Another reminder that this year’s West Seattle Preschool Fair (WSB sponsor) is coming up Tuesday night – meet reps from 15 local preschools, all in one place, at one time, 5:30 pm-7 pm January 7th at the Hope School Gym (4100 SW Genesee). Here’s the list of schools planning to participate:

Schools Attending:

ARK Preschool
Bloom Preschool
Cometa Playschool
Community School of West Seattle
Fauntleroy Children’s Center
Giddens School
Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
Holy Rosary Preschool
Hope Lutheran School
Our Lady of Guadalupe Early Learning Center
South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools
Southwest Early Learning Bilingual Preschool
St. Bernadette Early Learning Center
The Cove School
Westside School

The Preschool Fair is a drop-in event, no RSVP necessary. If you’re driving, a parking lot is directly across Genesee from the gym entrance.

Preschool-shopping for your little one(s)? One week from tonight, you can meet reps from 15 local preschools, all in one place! The West Seattle Preschool Fair is set for Tuesday night, January 7th, 5:30 pm, and is sponsoring WSB to be extra-certain you hear about it. Here’s the latest:

Looking for the right preschool for your child? Attend the West Seattle Preschool Fair in the Hope School Gym (4100 SW Genesee) January 7th to visit 15 local preschools and learn what each program has to offer your child! No RSVP necessary.

Parking is available on the street or in the parking lot on the corner of 41st & Genesee St (East side of 41st).

Schools Attending:

ARK Preschool
Bloom Preschool
Cometa Playschool
Community School of West Seattle
Fauntleroy Children’s Center
Giddens School
Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
Holy Rosary Preschool
Hope Lutheran School
Our Lady of Guadalupe Early Learning Center
South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools
Southwest Early Learning Bilingual Preschool
St. Bernadette Early Learning Center
The Cove School
Westside School

The Preschool Fair is a drop-in event, 5:30-7 pm next Tuesday.

After just one year as an elected Seattle Public Schools board director, West Seattle/South Park (District 6) rep Gina Topp is the board’s new president. She was elected unanimously last night, the only director nominated to take over the job. You can see her post-election comments three hours and 26 minutes into the meeting recording; she called the board presidency an “awesome” and “heavy” responsibility that she is “excited” to take on. Topp also observed the now-scrapped school-closure process “did some damage in our communities” so “we hae some work to do to regain trust.” But Topp added that there was a bit of a silver lining to that process too – it “highlighted how impactful our schools are in our communities,” and she offered words of gratitude for educators. Her presidency started immediately after the vote. Other board members elected to leadership roles last night: Evan Briggs of Northeast Seattle as vice president and Joe Mizrahi as member-at-large.

School-shopping? Two local independent elementaries invite you to open houses tomorrow (Saturday, December 7):

(Photo from 2023 ‘Poem in Your Pocket’ day at Tilden School)

TILDEN SCHOOL: This longtime WSB sponsor is at 4105 California SW, and the Saturday open house is 10 am-noon. Here’s what Tilden School offers:

Academic, engaging, individualized K-5 education

Our integrated curriculum embraces opportunities for students to weave the many threads of their education together. Dedicated to smaller class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratio, Tilden offers a rich and rigorous program for the intellectual, artistic, social, emotional, and physical development of each student.

You can register to attend the open house by going here.

BRIDGE CO-OP ELEMENTARY: The Bridge School, also a WSB sponsor, is also welcoming visitors 10 am-noon tomorrow: “Staff and current families will be onsite to show families around and answer questions. We invite the community to come find out what makes cooperative elementary unique!” The school is at 10300 28th SW.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp observed when we walked into the basement meeting room at West Seattle Library last night that there might be more media people in attendance at her community-conversation meeting than constituents. But the initial single-digit attendance – not counting the multiple TV crews – grew as more people trickled in.

The regional media was looking for reaction to what had happened just an hour earlier – the full School Board had officially voted to both accept superintendent Dr. Brent Jones‘s withdrawal of his school-closure recommendations, and to withdraw the direction that had led to his recommendations, while clarifying that this all doesn’t mean they’ll never consider closures again. (The motion, voted on remotely, passed unanimously.)

Topp began her gathering by inviting everyone to introduce themselves, while noting she recognized many of them from her previous community-conversation meetings – even Maryanne Wood, Topp’s opponent in last year’s election for the board position.

Some of the attendees were Sanislo Elementary supporters who, while relieved the possible closure of their school is off the table for next school year, wanted to know about the “next steps” to address the district’s nine-digit budget shortfall. (Other school connections mentioned by attendees included Alki Elementary, Pathfinder K-8, West Seattle High School – “we’re a bit overenrolled,” that parent noted – and Chief Sealth International High School.)

After introductions, Topp opened the floor to questions/comments. A Sanislo advocate noted that while last week’s board meeting – precursor to the closure-plan cancellation – was welcome, they were concerned about the lack of written materials regarding what was in the update Jones was planning to deliver before instead announcing he was considering withdrawing the closure recommendations. Topp said she wasn’t sure; the parent said it’s still relevant, because Dr. Jones is still in charge of what happens next. Topp said the next board meeting should bring information on other areas from which budget cuts could be made. They’re also expecting longer-term budget stabilization info by next June. “We still have a LOT of work to do – where this $100 million is going to come from – plus a loan we took from ourselves … that we have to pay. … Over the years we’ve taken the low-hanging fruit (regarding cuts) … ” Topp said she had been willing to consider school closures if they could have factored into long-term stabilization.

