Seattle superintendent says he may withdraw school closing proposal
Seattle Schools Superintendent Brent Jones says he is considering whether to withdraw a proposal to close four elementary schools.
The Seattle Times reports that the proposed closure would help the district close a budget gap that it estimates at $94 million.
Jones didn’t announce any final decisions, but said “it is now clear that that direction is shifting and I am considering withdrawing my preliminary recommendation.” The superintendent said he needs more time to consider “when it comes back, if it does.”
The district has scheduled public hearings for the closure plan in December and set a school board vote for late January.
The proposal calls for closing Sanislo, North Beach, Stevens and Sacajawea elementary schools and consolidating them with Highland Park, Viewlands, Montlake and John Rogers, respectively.
If the public hearings are ultimately postponed, it will mark the second time the district has retreated from closure plans this school year.
The district said in May that it was looking at closing as many as 20 elementary schools to address enrollment declines and reduce a budget shortfall.
In September, Jones offered two closure proposals, one of which called for closing up to 21 schools. He ditched the proposals amid questions about their viability from the public and the school board.
Parents at the schools slated for closure have expressed their dissatisfaction: On Tuesday, about 80 protesters gathered before the Seattle School Board meeting to rally against the district’s plan.
