'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.

Dozens of parents gathered at Sanislo Elementary in West Seattle on Tuesday, and emotions were high as they pressed district officials for answers on why they want to close their school — and how they'll ease the transition for kids.

"How do we know that our kids aren't going to bear the brunt of fixing the budget that, I'm sorry to say, you guys created?" asked Rachelle Carrillo, a mom of two Sanislo students.

"I see some numbers up there, we'll cram some teachers together in other schools," said Ken Beatle, whose four children have attended Sanislo, including one current student. "But why are you closing Sanislo without evidence that it benefits students or the budget?"

This is the latest step of the district's ongoing efforts to downsize its footprint of schools amid a multi-year structural budget deficit.

The current closure proposals are for North Beach, Sacajawea, Sanislo, and Stevens elementary schools to be shut down next year. Students at each of those schools would move to other nearby schools.

Officials expect the move would save about $5 million — a fraction of the district's nearly $100 million shortfall next year.

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Officials have said the meetings aim to give affected families a chance to ask questions and share ideas for a smooth transition.

The district plans to hold two meetings at each of the schools slated for closure before hosting public hearings required by state law later this year. The school board is expected to approve a final closure plan by the end of January.

Throughout Tuesday's meeting at Sanislo, officials made their case for closures and answered questions.

Marni Campbell, the district's well-resourced schools officer, acknowledged closures are painful, but she believes they're necessary.

"This is not ever a choice or a decision or a pathway that we would ever undertake lightly," she said. "But it has come to a moment where the superintendent has felt, and in consultation with many people, that this is something we have to consider."

After the meeting, some parents said they appreciated the event and got some more details on the changes ahead. But they remain frustrated and emotional.

"It was a little helpful," Carrillo said, "but I don't feel any better leaving."

Neither did her daughter, Nalani. Holding a sign with messages like, "I don't want to leave Sanislo," and, "This is the worst," the second-grader said she loves her school — especially her teachers and music class.

"I'm feeling mad that they put us on the list for closing it," she said. "I've only been here for three years and I want to finish a couple more years."

Chief Operations Officer Fred Podesta pledged to families that the magic of small, beloved school communities would not be lost.

"We know we love these schools. We know this is painful," he said. "We think we can replicate what's great at one school and build a bigger school community that can do things the smaller schools can do — and better."

The district's community meetings continue online Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Other meetings will be held Friday at Stevens, and Monday at North Beach.