Update from Seattle Public Schools on Capacity Management and Building Closures

Dear Seattle Public Schools families and community members:

Thank you for your interest in Seattle Public Schools’ work on capacity management and building closures. On October 29, the School Board voted unanimously to accelerate the capacity management process, which is one of the five key focus areas for this year as we implement Excellence for All, our Strategic Plan.

School Board Opinion Editorial. On Monday, November 3, the Seattle Times published an opinion editorial by the School Board that sets out the context for capacity management and building closures.

Guidelines and Timeline. At the School Board’s meeting on November 12, Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson announced the guidelines and foundational questions that will be applied as buildings are considered for closure or repurposing. Guidelines include building condition, lot size, cost per pupil, proximity and academic performance. These guidelines will be evaluated in the context of several foundational questions that focus on opportunities to strengthen programs and increase equity of access to programs across the district. The timeline for the building closure process was also confirmed. Preliminary recommendations will be presented by the Superintendent and discussed by the board at a 6:00 p.m. School Board Workshop at the John Stanford Center. The School Board is scheduled to vote on the final recommendation on January 29.

Updated FAQ. The Frequently Asked Questions document has been updated to include additional questions asked by staff and community. We will continue to add information throughout the process. The Capacity Management Web site has also been reorganized to include “Quick Links” and additional information.

Community Meeting Dates. Two community meetings will provide an opportunity to consult with community members on the preliminary recommendations. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, December 4, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, 2445 3rd Avenue South. A second meeting will be held on Saturday, December 6, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Filipino Hall, 5740 Martin Luther King Way.

How to Be Involved. Family and community feedback is vital as we move forward with capacity management and building closures. There are many ways to get information and to be involved. These include email, web postings, e-newsletters, community meetings, public hearings, and public testimony at School Board meetings.

Thank you for your interest.

Office of Communications
Seattle Public Schools