Seattle Public Schools closures: What happens next

Seattle Public Schools on Wednesday proposed two new, cost-saving closure proposals involving its elementary schools.

The district posted the proposals on its website, which includes an interactive map to explore which schools might close under either or both plans.

In the coming weeks, the district will host a series of community meetings and online information sessions. A final vote on a closure plan is expected in December.

Closing schools could help the district address an estimated $100 million budget deficit next school year. The district says the proposed closures could result in annual savings of between $26 million and $31.5 million. 

Under these plans, some schools will also face reconfiguration; one plan could end K-8 schools. The district aims to enroll between 400 and 500 students per elementary school to create what it is calling well-resourced schools. 

Due to attendance boundary changes, students might attend new elementary schools in 2025-26 even if their current schools remain open.

What schools could close under these plans? 

The district’s landing page refers to the plans as “Proposed Option A” and “Proposed Option B.”

Option A would close 21 schools: Licton Springs K-8, Salmon Bay K-8, North Beach, Broadview-Thomson K-8, Green Lake, Decatur, Sacajawea, Cedar Park, Laurelhurst, Catharine Blaine K-8, John Hay, McGilvra, Stevens, TOPS K-8, Orca K-8, Graham Hill, Dunlap, Rainier View, Lafayette, Boren STEM K-8, Sanislo. 

This option creates a system of “attendance area elementary schools,” meaning the district will no longer have K-8 or application-only option elementary schools. Students in grades 6-8 who currently attend K-8 schools would enroll at their attendance-area middle schools.

Option B would close 17 schools: Licton Springs K-8, North Beach, Broadview-Thomson K-8, Green Lake, Decatur, Cedar Park, Laurelhurst, Catharine Blaine K-8, John Hay, McGilvra, Stevens, Thurgood Marshall, Orca K-8, Graham Hill, Rainier View, Boren STEM K-8, Sanislo.

What are the district’s next steps?  

In May, the Seattle School Board voted to authorize Superintendent Brent Jones to draw up a consolidation and closure plan.

The district presented the latest proposals to principals and teachers this week before releasing them to the public. These proposals are still subject to revisions. 

Jones will provide a preliminary closure list to the School Board in October. The district will then hold a hearing at each school that it has recommended for closure in November.

How can staff, students, families and community members weigh in on these proposals? 

The district will conduct online information sessions on Sept. 24 to discuss the two closure options. It will also host in-person community meetings between Sept. 25 and Oct. 8 to gather feedback. The district will also host sessions for staff and affinity groups. 

The district has not yet announced the exact dates, times, locations and formats of these meetings. Families and staff will soon receive invitations to the community meetings, and the district will post updates and details online. 

Feedback can also be shared directly with the district using its online “Let’s Talk” form, which is available in multiple languages.

When will a final decision be made on which elementary schools will close?

According to the district’s timeline, after the individual school hearings are complete, the School Board will vote on the proposed plan in December before winter break.