‘Fundshifting’ success and opportunities ahead for West Seattle Public School Equity Fund: ‘We have strengthened all our schools’

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Photos by DIWAS Photography

For most public elementary schools, having a strong parent-teacher association is a crucial goal. However, the available PTA funding often varies widely between schools. One grassroots West Seattle group has been working hard to change that.

The West Seattle Public School Equity Fund (WSPSEF) celebrated its third year earlier this summer with a community event (pictured above and below) at West Seattle Elementary, and the group has also released its new 2024 Impact Report online, declaring, “We have strengthened all our schools and increased opportunities for all our students …”

The WSPSEF group was founded in 2021 by Andrea Dimond, Kristen Corning Bedford and Shannon Woodard with a focus on “fundshifting” – working to equitably distribute community contributions to narrow the gap so that well-funded school PTAs don’t keep getting richer while less-funded schools struggle. (see our WSB coverage of the group’s progress as of the summer of 2022)

For the upcoming 2024-25 school year, Kristen Corning Bedford said that WSPSEF expects to be able to distribute about $51,000 in PTA funds to Sanislo, Roxhill, Highland Park, Concord, and West Seattle. PTA funding was approved by schools during their June meetings, and is expected to be delivered early in the school year (by October at the latest).

In its first year (2022-23) the group distributed $20,917, and in 2023-24 WSPSEF distributed $49,566. To put this in a per-student perspective, each recipient school received $36 for each student for the most recent school year.

According to the WSPSEF website, the group’s goal is “To create an equitable resource of PTA funding for our West Seattle public gradeschools (including K-8).”

The West Seattle Public School Equity Fund operates simply: a portion of the PTA budgets from well-resourced public elementary (and K-8) West Seattle schools is contributed to a shared fund, which is managed by parent and/or staff advisers from each of the participating schools. The funds are then distributed annually to historically under-resourced public elementary (and K-8) West Seattle schools.

The group was launched after its founders discovered that when examining the area’s “redlining” map from the 1930s (see it here), the highest percentage of students from low-income families (which are now Title I schools), are in the “redlined” areas. The group hopes to disrupt these historical inequities by bringing West Seattle’s neighborhoods and school communities together.

The group’s current fiscal sponsor is the Alliance for Education, and all financial contributions and distributions are managed by their staff and board (see their Fiscal Services page for details). In the group’s first year, their founding fiscal sponsor was the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association (DNDA).

Corning Bedford said that one of the most impactful changes she’s witnessed is the creation of new partnerships and friendships between PTAs, which leads to more sharing of knowledge and resources.

“This increases the internal capacity to meet individual student needs day to day, while creating bold leadership to advocate for an equitable education for all of our kids,” she added. “We know that the public school landscape and our neighborhoods and the needs of our students are always changing, but our goal remains to sustain the momentum of this community allyship.”

According to Corning Bedford, some additional key points about the program are:

Fundshifting has increased PTA dollars at some recipient schools by up to 70% per student. At those schools, this additional funding has provided the PTA with flexibility to do things like put on no-cost family gathering events and subsidize teacher supplies, things that they haven’t been able to do in the past.

At contributing schools, it’s changing the conversation about budgeting and fundraising, increasing awareness about the discrepancies between schools and holding challenging conversations about why those discrepancies exist.

In our first year, we had 4 contributing schools and a pooled fund of $20k to split between 5 recipient schools. In our 3rd year, we have 8 contributing schools and a pooled fund of $50k between those same 5 schools. That’s 100% participation from all WS public grade schools (including K8) with at least one representative from each school on the Advisory committee.

94% of the funds are passed through to schools (the 6% fee goes to our fiscal sponsor, Alliance for Education, who manages the money). We have no paid staff, just a team of 24 dedicated parents and community members donating 400+ hrs/year to create this community, and put on fun events celebrating that community.

Want to get involved? If you’re part of a West Seattle elementary or K-8 school community, connect with the PTA at your school about their partnership with WSPSEF, or visit the group’s website to learn more.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Library gets money for Admiral air-conditioning

August 20, 2024 6:47 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

(Photo from spl.org)

Back in June, we mentioned that Seattle Public Library was seeking federal funding for air conditioning at five branches that didn’t have it yet, including West Seattle (Admiral). Today, the city announced it’s getting that funding – a $5.5 million FEMA grant. The installation isn’t just for comfort, the city says, but also to allow these libraries to join these others as cooling and clean-air centers in times of extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and other crisis conditions. The five installations will be done one at a time over the next two years; two of the other branches, University and Columbia, are up first.

