Seattle Public Schools could consolidate schools as soon as 2024
Families are reacting to the Bellevue School District's decision to recommend the consolidation of three elementary schools in the district.
Bellevue Schools says it's making the call because of declining enrollment. But parents have been pushing back, pointing to equity concerns and arguing the district is moving the process forward too quickly, without sufficient community input.
It's a struggle many local districts may face in the coming years — including just across Lake Washington, in Seattle.
RELATED: Bellevue recommends 3 schools to close, starting next year
Seattle Public Schools officials say they're in the midst of figuring out how to handle their own dropping enrollment numbers and a $131 million budget deficit.
And closing and consolidating schools? That's on the table for the district.
Soundside host Libby Denkmann caught up with Fred Podesta, the assistant superintendent of operations with Seattle Public Schools.
Podesta is also currently serving as the interim deputy superintendent for SPS.
Listen to the full interview above
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Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside
Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside. She’s a native Pacific Northwesterner who grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington, and covered local news as a producer and reporter with KIRO Radio.
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Noel Gasca
Producer, Soundside
Noel is a producer for KUOW’s midday show Soundside. Prior to joining Soundside, Noel worked as an online editor/producer with KUOW’s web team. She’s also a proud graduate of KUOW’s RadioActive program.
More stories from Noel Gasca »
