VIDEO: School-board director Gina Topp’s first community-conversation meeting since closure announcement

That’s some of what West Seattle/South Park’s Seattle Public Schools board director Gina Topp told those gathered at High Point Library this morning for her first community-conversation meeting since the district’s school-closure announcement last Thursday; West Seattle’s Sanislo Elementary is one of four schools the district wants to close, combining it with Highland Park Elementary. We counted 20 people at her meeting, which will be followed up by a gathering at Sanislo later this week.

Grateful October 27, 2024 (9:29 pm)

Feeling extremely lucky to be represented, and supported by, Gina Topp throughout this challenging decision-making process. She is one of the only (if not THE only?) elected SPS Board members offering regular opportunities to provide direct community feedback, questions, and chances for reciprocal respectful discussions. Excited to vote for her again if she feels willing and able to run again in the future, especially after trying to figure out how to address the $100+ budget shortfall. Would even be interested in seeing her potentially take on a larger role as an elected official at the local and/or state level! Additional appreciate is also very much owed to our beloved WSB for their consistent and thorough reporting regarding the mercurial District-led decisions pertaining to 2025-26 school closures.

millie October 28, 2024 (9:28 pm)

Appreciate the effort to explain how we got here. My only comment would be SPS knew before the last 6 – 9 months they had a budget shortfall and began on planning interim steps to reduce the shortfall before it became a major obstacle. Earlier review and decisions, perhaps, could have alleviated and prevented four (4) different scenarios within the past few months and the impact on families. Better budget monitoring and oversight really is helpful.

Delridge G October 29, 2024 (12:03 pm)

As a participant at Gina’s High Point Library meeting, I was impressed with her openness and candor. And I appreciate WSB’s coverage of a Delridge neighborhood concern re: the district that will have enormous impacts on our children and families, not for the first time. Thank you.

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