Families won't know which Seattle schools may close until fall

Seattle Public Schools families have braced for a list of 20 elementary schools that might close to come out this month.

But district leaders will not be releasing that list this summer after all.

Superintendent Brent Jones said he now aims to present the list in September.

In a message sent to families Tuesday, Jones said the new timeline reflects concerns that summer break is not an ideal time to engage people for input.

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"We've heard from our community," Jones wrote. "Families and staff want to understand our planning process and react to proposals."

The board will vote on the final school closures plan in December, before winter break.

For weeks, Jones had pledged to share the closure list sometime in June.

But now, Jones said officials need more time this summer to "thoroughly consider" feedback and refine the plan. It comes after the district hosted a series of community "well-resourced schools" meetings, including one that devolved into frustrated parents booing and shouting at Jones and other district leaders.

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Families will still get an update on closures this week.

During the school board's meeting Wednesday — when families had expected to learn which schools were on the chopping block — Jones will give a presentation on the criteria the district is using for closures, including budget and enrollment data, building conditions, programs at specific schools, and community input.

District leaders have said school closures are a necessary step to address an ongoing budget deficit. The district faces a $105-million gap next year, and similar projected shortfalls the following two academic years.

Administrators have also said staffing reductions will be needed.