That’ll be welcome news for the West Seattleites involved with the two on the peninsula, Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point and Louisa Boren STEM K-8 in Delridge, both of which have dealt with near-existential threats in recent years.
The district offered us a chance to talk with superintendent finalist Ben Shuldiner a few days after the board revealed that the current Lansing, MI, superintendent was their choice to lead SPS into the future. In our 25-minute online chat, we asked about a variety of issues with which SPS has grappled – some of which he faced in his current district, too.
INCREASING ENROLLMENT
He says public-school districts have to come to terms with the fact that while “30 or 40 years ago, they had a monopoly … now, there’s so much more choice.” But he says the ultimate way to solve the problem is “just do better at our jobs” – provide a better education. To increase enrollment in Lansing, Shuldiner says, “we made our schools better.”
And he says they noticed a trend – parents loved the elementary schools, but were “fearful about the junior highs.” So, he says, “we created a bunch of K-8s” – and that led to less loss between elementary and middle school, because the students would be staying on in schools with which they and their families were already familiar.
But overall, he repeats, “You increase enrollment because people want to come to our schools.”
SPS has been criticized for not marketing itself much if at all. What’s his view on that? He says promotion is important, from talking to the media to advertising such as billboards. “Everybody else is doing it, so you have to.” And that promotion should surface the “great stories” that he believes are already happening, waiting to be told. Then, he said, you tout the results – “in Lansing, we raised grades (and a board member told the community) ‘send your kids back’ (to the district).”
SCHOOL SIZES?
We brought up the shot-down-not-long-ago proposal to close schools so that the district would focus on larger, “well-resourced” schools. Shuldiner says he appreciates the concept of schools having full support staff, but “each community and neighborhood is different,” and that has to be considered when evaluating a school. The focus has to be on “let’s do right by the children,” he emphasized.
WHAT’S IN HIS FIRST-100-DAYS PLAN?
Shuldiner created one during the interview process, so we asked what it starts with. First, he said, “gotta be in the community.” Rebuilding trust between the district and community is paramount, he indicated. He hopes to “visit every single school in the first 100 days … walk the halls with the principals, with the kids.” (We were curious how many layers of bureaucracy his district had between the principals and superintendent; apparently as many as there are in Seattle.) Also, “make some decisions quickly,” with a deep dig into the budget. He also mentioned he might even move to “take down some walls (in the administration) building” (he meant that literally).
TOO MUCH BUREAUCRACY?
Knowing that principals report to a middle-management layer rather than directly to the superintendent, we wondered what the structure is in Lansing. Similar, he replied, but that doesn’t stop the superintendent from getting out and talking directly to school staff (as mentioned above). Shuldiner says he enjoys those visits since “I’m a teacher first and foremost,” and was a principal too, considering those roles and his current one all to fall under the umbrella label “educator.”
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The Seattle board halved its regular meeting schedule to monthly not long ago, so we asked him about the frequency of board meetings in Lansing: He said they met two or three times a month, and that the Lansing board had more members than the Seattle board. He said the board periodically has “informational study sessions,” something he’d like to bring to Seattle.
GIFTED PROGRAMS
SPS’s philosophy toward serving “highly capable” students hasn’t been consistent in recent years. So we asked Shuldiner about his views. He didn’t say much – voicing general support for “differentiating based on the needs of each child” – except to note that Lansing dramatically increased the rate of students passing AP exams. That, he said, was largely the result of “more AP classes, and we didn’t gatekeep who got into them.” That quickly segued into a topic we had planned to ask about anyway …
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
This is back in vogue, we noted, with “the trades” in some cases desperate for workers. Just outside Seattle, we noted, there are now public high schools dedicated to maritime and aviation. Shuldiner said his current district “created Lansing Technical High School,” and noted that Lansing had been “the home of trades” for so long. But counter to concerns that teaching the trades somehow diminished academics, he said he sees it as an “and” rather than an “or,” and also observed that basic subjects like math can be taught through hands-on learning as well as via abstract textbook problems. “Truth is, kids love learning hands-on.”
HOW TO EVALUATE HIM IN THE EARLY GOING?
Obviously, he said, results won’t be immediate – in terms of stats, at least – so what he hopes is that people will be able to evaluate him for transparency, for building trust, for listening, for staff feeling more supported, for “more vision and direction.”
That’s where we wrapped up. So what’s next? Assuming Shuldiner reaches a contract/salary agreement with the district, the board will vote on finalizing the hire. They said they’re hoping he’ll start “early next year.”
