Sami West
Education Reporter
About
Sami West is a reporter covering schools in Seattle and across the Puget Sound region. She’s been on the education beat for over five years and has reported extensively on the countless ways COVID has impacted schools, students, and families. Her coverage has also focused on school finances, special education issues, the importance of early childhood education, and the growing youth mental health crisis.
Before joining KUOW in 2023, she wrote about education for Chalkbeat in Memphis, Tennessee, and two newspapers in Wisconsin. A Midwesterner at heart, Sami originally hails from Minnesota and holds degrees in journalism and English from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
When she’s not attending school board meetings or chasing other education news, Sami enjoys exploring the beautiful trails and abundant breweries of the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog.
Location: Seattle
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: she/her
Professional Affiliations: Education Writers Association
Stories
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Education
Seattle may not close elementary schools, after all
In a stunning reversal, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Brent Jones said Tuesday he may not recommend closing schools, after all.
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Education
'This is the worst.' Seattle parents, students react to school closure plans
Seattle Public Schools officials are trying to ease concerns about proposals to close four elementary schools. But it's a tough sell.
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Education
Seattle School Board president faces recall effort over handling of school closures
As Seattle Public Schools faces continued public backlash over proposed school closures, a group of parents is attempting to recall board President Liza Rankin.
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Education
What the election means for school funding in Washington state
As school districts across the state slash millions from their budgets and consider school closures, Washington voters signaled strong support for education funding in this week's election.
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Politics
With the country divided, Seattle area teacher encourages civil debate among high schoolers
In this politically-charged time, it can be tricky to have a friendly disagreement — even for young people. That's why, at Highline High School, one teacher is trying to give students a life lesson on civil discourse — something to use this election, and throughout their voting years.
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School closures, enrollment, and highly capable programs: SPS Superintendent sits down with Soundside
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Education
Seattle Public Schools enrollment ticks up slightly as district moves ahead with closures
Seattle Public Schools' argument for closing schools largely hinges on a budget crisis fueled by declining enrollment. But this year's enrollment surpassed the district's prediction.
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Education
4 Seattle schools up for closure revealed
Seattle Public Schools leaders have named four schools they plan to shutter next year as part of an effort to alleviate a $100 million budget shortfall.
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Education
Seattle students want more mental health funding — and say in how it's spent
As the city crafts its next budget, a group of Seattle students is pushing for more mental health funding — and more say in how it’s spent.
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Seattle to close up to 5 schools, here's what happens next