FOSB advocacy update - Sept. 23, 2024

First off, a win, if only for now:

• KUOW: Seattle Public Schools cancels closure meetings, is revisiting plan
• Seattle Times (paywall): Seattle Public Schools retreats from school closure proposals

While it's great that the district is taking a moment to reflect—and it's evidence that advocacy works—it is still likely that another attempt will be made to close schools. Per the superintendent, there is still talk about SPS having more schools than are needed and that enrollment is not expected to recover.

This means we still need to keep working!

As a community, we must continue efforts to pressure the school board (with letters + in-person testimony) and let them know that that ANY effort to close schools is NOT acceptable.

We will work to continue organizing our school and preparing our messages. These efforts will help us quickly respond when the updated closure list inevitably returns.

Save the date

• Oct. 9 - School Board meeting: In-person testimony
• Please note the Oct. 7 in-person NW region "Well-Resourced Schools" meeting has been cancelled.

Steps you can take TODAY

• Sign and share the All Together for Seattle Schools (ATSS) letter. ATSS is a parent/community-led advocacy group; their letter to SPS opposes the closure plan and calls for accountability and comprehensive planning to ensure a sustainable future for our schools. They have put together a NEW letter in light of the closure announcements. Sign the letter here.
• Contact our School Board members to let them know you (still) oppose the plan. These are the people who will be making the decision about the future of our schools - and now is the time to make our voices heard. You can use the School Board contact form, contact our District Director Sarah Clark, or any/all members of the school board.

Tips for talking to our kids

As we discuss these closures with other adults in the community, let’s also remember that our children hear our anxiety and our concerns. Centering our children in these discussions remains paramount, as for many kids, these closures and unknowns will be very scary. Giving facts where possible, and appropriate depending on age, is important. Acknowledging that we are working together to enact different results, while also reassuring our kids that they will be ok is important. 

Our friends at North Beach PTA have shared some helpful tips for talking to our kids about possible closures.

Our commitment to the community

FOSB remains steadfast in our commitment to support the needs of Salmon Bay K-8 students, families, staff, and community. We do not agree that school closures are in the best interest of our community.

We will continue to demand transparency, equity, and accountability regarding these decisions, especially as it affects students systematically under-supported by our district and those furthest from educational justice at our school and around the district. Salmon Bay is an important place for our families, our teachers and staff, and most importantly – our children.

Much of this process has felt defeating for parents as we are denied information, clarity and conversation. Now is NOT the time to give into that defeat - now is the time to make our voices even louder. 

Please add your voice to our collective shout.

Please share this email with your family, neighbors and community.

Anyone can advocate for our schools, whether they have kids currently in SPS or not.

This message is sent on behalf of FOSB. In-line with our mission to support and advocate for our school community, we will be sending out updates and ways you can become involved in advocacy for our Salmon Bay community.

SPS Safe Schools Hotline: 206-252-0510.

The Seattle School District Safety and Security Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.