As we’ve been reporting, fall sports season is wrapping up for local high-school teams, with winter sports starting soon. Todat we have an update to share from the West Seattle High School girls’ swimming/diving coaching staff:
The West Seattle High School Girls Swimming and Diving team celebrated the end of an amazing season by participating in the Metro, District, and State swimming and diving championships.
At the Metro Championships, WSHS was represented by seniors Izzy Baber, Frances Bugala, Lilly DuPuis, Lucia Stemm-Calderon, juniors Anna Tova Baekkelund, Iris Christian, Keara Kinch, Sally Klem, Eden O’Donnell, Matty Ogle, Lisa Willis, sophomore Brin Darnell, and freshman Leia Al-Jawad. We’re happy to report eleven swimmers advanced to finals!
Though not at the Metro Championships this year, Simone Dylla, Alina Luff, Miya McGlamery, Lucy Oprinski, Autumn Schrader, Ella Stockfish, Dacey Tanaka, and Lucy Valentine were very important members of the team this season who made outstanding progress and contributions. We’re so proud of everything they accomplished.
Following the Metros meet, Baber, Baekkelund, Bugala, Christian, Klem, O’Donnell, and Ogle advanced to the District Championships where the 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relays reached finals. Individually, O’Donnell reached finals in the 200 freestyle.
The season culminated at the Washington Girls High School State Championships, where O’Donnell captured 7th place in the 200 freestyle and 4th place in the 500 freestyle. This builds on the success of the 2024 season that saw the 200 freestyle relay team of Eve Legge, Lucille Rysemus, Lucy Stahl, and Avery Zimmer selected for the state meet and placing 16th.
Over the course of the season, every WSHS swimmer posted at least one personal best time. Way to go, Wildcats!
With high-school basketball season starting soon, Chief Sealth International High School Basketball is not only practicing, but also launching “Play It Forward” – supporters sent this explanation of what it’s all about and how the wider community will benefit too:
Chief Sealth Basketball Launches “Play It Forward,” A Community Effort to Boost Students and Spirit
Something special is taking shape at Chief Sealth International High School this fall.
The school’s basketball teams have united to launch a new initiative called Play It Forward, a community-based campaign that blends basketball, service, and hope. The goal is to raise $8,000 by November 30, to equip student-athletes with needed gear while also inspiring them to give back through community service.
For every $100 raised, players will complete one hour of service, tutoring younger students, volunteering at local events, or helping neighbors in need. The idea is simple but powerful: when the community invests in its youth, those same young people invest right back
.
Like many of our local public schools, Chief Sealth has faced some difficult years, yet the students continue to demonstrate remarkable talent, heart, and leadership on and off the court.
“Our kids show up every day with heart and purpose, and they hear all the things about being the ‘other’ school in West Seattle,” says Boys Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs. “As someone who works in the building and preaches community to our students and staff, what better way to invite the community to be more involved in some of the great things happening with our student-athletes.”
Play It Forward is designed to give these students visible reminders of that pride. From warm-ups, backpacks, and uniforms to transportation to games outside of the Metro League, these things remind them that they belong, that they matter, and that they represent something bigger than themselves.
“Basketball is just the starting point,” said Combs. “We’re building young men and women who understand discipline, service, and pride in where they come from. Every hour of community work our players do matters. It’s how we change the story for Sealth because there is nothing like giving back to the community that shows up to support you.”
Both the Boys and Girls coaches are deeply invested in mentoring student-athletes beyond basketball, helping them build confidence, character, and community awareness.
Meet the Coaches Leading the Charge
Girls’ Head Coach Wilfredo Pablo is a Chief Sealth graduate who returned to give back to the school that shaped him. He also runs Trill Drills and Skills, a local youth basketball academy focused on fundamentals, fun, and personal growth.
Boys’ Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs, now in his second year, brings championship experience from the Garfield High School basketball program and works as the Restorative Practice Coordinator for Chief Sealth’s Restorative Practice Program.
“This is more than a fundraiser,” added Girls Head Coach Will Pablo. “It’s about keeping the community spirit going and helping these young people build pride, unity, and a sense of belonging, reminding everyone that Chief Sealth’s story is one of growth, resilience, and strength.”
How to Get Involved
Community members are invited to donate, attend games, and follow the students’ progress as they “play it forward” through service projects and team milestones.
Volunteers and donors teamed up for a successful “Fill the Truck” donation drive at Lafayette Elementary this morning. Even the Lafayette Leopard showed up to provide support:
Lizzy from the PTA gave us some preliminary estimates of results from the three-hour drive:
21 crates of canned and boxed food
1500+ diapers
100+ grocery bags and packaged boxes of food
96 packs of ramen
11 bags of coats and winter clothes
She also wanted to stress “how grateful Lafayette is for everyone who showed up today! We had donations arrive by scooter, wagon, bike, and car.”
