where every student attends a thriving school, our educators have what they need to succeed, and our community grows stronger.
Read more about our goal and vision
A system of well-resourced schools provides many benefits including more resources and fewer staffing adjustments.
Learn more about the SPS budget and enrollment projections
The community vision will provide a foundation to frame challenges and opportunities for SPS in the coming years.
Learn more about engagement and community visionTimeline
We will continue to work to prioritize inclusive and high-quality education for our students. We are approaching these decisions in a thoughtful way to ensure we minimize negative impacts on student learning.
2020-21 and 2021-22
Challenge Identified
Significant budget gap related to portfolio of schools
2021-22 and 2022-23
Opportunity Emerges
Well-Resourced Schools Vision 2030
Summer – Fall 2023
Community Meetings
Online and in-person regional community gatherings focused on defining a well-resourced school
December 2023
Board Charge to Develop Models
Spring 2024
Proposed Options Developed
Models developed with racial and educational equity and excellence focus
Spring 2024
Community Meetings
September 2024
Public Announcement with Proposed Options
October 2024
Superintendent Preliminary Recommendation
October – November 2024
Public Review and Hearings
November – December 2024
Superintendent Final Recommendation and Board Action
FAQ and Submit Question and Feedback
The district has a $1.2 billion budget. Closing a school to save $750,000 to $2.5 million doesn’t seem like it would make a big difference. Aren’t there better ways to cover the deficit?
One alternative to closing schools would be to have less staff at each individual school. This would mean further reducing school staff — assistant principals, librarians, counselors, social workers, instructional aides, custodians, maintenance workers, security personnel, grounds staff, — and/or reducing the number of teachers by increasing class sizes.
