Posted on 05/18/2006 11:41:43 AM PDT by george76
A sweeping reorganization of Seattle Public Schools began Wednesday night when a citizens panel recommended that nine schools close, five programs relocate and two schools merge.
The closures, which are estimated to save $4.8 million annually, have been proposed both as a means to help close a multimillion-dollar budget deficit in the coming years, and to address declining enrollment.
Seattle Public Schools enrolls 47,000 students — less than half the number it had 40 years ago — but operates 99 buildings, three-fourths what it had in 1965.
The district hasn't closed a school since 1989.
In all, 12 buildings would close. Of those, three school programs would move to other buildings in their entirety...
Students at the remaining nine schools would be dispersed to other schools.
This is Seattle Public Schools' second attempt in a year to close and consolidate elementary schools. Manhas withdrew a similar plan last year after it drew major opposition from the public.
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
Gee, I wonder why people don't want to raise their kids in cities?
"I still don't trust the School Board," ...
What's the rest of this story? Is this due to lower birthrate? Private schools? People moving? What is this due to? I thought in the last 15 years Seattle population soared...what's the real deal?
" less than half the number it had 40 years ago ..."
Running away from the NEA union agenda !
In Seattle? I rather doubt that. I just want to know the reason there are half the students there used to be,that's all.
It would be interesting to see what the homeschool ratio in Seattle is.
Home schooling is taking over.
The deal is, property taxes pay for public schools. Home schoolers still pay those property taxes, which should mean more money for smaller public schools. They should be financially solvent.
Home schooler's don't get public school education funds in most states.
Better schools, better homes, safer neighborhoods.
Except that public schools are overloaded with administrators and support staff compared with 10 or more years ago - probably one of the biggest reasons schools cost more per kid than ever before.
The roe effect is rearing it head I think.
How interesting! Portland, Oregon is in exactly the same situation. Portland is not a family-friendly city anymore. They have achieved their dream of making it a 20-something, slacker and gay boy paradise. Families have logically chosen to move to one of the excellent suburban school districts surrounding, and now the latte-drinking libs left in the city are having to close, close, and close more schools. Ah, there is sweet justice after all.
Maybe that was just in voter registrations?
-PJ
Here in Eugene, OR, we are the only family in our 'family friendly' neighborhood with 4 kids. NO ONE has more than 1 kid, except us.
We recently got a note on our door telling us that the neighbors wish we would keep our kids quiet.
So, even with people who reproduced, they usually only have one kid.
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