P.S. If you couldn’t make it to this donation drive, as noted previously, there’s a food drive tomorrow at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm Sunday, and of course you can contribute financially to WSFB at any time here.
The Chief Sealth International High School cross country teams are back from the state tournament in the Tri-Cities, and we’ve received this report with photos (thanks!):
The Chief Sealth boys and girls cross country teams competed at the WIAA State Championships in Pasco on Saturday, the final race in a strong season for the Sealth XC program.
The girls’ team placed 10th in the 2A race, their first top-10 finish since 1975. Senior Federica Dilley led the team with a 12th-place individual finish to earn All-State honors for the second consecutive year. Dilley was followed by teammates Casey Greger (Sr.) in 98th, Elena Phillips (So.) in 112th, Doe Doe (So.) in 123rd, Abby Peloza (So.) in 125th, Satomi Giedeman (Sr.) in 144th, and Elena Latterell (Sr.) in 159th.
(Members of Sealth XC’s girls team after placing 10th at the 2A State Championship)
(Senior Federica Dilley en route to a 12th-place finish in the 2A girls race)
On the boys’ side, the Seahawks placed 15th as a team, with Remy Wittman (Sr.) finishing in 33rd individually, followed by Forest Andrews-Wehling (Sr.) in 104th, Ziko Kraft (Fr.) in 109th, Cole Peloza (Sr.) in 119th, Theo Franzen (So.) in 141st, Juan Montealegre (Fr.) in 153rd, and Cian Casey (So.) in 157th.
(The Sealth XC boys warming-up prior to the 2A State Championship race)
(Senior Remy Wittman [black jersey] on his way to finishing 33rd in the 2A boys race)
The full 2A state results are here (girls) and here (boys).
Just about every day, we publish requests for support – volunteers, donations, etc. We don’t always get to hear about (or see) how, or whether, people answered the call. Recently, we published educator Cheyanne Chadwick‘s request to support her afterschool STEM program at West Seattle Elementary with snacks – kids learn better when they’re not hungry. Here’s the update we received from her:
I wanted to give you and the West Seattle Blog community an update and a thank you for your support.
After my call for snack donations, I was blown away by the community’s outpouring of support. Over 30 individual donors contributed $1,100 in monetary donations and over $700 in snack donations, like veggie straws, trail mix, protein bars, and more. One generous West Seattleite has signed up to bring a fresh snack option, like cheese sticks, apples, carrot sticks, and more, 3 weeks out of every month.
I tried to keep a record of everyone who donated so I might thank everyone by name, but there were just too many of you (what a beautiful problem to have!), and people are still reaching out! I get teary-eyed when I tell people about the absolutely incredible generosity of the West Seattle community and what you have done for my program. Not only do I have what I need to cover seconds and thirds at snack time, but y’all may have covered the entirety of my snack costs, allowing me to invest that money back into the program and the learning supplies I need to teach these young people snacks!
Snack time is such a joyful part of our program. The students are thrilled to be able to go back for a snack if they are still hungry, and they rave about all the different options I can lay out for them. My heart is so full to know that, even with SNAP benefits at risk and understanding how that might impact the West Seattle Elementary community, my students will get a nutritious and delicious snack to fuel their brilliant minds as we work together.
I am beyond grateful for what you all have done for my students. How lucky am I to live in a community that is willing to show up for its children with such a wave of generosity? I will be forever humbled by your support and grateful for the warmth you have brought to my classroom.
I have had a few people reach out in the past few weeks, asking whether there is any more need, and I will be sure to let you all know if and when my snack stores need replenishing.
WSHS PTSA is an independent non-profit organization that supports the students and faculty of WSHS with programs, grants and advocacy. Proceeds from last year’s Fall Fundraiser helped make 30 teacher and student club grants possible. The grants have brought writers to ninth-grade classes to mentor students, provided clay and glazes for ceramics classes, bought couches for the school library, and much more.
Tickets include Mediterranean heavy appetizers and a special non-alcoholic mixed drink. The evening’s entertainment will include a performance by a WSHS student jazz ensemble. You will also have a chance to buy ceramic pieces by WSHS 3-D Art students and photographs by students in WSHS 2-D Art classes.
A silent auction will include dozens of gift cards and fun experiences from West Seattle businesses. And a live auction will feature a band-signed Pearl Jam show poster (above) inspired by Mark Twain‘s ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,’ a one-of-a-kind dinner at Canlis, an unforgettable date night at Pike Place, and more.
We would like to invite you to West Seattle High School’s production of “The Crucible,” written by Arthur Miller and directed by Allison Irvine.