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FOLLOWUP: See where SW Kenyon and Trenton’s new traffic-calming additions will be

August 20, 2024 5:17 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Back on Friday, we reported on SDOT‘s announcement of impending traffic-calming additions to West Seattle streets as part of the Safe Routes to School program. Some readers wanted more specifics, especially on locations, so here’s what we’ve found out:

DENNY’S NEW CROSSWALK: SDOT’s announcement mentioned a community-designed decorative crosswalk by the entrance of Denny International Middle School. With a traffic circle right at the entrance, readers wondered, where will the new crosswalk go? The image above answers that question – across SW Kenyon on the west side of the intersection; the east side already has a conventionally painted crosswalk.

TRENTON’S NEW SPEED CUSHIONS: We asked SDOT how many speed cushions are planned for SW Trenton. We’re told they plan four sets, between 25th and 29th.

We asked one more question … is there a date for construction to start? SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says, “We’re still working to schedule construction sometime later this year.”

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FOLLOWUP: While grocery-store megamerger makes its way through courts, three local stores’ prospective new owner is preparing for potential takeover

August 20, 2024 3:19 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A notable sight in one of the public-records sets we check daily for potential news, the list of King County liquor-license applications, which is often the first place a new business, or existing business’s new owner, will surface. Starting last week we noticed a raft of applications for specific stores around the county, mostly QFCs and Safeways, to transfer their licenses to entities with 1918 Winter Street in their names. That’s an entity of C&S Wholesale Grocers, the third party to whom more than 400 stores are to be sold if the Kroger-Albertsons merger goes through. The proposed license transfers have been appearing in the daily reports in batches; today is the first time we’ve seen any of the local stores that are part of the potential deal, per the list we reported last month: Westwood Village QFC and Admiral Safeway are now on the license-transfer list (the third local store proposed for sale to C&S is the Junction QFC). The license filings don’t mean anything operationally for now, but notable nonetheless. We double-checked with C&S to be sure they weren’t closing the deal in advance of the merger, and spokesperson Lauren La Bruno replied, “The transaction is not final and C&S’s agreement is subject to Kroger and Albertsons resolving the pending cases in court.” The newest court case is a counter-offensive by Kroger, seeking to stop the Federal Trade Commission‘s review of the merger.

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ADMIRAL BRIDGE PROJECT: Top-deck closures start next week

August 20, 2024 1:19 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT photo)

Thanks to the person who called to tip us to the portable signboards on Admiral Way displaying only “TRAFFIC REVISION STARTS AUGUST 26.” A check with SDOT confirmed our suspicion that it’s a reference to the Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-strengthening project. The project already has closed Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge, and now the major top-deck closures are about to start. Here’s what happens first, SDOT tells us:

Starting the week of August 26, 2024, we will be entering Stage 1, where the north bridge will be closed and then the South Bridge will be the primary way to travel in both directions.

The “north bridge” means the (corrected) westbound side, and the pedestrian walkway will be closed on that side as well as the vehicle lanes, but again, SDOT will use the other side of the bridge for two-way traffic, so detours won’t be necessary. (As reported previously, SDOT has dropped plans for full closures of both directions of the bridge.) The other two “stages” will involve either a closure of the south bridge or closures of one lane on each side; timing for those closures is not set yet, nor is duration of this first one.

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READER REPORT: Sailboat aground at Lincoln Park

August 20, 2024 12:24 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Sent by Tom Trulin, who often has eyes on Lincoln Park:

Sailboat is aground in kelp bed today as the tide is going out. It’s north end of Lincoln Park. It is anchored but the heavy winds made it move toward shore. Maybe the owner will see it today in the blog and move it at high tide.

Low tide was just half an hour ago; next high tide is just before 7 pm.

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West Seattleite becomes CEO of Seattle Public Library Foundation

August 20, 2024 11:49 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The Seattle Public Library Foundation – a nonprofit that supports SPL – has just announced its new CEO, and sent us the announcement while pointing out that he’s a West Seattle resident:

The Board of Directors of The Seattle Public Library Foundation is thrilled to announce that following an extensive national search, Brian Lawrence has been selected as the Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Lawrence previously served as Deputy Executive Director for the Foundation, The Seattle Public Library’s nonprofit fundraising partner. He stood out in a field of outstanding candidates due to his overall vision for advancing the library’s mission, his stellar reputation in Seattle and beyond, and the track record he has established at the Foundation.

