School Closures

Why is SPS Proposing School Closures?

Seattle Public Schools is currently facing a $104M budget deficit for the 2024-25 school year, and predicts an additional $94M deficit for 2025-26. Due to declining enrollment, the average utilization of SPS K-5 schools is currently 65%, and many schools lack programs such as art and music. Under SPS’s “well resourced school” plan, they intend to close 17-21 of the 73 total schools that serve K-5 students, and redistrict the others so that this utilization increases to 85% per school. On September 11, 2024, SPS announced their two proposals regarding closures. Licton Springs K-8 is on the closure list in both proposals.

What is SPS’s Well-Resourced Schools Plan?

According to the district, “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.” [SPS well resourced schools initiative]

The district’s Well-Resourced Frequently Asked Questions page is a good place to learn more about the SPS budget, classroom sizes, why the district doesn’t sell property, etc.

Key Dates for Seattle Public School Families

  
    Sept. 11
    SPS released (2) proposals regarding school closures
  
    Sept. 18
    School Board Regular Meeting @ 4:15 PM *
  
    Sept. 24
    Online info session on the 2 options
  
    Sept. 25 - Oct.8
    In-person meetings in each region for families, staff and the community, along with separate SPS staff meetings
  
    Oct. 9
    School Board Regular Meeting @ 4:15 PM *
  
    October [mid-late]
    Superintendent will announce the preliminary recommendation
  
    November
    Public hearings will be held on each proposal
  
    Nov. 19
    School Board Regular Meeting @ 4:15 PM *
  
    December
    School board will vote before winter break
  
    Dec. 18
    School Board Regular Meeting @ 4:15 PM *

School Board Meetings

Calendar & Info [link]
School Board Meetings can be viewed on youtube live [link]
Public Testimony info [link]

* Generally take sign-ups for the public testimony list starting at 8 AM on the MONDAY before regular Board meetings and continue until 12 PM on the TUESDAY before the meeting.

Sign Up for Public Testimony [link]

Get Connected

All Together for Seattle Schools

Parent led coalition [link]
Lists ways we can take action (writing an op-ed, volunteer, share, etc)
Great resources list

Sign their Sign-on letter to the SPS board [link]
Read All Together’s Better Path Forward

Additional Resources and Connections

Seattle Schools Community Forum https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/
Facebook Groups: Future of Seattle Schools and Soup for Teachers 2.0
Submit requested feedback to the Seattle TImes: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/tell-us-your-thoughts-on-the-proposed-seattle-elementary-school-closures/
Seattle Hall Pass Podcast S2E3 There IS a List(s)
We will post community events on our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/B7K3ghct9BpD4gh1/?mibextid=WC7FNe