This play, written in 1953 as an “act of desperation” against the rise of McCarthyism and anti-Communist fears in the United States, tells a fictionalized story of the Salem Witch Trials. Throughout it we see the dangers inherent in a theocratic society where isolation and harsh expectations break down trust between neighbors. The show reminds us of the necessity of standing up for the civil rights of ourselves and others and refusing to go along with a crowd that demands bloodshed and revenge. Our students have been incredibly devoted to the hard work of this piece for the past two months and we are excited to share it with the community!
“The Crucible” runs November 13-15 & 20-22 at the West Seattle High School theater. All performances begin at 7:30 pm. Production information and ticket info are available at wsmusicanddrama.org
WSHS is at 3000 California SW; the theater entrance is closest to the south-end school entrance off the parking lot.
Got a bike you don’t need any more? Here’s a way to ensure it’s used and loved!
Chief Sealth’s Bike Club is thriving, thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of the West Seattle community. Last year was our first year, and it was a huge success. After putting out a call for bike donations on the blog, we were blown away by the response — so many of you offered bikes, gear, and supplies!
With generous support from Alki Bike and Board, which donated tires, tubes, and discounted supplies, students spent the winter learning the basics of bike maintenance. Together, we repaired and gave away more than 20 donated bikes to student riders (along with helmets, of course).
In the spring, we pivoted from wrenching to riding! Interest grew so quickly that we expanded from one to two group rides each week. During these rides, students practiced safe city-riding skills, learned to communicate in groups, and built confidence (and fitness) on the hills of West Seattle. Now, as we wrap up our fall riding season, we’re looking ahead to winter — we are excited to launch our Second Annual Bike Donation Drive. We want to give students new projects to work on while continuing to grow our community of young riders.
Do you have a bike that’s gathering dust in your garage? Donate it to Chief Sealth Bike Club and help a student discover the joy and independence of cycling. We’re happy to accept all kinds of bikes — even those that need a little TLC (new tires, tubes, or a chain).
If you’d like to donate a bike or have questions about the club, please email Andy Tuller at artuller@seattleschools.org. Thank you for helping keep our community rolling!
4:34 PM: “This is an important moment for our district,” began Seattle Public Schools Board president Gina Topp, as the meeting happening right now who revealed who they want to hire as the district’s new superintendent: Ben Shuldiner, currently superintendent in Lansing, Michigan.
4:50 PM: Shuldiner spoke briefly to the board and those in attendance after board members voted unanimously to open contract negotiations with him. He said he’d “like to believe I’ve found my permanent home,” and that he intends to “shepherd a new beginning” for SPS and to “make it the greatest urban school district in America.”
Meantime, as for the job here, Topp said they hope Shuldiner will be able to join SPS in “early 2026.” Both of them are scheduled to talk with reporters soon, and it appears that will be streamed live on SPS TV.
5:31 PM: The aforementioned news conference is starting, with district officials and other board members also present. … Among the others there, Brian Vance, West Seattle High School‘s principal, introduced as president of the Principals Association of Seattle. … Topp says Shuldiner “builds trust (and) solves problems.” Topp says that in three years, the graduation rate of Shuldiner’s current district has grown from 62 percent to 88 percent. She says his current district also has come back from the financial brink. (“Sound familiar?” she asked rhetorically.) He says SPS has the “brilliant” students and staffers – they just need to “create the right systems and structures” to advance.
5:49 PM: A Garfield HS journalist asked Shuldiner how he’ll tackle SPS’s budget deficit. He said, among other tactics, he’s a strong believer in “school-based budgeting.” … Responding to another question, he said he’d like to connect with the community by holding Town Halls in each board district. … The Q&A opportunity ended at 5:56 pm.
Four contested Seattle School Board seats were on the ballot, and though all represent areas outside West Seattle/South Park, the entire city votes on all seats in general elections, so these WERE on your ballot. Here’s the first round of results:
SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2
Kathleen Smith – 52%
Sarah Clark* – 47%
SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4
Joe Mizrahi* – 76%
Laura Marie Rivera – 23%
SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5
Vivian Song – 77%
Janis White – 23%
SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 7
Jen LaVallee – 56%
Carol Rava – 43%
It’s school-planning season, so many schools are offering open houses and tours. This Saturday, prospective elementary families are invited to tour independent Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) – here’s the announcement so you can plan ahead:
Tilden School will host its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 8, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Families are invited to drop by anytime during the event to tour the campus, learn more about the school’s academic program and community, and meet faculty, administrators, current parents, and alumni.
Open Houses at Tilden provide families an opportunity to explore the school’s foundational academic principles and discover what makes this independent K–5 school unique!