“Brian has been an integral part of the Foundation’s success, and he is highly respected in our organization, at the library, and by donors and many others in our community,” said Board President Sarah Stanley. “His energy and enthusiasm for stepping into this role, and his vision for expanding equity and access, are clear. We’re excited about how he will move the Foundation forward.”

Since 2017, Lawrence has spearheaded the Foundation’s fundraising campaigns, overseen key investments to grow library programs and collections, and strengthened partnerships with library staff and community organizations. He has established himself as a thoughtful voice on the role of libraries in our society, recently demonstrated by his key leadership role in the national Books Unbanned initiative.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner at the head of the Foundation than Brian,” said Tom Fay, Chief Librarian & Executive Director of The Seattle Public Library. “He has shown great commitment to our library, our staff, and our patrons. Many of our services have been enhanced through the work of Brian and his team, and he’s been a great thought partner as we’ve developed our strategic framework this year. He is well-positioned to support our objectives and has deep connections to our supporter network.”

Brian grew up in Michigan and worked in the auto racing industry before moving to Seattle. He obtained a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University and has worked for organizations including the Pacific Science Center, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Mockingbird Society. Brian lives in West Seattle, serves on the Seattle University Alumni Council, and enjoys reading (of course!) and recreating in the North Cascades.

After longtime CEO Jonna Ward announced her departure earlier this year, the Board engaged with a global search firm to select a leader who could steer the organization into the future. The Board expresses its gratitude to each of the candidates who applied and to the donors, advocates, and community leaders who provided thoughtful input during the search process.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s on our list!

August 20, 2024 9:49 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s on our list!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The Super Blue Moon made an appearance last night after all. Photo by Stewart L.)

Here’s what’s on our highlight list for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (which you can browse any time for an earlier look at what’s up):

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.1 feet at 11:56 am.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open daily through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: Also open through Labor Day, the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the wading pool is expected to be open today, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area, with sunbreaks and 70-degree weather due this afternoon. (This per our check of the city hotline – 206-684-7796 – at 9:07 am.)

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: Repair/maintenance closure continues until after Labor Day.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The council’s late-summer break has begun.

FREE DROP-IN CLIMBING: Weather permitting, you’re invited to try out Schurman Rock at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) – two free sessions, 5 pm and 6:30 pm, with signups starting half an hour before the session begins.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm, weather permitting, bring the little one(s) to Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for storytime plus a garden activity.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

UPLIFTING THE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD INSECURITY: 6:30 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill):

Join us for an hour of song and story about recent efforts of local churches to address food insecurity in our community. We’ll sing classic hymns with a modern twist, like Amazing Grace and this Little Light of Mine, accompanied by inspirational acoustic guitarist Cam Schneider. If you can, bring non-perishable food or cash to donate to White Center Food Bank.

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join the online meeting at 6:30 pm “to work on your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills!” Our calendar listing has RSVP info so you can get the link

MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Planning an event? Are community members invited? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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COUNTDOWN: Here’s who you’ll see at Admiral Funktion in four days

August 20, 2024 9:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Four days until one of summer’s last festivals takes over California SW between Admiral and College for this year’s Admiral Funktion! 11 am-8 pm Saturday, the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s street party brings out music, food, and fun, including booths and tables from these organizations:

The Little Merle
PCC Markets
SW Historical Society
Seattle Yarn
Seattle Dive Tours
West Seattle Bowl
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
SPD SW Precinct
Admiral Neighborhood Association
Admiral Church UCC
Seattle Emergency Communications Hub
Mossy Trail Collections
MonkeyPod
Inner Alchemy
West Seattle Food Bank
Kingtide Ink
Honey Girl Books
Hoste
FoRest Wellness Collective
Bend N Move / Life in the Body
Sam Day Illustrator
Alair
Admiral Theater
Lafayette Elementary PTA
Hawthorne Massage and Self Care

We’ll be there too, as one of the community co-sponsors. P.S. If you missed the music-lineup announcement, check it out here!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info

August 20, 2024 6:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 20.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

We might get some turbulent weather again today: Showers likely, thunderstorms possible, high around 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:12 am, while sunset will be at 8:11 pm.

(Monday sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES

The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues, but no work is planned tonight, so no closures. Here’s the tentative plan for the rest of the week.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

ONGOING ROAD WORK NOTES

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too.

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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