School Closures and Consolidation
Superintendent’s Preliminary Recommendation for Closures and Consolidation
- School Closures and Consolidations – Published Analysis for Review
- School Closures and Consolidations – Additional Analysis – updated Nov. 4, 2024
Watch the Nov. 14 Community Meeting
The district hosted a community meeting on Nov. 14. SPS leaders shared information on the decision-making process. Watch the Nov. 14 community meeting recording below.
Closures and Consolidation Updates
Seattle Public Schools will begin formal public hearings in December. The hearings will give the community a chance to weigh in on the preliminary closures and consolidations plan. Hearings start at 6:30 p.m. and are scheduled for:
- Dec. 4: Sanislo Elementary, 1812 SW Myrtle Ave.
- Dec. 5: North Beach Elementary, 9018 24th Ave. NW
- Dec. 9: Sacajawea Elementary, 9501 20th Ave. NE
- Dec. 10: Stevens Elementary, 1242 18th Ave. E
Our budget challenge, our path forward, efforts to increase enrollment, building a sustainable future
Oct. 24, 2024 Budget Updates and Next Steps
A revised proposal that will support addressing the budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year.
Oct. 1, 2024 Family LetterFAQ 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.
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.
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 – December 2024
Public Review, Engagement and Hearings
December 2024 – January 2025