Those unable to attend this weekend will have additional opportunities during Winter Open House sessions on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–noon.
There are select openings for grades 1-5! Applications are available online at tildenschool.org.
For more information, contact Jennifer Trise at info@tildenschool.org
One more football score to report from this weekend – in last night’s game at Bishop Blanchet, West Seattle High School took the win, 31-17, and ran their record out to 8-1 heading into district playoffs next weekend. Though the date and time aren’t on the bracket page yet, WSHS is scheduled to play Kennewick, which will be the home team, suggesting it’ll be a road game for head coach Anthony Stordahl‘s Wildcats, and the winner goes to state.
Mulling where your kid(s) will attend middle school? You can get information from, and ask questions about, 15 schools – independent, public, parochial – at the annual Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night tomorrow – if you haven’t already seen it in our calendar, here’s the announcement:’
Greater West Seattle Information Night – Nov 3, 2025 – 6 pm
Mark your calendar for the Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night on November 3rd!
Fifteen middle schools will be in attendance and ready to answer your questions about transitioning from elementary to middle school!
Guest Speaker and school counselor Kelly Dobelstein from Holy Rosary will give a short presentation about how to support your student as they move up to 6th grade.
Academy Schools
Explorer West
Harbor School (Vashon) Holy Family Bilingual
Holy Rosary
Hope School
Lake Washington Girls School
Louisa Boren STEM K-8
McMurray (Vashon) Our Lady of Guadalupe
Pathfinder K-8
St. Bernadette School
St. Francis
Summit Atlas
Westside School
This is happening 6-7:15 pm Monday in the Walmesley Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th SW and SW Myrtle, northeast side of intersection).
(Photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand, Educare Seattle Head Start site)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As the federal-government shutdown enters its second month – now the second longest in U.S. history – it’s not just food programs that are running out of money. Head Start early-childhood programs in our state are among the services facing the mounting pressure of losing federal funding too.
Head Start programs serve children between the ages of 3 and 5, providing resources and child care, primarily to families whose income is below the poverty line. Without the reimbursement of federal funding as of today, families across the state are at risk of losing the early learning services Head Start programs provide, including literacy and math programs, nutritional and health services, and special support for students with disabilities.
Facing even more of an impact in this area is Educare Seattle, a key Head Start program site in White Center that serves more than 150 kids from birth to age 5 and their families. Educare and other Head Start programs like it are supported by the Puget Sound Educational Services District, or PSESD, which supports early learning services to 35 school districts across King and Pierce counties, and Bainbridge island, as well as supporting other levels of education.
Without the renewal of vital grants, PSESD will be forced to fall back on an emergency loan to keep the doors open this month for more than 1,100 children and families for whom they provide services.
“We’re still under a lot of pressure, but it’s not an immediate shutdown,” said Lori Pittman, the PSESD’s Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations lead. The loan, which was taken out of an emergency fund, will be enough to keep the program open through the next month, but Pittman says this won’t come without challenges.
“We’ll put off non-essential things,” she said. “If a dishwasher breaks at a center, we won’t be focused on that; we’ll be focused on supporting families at a time when we are their safety net, and keeping our staff employed.”
Currently, PSESD says they’re not in a position where they can continue to borrow money past November, Pittman said, which could lead to staff cuts, and/or closure of their programs, leaving families without the safety net Head Start provides.
So as the shutdown continues, Pittman and the rest of the PSESD staff are doing everything they can to keep the doors open, including reaching out to the community for support. This includes partnering with nonprofits such as WestSide Baby to get formula and working with food banks to keep kids fed.
To anyone able, Pittman stresses the value of donating during this crucial time, especially donations through local food banks and churches, and reaching out to local legislators and representatives, to emphasize the benefits of the Head Start program.
“We are caught up in a place where we shouldn’t be,” Pittman said. “This is about children receiving quality education, and families receiving services that help them move into self-sufficiency and off government services. This really hurts the folks who are enrolled in our programs, and our staff who come into work every day. We love these children, we love these families, and we want them to succeed. Head Start is worth the investment.”
As the shutdown continues, more programs that families, especially those at or near the poverty line, may depend on, such as SNAP benefits, are also becoming increasingly tenuous. To help support families, the Learning Communities Foundation, an organization partnered with PSESD, has started a fundraiser to support families impacted by the lack of federal support. For more information and to donate, follow the link here.
10:48 AM: Tournament time for most fall high-school sports – and we have a reader report this morning that both Chief Sealth International High School cross country teams are off to state competition:
The Chief Sealth girls and boys cross country teams each placed 2nd overall in the 2A district championship meet today at Lake Sammamish! Here’s a picture of the girls team celebrating, They will be traveling to the state championship meet in Pasco next week. Several Chief Seatlh athletes finished in the top 14 individually as well, although I’m sorry I don’t have details on those kids names and places. It was a soggy mess, but the kids all ran their hearts out and did us proud!
