Seattle Public Schools will begin formal public hearings on its preliminary school closure proposal on Dec. 4, a key step as it considers closing four schools next year.
The hearings will give residents a chance to weigh in on Superintendent Brent Jones’ preliminary closure plan.
Jones has proposed closing Sanislo, North Beach, Stevens and Sacajawea elementary schools and consolidating them with Highland Park, Viewlands, Montlake and John Rogers, respectively.
The district is legally required to have a hearing at each school that faces closure before the School Board votes on the plan. Jones plans to submit his final recommendation to the board Dec. 18, and the final vote is expected Jan. 22.
The site-based hearings start at 6:30 p.m., and are scheduled for:
- Dec. 4: Sanislo Elementary School, 1812 SW Myrtle Ave.
- Dec. 5: North Beach Elementary School, 9018 24th Ave. NW
- Dec. 9: Sacajawea Elementary School, 9501 20th Ave. NE
- Dec. 10: Stevens Elementary School, 1242 18th Ave. E
Residents can submit written and in-person testimony. In-person testimony will be on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, according to the district.
The district will post details on how residents can participate on its website.
Board members Joe Mizrahi, Evan Briggs and Gina Topp will preside over the hearings. Mizrahi will serve as chairperson.
The district initially pitched closures to address a budget deficit it estimates at about $94 million and to provide stable staff and programs at schools.
It floated two closure proposals in September, one of which could have shuttered 21 schools. Jones changed course amid a backlash and returned with a plan that included fewer schools. The estimated savings also dropped to around $5-$6 million, according to SPS.
A public hearing on Jones’ final recommendation is scheduled for Jan. 8, with a follow-up School Board discussion Jan. 15 before the Jan. 22 vote.
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