The Seattle Council PTSA Board supports Seattle Public Schools' efforts towards school closures. These difficult actions are an important first step in restructuring and improving our school system.  Shifting demographics and declines in enrollment over the last three decades have resulted in significant excess physical capacity within our school system.  The dollars used to maintain and operate these buildings can be better deployed in classrooms and on instruction. Closures must be placed in context; they must be implemented in pursuit of greater academic opportunities for all students.  We fully expect our Superintendent to articulate a broader, comprehensive strategy to achieve academic excellence for all, as well as provide greater detail on what options will be open to students and families affected by closures. Our SCPTSA Board stands ready to commit resources to support the transition of students and families in the impacted school communities. Finally, we urge our School Board to see the process through this year. Having failed in this effort last year, our city cannot afford to back off a second time and be forced to restart this process again next year.

 

Sherry Carr

SCPTSA President