The results of the meet races are here, and if you click through to each race, you’ll see individual runners and their schools.
2:34 PM: We’ve since received a photo of the boys and more info:
The CSIHS girls cross country team’s finish at Districts sends them to the State Championship for the second year in a row and just the third time in school history! The team was led by Federica Dilley (Sr.), Doe Doe (So.) and Elena Phillips (So.), who each finished in the top-14 to earn All-District honors.
The boys cross country team’s second place finish will send them to State for the first time since 1982! The team was led by All-District performances from Remy Wittman (Sr.), Forest Andrews Wehling (Sr.) and Cole Peloza (Sr.).
The CSIHS boys and girls cross country teams’ next race will be at the 2A State Championships on November 8th at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.
It wasn’t a “vote,” stressed Seattle School Board president Gina Topp, but she and her colleagues agreed today that they had reached a “consensus around a preferred candidate,” who’ll be announced and identified on November 5. Topp pronounced herself “excited and hopeful” In their just-concluded meeting, which began with a half-hour-plus executive session, board members briefly discussed their preferences – still identified by number only, with candidates 7 and 8 as the two finalists they’ve interviewed behind closed doors and #7 the consensus favorite.
Board director Joe Mizrahi said candidate 7 is “blunt” and said that would be “refreshing.” Director Sarah Clark said she was impressed by the many leadership positions that candidate 7 has held. Like Topp, director Brandon Hersey declared himself “excited” as well as “energized” by the prospect this person will be running SPS. Director Liza Rankin said, “All of the candidates we interviewed were 100 percent focused on students, which should be a given, but isn’t,” and she said both candidates are “phenomenal” but that #7 seems to be the one that fits “this moment in time.” Board vice president Shawn Briggs said both finalists gave her hope “that real change might be possible for this district.” Student board director Sabi Yoon, referring to the preferred candidate as “he,” called #7 “a doer.” In a final round of remarks, Topp added that she saw #7 as “bold and innovative.” Then, last to comment, was director Michelle Sarju, calling the finalists “incredible” and describing herself as “eggshell optimistic” while warning that the board would have to provide “authentic support” for the new superintendent and offered a critique of how that hadn’t been happening over years of a “revolving door” in the superintendent’s office.
Concluding the meeting, Topp declared they’ll be inviting candidate #7 to the November 5 meeting and voting on (him?) then, a vote that would authorize contract negotiations.
WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) catches a deep pass near the end zone on Senior Night vs O’Dea
Story and videos by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin For West Seattle Blog
Seniors from the West Seattle High Schoolfootball and cheer squads were honored Thursday night as the Wildcats took on O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium, in a special matchup of the season’s top two Metro League football teams.
After a hard-fought scoreless first quarter, followed by a very-not-scoreless second quarter (with 6 combined touchdowns!) made it 28-14 O’Dea at halftime, the Fighting Irish steadily pulled away in the second half and topped the Wildcats by a final score of 56-14, handing WSHS their first loss of the season.
WSHS came in undefeated at 6-0 and on top of the Metro League Sound Division football standings, while O’Dea (the defending 3A state champions, current top-ranked 3A team in WA, and tops in the Metro League Mountain Division) were 6-1 with their only defeat coming in a non-conference season-opening narrow loss to 4A powerhouse Graham-Kapowsin.
As we previewed yesterday, the Thursday game represented a change of plans due to the fact that both the schools’ opponents had to forfeit their respective games this week, opening the door for a last-minute opportunity to shuffle schedules and have WSHS and O’Dea square off in a marquee late-season contest (for WSHS, it’s their final game of the season before the playoffs).
It was Senior Night for both schools, and the game was moved from Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complexto West Seattle Stadium (which is O’Dea’s home field). The rain held off and it was a nice night for football, with a good crowd on hand for both schools.
WSHS coach Anthony Stordahl (pictured below during Thursday’s game) told us that he couldn’t be prouder of how his team played against one of the best football programs in the state, under tough scheduling circumstances. “The kids on this team showed resilience and a lot of heart; we could have just taken a forfeit and moved on, but these kids love to compete.”
Now, Stordahl’s squad moves on to the playoffs, and after tonight’s area high school football action they’ll know who their next opponent will be.
Stordahl added that this game had extra-special significance for him personally, as he was able to share the field as a coach for the first time with Monte Kohler, who has coached O’Dea since the mid-1980s and last month reached 395 career wins to become the all-time winningest high school football coach in Washington state. Stordahl played for Kohler as part of O’Dea’s 1994 state championship team.
