SEATTLE – Seattle Public School Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones is recommending there be no school closures or consolidations in the next school year.
“No schools will be closed during the 2024-25 school year,” Dr. Jones said.
According to SPS, the district faces projected deficits of $105 million for fiscal year 2024-25, $129 million for 2025-26, and $153 million for 2026-27.
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- District decisions regarding programming/operations in support of students
- Depletion of one-time funding services
- Gaps in state education funding
To balance the budget for the 2024-25 school year, the district intends to seek the implementation of loan tools the Washington State Legislature provided along with restructuring some programs.
“I think that’s huge. I really appreciate the honest and direct and transparent communication,” said Alex Wakemen Rouse. “I think it’s excellent news that it’s not going to happen next school year.”
“While it’s great news that you have changed course on closing schools for next school year, knowing that this is very much a focus in the following year puts a lot of stress on our families,” said parent Erin MacDougall.
