Facing a significant budget shortfall, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announced a preliminary recommendation for school closures and consolidations in a letter to SPS families, staff, and the community. The proposal comes as SPS confronts a $94 million deficit projected for the 2025-26 school year, driven by declining enrollment and insufficient state funding.
In a transparent effort to address financial instability, Dr. Jones emphasized the district’s commitment to maintaining educational quality despite these challenges. “Our guiding mission remains clear: ensuring that every student receives an excellent education in an environment that fosters learning and growth,” he stated.
Dr. Jones outlined the proposal to close four under-enrolled elementary schools in the Northwest, Northeast, Central, and Southwest regions of Seattle, consolidating them with neighboring schools:
• North Beach Elementary would consolidate with Viewlands Elementary at the Viewlands campus.
• Sacajawea Elementary would merge with John Rogers Elementary at John Rogers.
• Stevens Elementary would join with Montlake Elementary at Montlake.
• Sanislo Elementary would be absorbed by Highland Park Elementary at Highland Park.
According to the Superintendent, these schools were chosen based on building conditions, available space, and the aim of minimizing disruptions for students and families. Engagement sessions will begin next week at the affected schools, and a districtwide information session is scheduled for November 14 to offer support and answer questions.
Dr. Jones outlined additional steps to stabilize the budget, which include advocating for more state funding, reducing central office expenses, adjusting school bell times to cut transportation costs, and planning for February 2025 ballot measures to renew the Educational Programs & Operations Levy and the Building Excellence Levy. To increase enrollment, SPS is conducting a districtwide study aimed at attracting families back to the district, with findings expected in December to guide recruitment and retention strategies.
While acknowledging the challenges, Dr. Jones emphasized the importance of securing a sustainable future for SPS.
“Seattle Public Schools has been in existence for more than 150 years. While this may be a difficult moment in time, we must continue to seek viable solutions,” said Jones.