On Thursday night, the senior class was in the spotlight, and Stordahl told us that he’s “very thankful we got a chance to celebrate the seniors; they deserve a lot of credit in building the culture of this team.” He added that WSHS will be moving up next year to the Mountain Division of the Metro League, competing with programs like O’Dea and Seattle Prep, and that this is possible “because of the standard this senior class has set.”
An hour before the game, WSHS introduced and honored its senior football players and their families:
Elena Allen (student manager)
Esayas Brigham (#2)
LJ Moody (#3)
Breck Estep (#4)
Miles Guidry (#5)
Sorin Smith (#6)
Jonah Pelander (#7)
Logan Imel (#8)
Jackson Evans (#23)
Scott Bremen (#34)
Daniel Waters (#35)
Ford Fitterer (#40)
Jesse Hansen-Wilson (#43)
Isaiah Hoskins (#53)
Rafi Fein-Wallace (#54)
Nolan Polaski (#56)
Ari Fein-Wallace (#58)
Jaykel Warwick (#75)
Jack Freeborne (#71)
Gabe Crawford (#79)
Here are photos of some of the football seniors and their families, including Rafi and Ari Fein-Wallace:
Sorin Smith:
Gabe Crawford:
Esayas Brigham:
Jack Freeborne:
And Ford Fitterer:
Here’s our full video of the ceremony:
At halftime, the WSHS senior cheer squad members and their families were also recognized:
Amaya Stagi
Sophie McNamara
Ella McNamara
Hannah Niguidula
Reese Bailey
Luka Jaramillo
Sadie Stover
Lilli Athan
Nayeli Martinez
Izzy Baber
Annaleise Heinrichs
KC Martinez
AJ Nackviseth
Ariana Trevino
Izzy McKamey
Alex Call Terrazas
WSHS cheer coach Nadine Nguyen told us that this senior class “has been the heart of our team, showing dedication, leadership and spirit every step of the way,” and that they truly have inspired the team with their hard work and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for the program.
Here are photos of some of the senior cheer members alongside their families, including Nayeli Martinez:
EllaMcNamara (left) and sister Sophie:
Hannah Niguidula:
Ariana Trevino:
And Izzy McKamey:
Here’s our video of the cheer seniors (apologies for the audio quality; the organizers had to use a portable PA system and it was overpowered by the halftime crowd noise):
The cheer squad entertained the crowd throughout the game:
WSHS had also been planning to honor their senior band members on Thursday night, but the decision was made to recognize them at a future WSHS sporting event.
As for the big game itself, it began with a hard-fought scoreless first quarter, as both teams traded possessions but couldn’t convert points. WSHS missed a field goal with 8 minutes left in the 1st quarter, and the Wildcats played stout defense and recovered O’Dea fumbles on two consecutive possessions to stall drives by the Irish:
Early in the second quarter, O’Dea scored on a touchdown run, and with the extra point took a 7-0 lead with 11 minutes left in the quarter.
About 5 minutes later, the scoring flurry began as the two teams combined for 5 TDs in the last 7 minutes of the first half, starting with an O’Dea TD run to take a 14-0 lead with 6:24 left in the 2nd quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) took a long return to midfield to give the Wildcats great field position. Not long after, Moody struck again, hauling in a long pass from junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12):
The Wildcats couldn’t convert in the red zone, and attempted a field goal, but it was blocked and returned by O’Dea all the way to the WSHS 20-yard-line. A couple of plays later, O’Dea scored on short run to extend their lead to 21-0 with just over 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.
After the kickoff, WSHS put together a nice drive and then cashed in on long TD pass from Parkinson to junior Justice Nguyen (#1). The extra point was blocked, and the score was 21-6 with 1:36 left before half.
O’Dea took the kickoff and wasted no time, hitting a long TD pass to make it 28-6 with 1:25 left in the 2nd quarter.
WSHS then put together a quick drive (featuring several pass connections between Parkinson and Moody), capped off by going for it in the red zone on 4th down in the final seconds of the 1st half, as Parkinson and Nguyen connected on another TD pass:
Then the Wildcats pulled off a successful 2-point conversion on a pass to junior Aidan Croppi, to make the score 28-14 in favor of O’Dea at the halftime break.
O’Dea struck quickly in the opening minutes of the 2nd half, scoring on a TD run to take a 35-14 lead. This was followed by another TD with 8:20 left in the 3rd quarter to make it 42-14, which was the score after three quarters.
In the final quarter, the Irish defense continued to bottle up the Wildcat offense, and O’Dea added two more TDs to make the final score 56-14.
Up next for the Wildcat squad: Playoffs! Details and opponent are TBD; we will post game information as soon as it’s confirmed, dependent on tonight’s area high school football results.
Thanks for the report and photos shared with us for you, on behalf of the teams!
Congratulations to the Chief Sealth girls and boys cross country teams for sweeping the 2A Metro Championships this week at Lower Woodland!
On the girls’ side, the Seahawks took home the team title and Federica Dilley (Sr.) was the individual champion, with Casey Greger (Sr.), Elena Phillips (So.), Doe Doe (So.), Abby Peloza (So.), Satomi Giedeman (Sr.), and Mina West (Fr.) earning All-Metro honors.
The Seahawks also won the team title in the boys’ race, with Remy Wittman (Sr.) taking home the individual crown and teammates Forest Andrews-Wehling (Sr.), Cole Peloza (Sr.), Ziko Kraft (Fr.), and Theo Franzen (So.) earning All-Metro honors.
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Both teams will race next Friday at the Sea-King District Championships at Lake Sammamish State Park.
Looking for something new and tasty to try? The South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Culinary & Pastry Arts program has just set the dates and cuisines for its Otter Pop-Up food truck, through the end of the year, and you’re invited to visit the campus to give it a try! Here’s the announcement, with dates starting next Tuesday:
As part of their training to become professional chefs and food-industry entrepreneurs, Culinary & Pastry Arts students at South Seattle College get to create a concept for a food truck, craft the menu, and run the show along with fellow students. The menus are often inspired by students’ background and family favorites.
The culinary program has a fully functional “Otter Pop-up” food truck (with recently renovated cooking equipment and a new external design) that students use to run their concepts. The truck was donated by Marination in 2023.
Everyone is welcome to visit South’s main campus in West Seattle to enjoy the food. All sales benefit the program. The truck is always parked in the centrally located Clock Tower Plaza, creating a fun gathering space for students, community members, and employees
Food trucks operate from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on each date. Here’s the schedule for Fall Quarter 2025:
As the regular fall-sports season approaches the end, it’s time to celebrate those for whom this is the final season – the seniors. Last night, Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-soccer team paid tribute to the Class of 2026 – including team support (above) as well as players (below with head coach Mike Rillo) –
Leslie Nunez Castro:
Lucinda Leviton:
Kimberly Ramirez:
Harlee Wahl:
Mariah Rillo:
Nasra:
The match was at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex against Nathan Hale.
The Seahawks led 1-0 after Nunez Castro, #4, scored early in the second half on a shot outside the box that sailed over the keeper’s head.
Then Hale scored two goals in the final five minutes to get the win.
The team’s last regular-season match is tonight at Cleveland, 5 pm.
When the West Seattle High School Wildcats take the field Thursday night for the game that includes the Senior Night celebration for football, cheer, and band, it won’t be at their home field, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. And it won’t be against the originally scheduled opponent, either. They’re now scheduled to play O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium (4470 35th SW) at 7 pm Thursday. Thanks to parent Allison for circulating word of the changes – which also include plans for the football seniors to be recognized with a pre-game ceremony, at 6 pm, and the cheer and band seniors to be recognized at halftime. It’s not only WSHS’s senior night, it’s a “huge game” because it’s also a matchup of the top two teams in the Metro League – West Seattle is undefeated; O’Dea has only one loss, against a non-conference opponent, and this is scheduled as their Senior Night too (WS Stadium is their home field). Allison says they’re hoping to fill the stands for the Wildcats – you can buy your ticket with cash at the stadium or online in advance.
West Seattle High School PTSA will host its Fall Fundraiser on Friday, November 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the WSHS Commons.
Chief Sealth’s Bike Club is thriving, thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of the West Seattle community. Last year was our first year, and it was a huge success. After putting out a call for bike donations on the blog, we were blown away by the response — so many of you offered bikes, gear, and supplies!
4:54 PM: He’s been superintendent in Lansing (official photo at right) 
Greater West Seattle Information Night – Nov 3, 2025 – 6 pm
It wasn’t a “vote,” stressed Seattle School Board president Gina Topp, but she and her colleagues agreed today that they had reached a “consensus around a preferred candidate,” who’ll be announced and identified on November 5. Topp pronounced herself “excited and hopeful” In their just-concluded meeting, which began with a half-hour-plus executive session, board members briefly discussed their preferences – still identified by number only, with candidates 7 and 8 as the two finalists they’ve interviewed behind closed doors and #7 the consensus favorite. 
WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) catches a deep pass near the end zone on Senior Night vs O’Dea
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