A Sanislo advocate mentioned a parent’s online analysis saying the closures wouldn’t have saved nearly as much as suggested. She said that there are several other parents/writers who had suggestions for alternatives to closing schools.

“Sounds like a perfect member of the (future) task force!” exclaimed Topp, who agreed “there’s so much knowledge in our community, and innovation … how do we take that information and use it?” She then explained that the task force referred to something that the board sought to create as part of the school-closure plan; there was a lot of discussion about whether that would go on. She said that in December they’ll need to “add language” to ensure that a task force regarding the budget – not just possible closures – is created.

Another parent suggested that Sanislo had been “negatively impacted” by the large schools built/renovated in West Seattle – Arbor Heights and Genesee Hill, for example – over the past decade without much consideration as to how that would affect enrollment at schools like Sanislo. She pointed out the little school’s strengths, like its environmental-learning program. And possibilities, like a Montessori program. She suggested that big schools “don’t work for every kid.”

Topp said she ‘understood the concept of bigger schools” but feels “we did a disservice to our commmunity … going through this process,” so she wants to learn from it for “better decisions” in the future.

An Alki Elementary parent then brought up the potential three-bell schedule, saying it’s back on the agenda but “no one’s talking about it,” and saying some of the possible schedules – like schools with a 9:30 am start – would not work for some families/students.” Topp agreed that the three-bell schedule is indeed being explored as part of budget considerations.

Next parent said one frustration was that the now-scrapped closure plan including Sanislo “was the only (plan) presented to everybody. … It feels like there were no alternatives presented to the community, we just had to fight school closures.” She talked about a school (not in West Seattle) that had to move “four times” and lost much of its population. “I don’t think it was good for the community.”

Manuela Slye, who’s on the Seattle Council PTSA, said the process had underscored the importance of engagement – and that not everyone has access to standard aspects of the process, like social-media discussion or news articles. The information is often not provided in languages other than English. She said authentic, inclusive engagement is vital, as is having information provided in amply accessible ways.

Topp had words of praise for Sanislo’s recent community-organized outdoor meeting (WSB coverage here) – with interpretation, child care, snacks, “It was an example of a really well-done community meeting.” She also offered more regret that “if we had started by saying ‘we have a $100 million budget deficit, so how do we solve that?’ we’d be in a different place right now.”

Another attendee: As the district figures out how to address the budget deficit, where will the information come from? How will the community be informed? Topp said those questions are yet to be answered.

Another attendee noted that school-board meetings’ important info seems to all be stuffed into the “consent agenda.” Further discussing how the board works, Topp then tried to explain “student-outcome-focused government,” which the board is supposed to be embracing, saying it had to do with goals and direction, rather than micromanaging – it’s important “that we are trying to achieve the same thing,” she said. She added that no one on the board is against SOFG as far as she knows.

Another attendee thought the now-scrapped school-closure plan was a result of everything going awry in a “very strange sequence of events” resulting in “the school board running in fear” once there was a community uprising against the plan. “The school board never seemed to be corrupt,” he observed.

“Just dysfunctional,” another person added quietly.

Another attendee agreed that some parents might not understand how the board works, or is supposed to.

“That’s the case for a lot of things about parenting,” observed another attendee.

Yet another attendee agreed that there’s a lot of confusion, different groups speaking out, “and it’s just kind of hard to have facts that people can digest in a really understandable way.”

What people are asking for is more information, distilled Topp. And engagement.

A Sanislo advocate amplified that by recalling that back when there were just rumors of possible closures, “we didn’t even know there’d be a way to fight it. … There was a lack of information about it.” Topp agreed that there needed to be a way “to harness all the information.”

A school employee observed that there’s a big question about who gets to be heard during “engagement” – and again recalled the Sanislo playground meeting, which sought to reach out to everyone.” She also had a point that Slye had made, that the diverse community wasn’t necessarily reflected in PTSA groups, for example.

Topp said it was imperative to be intentional about how you “set up” conversations and moments.

A Sanislo advocate said she had promised to bring a school librarian’s perspective, after hearing that all librarians would be cut to halftime positions – “you can’t even manage en elementary school library on halftime,” and listed all the ways that the librarian she was quoting strives to help their students – beyond “just” helping with reading. Well-funded library programs help turn out kids who are more poised for success,, she noted.

Topp noted she has memories of most of her school librarians from her days as a student. But she brought the discussion back around to money, reminding attendees, “none of this is going to be easy … so how do we make decisions with the best information possible?” She recalled a recent meeting with school board directors from around the state, saying so many of them are also grappling with budgeting.

A Sanislo parent said she’s “deeply disappointed” that the school-funding situation has been going downhill for 30 years and hasn’t been fully fixed yet. She and another speaker agreed that state leaders have failed them. “They shouldn’t keep their job” if they can’t properly fund education,” the other attendee declared. “It’s not the Legislature, it’s very specific people IN the Legislature who have let us down.”

Many other levels of government are hurting financially too, others pointed out. The Legislature has “tools in their toolbox” to fix their own financial situation, though, Topp observed.

“Preventive maintenance” would work better than “fire-drill mode,” Sanislo dad Ken observed. “If you can get ahead of as many problems as possible …” then you’ll make progress. That goes for knowing how to be involved, finding the information, disseminating it … How do we get ahead of problems rather than responding to them all the time? … This is a human system – we made it – we can deal with it.”

“I am concerned that the school district has lost the trust of the community,” one of the Sanislo advocates declared.

Topp agreed and said the district must work on rebuilding that trust.

A school employee said the district should acknowledge that, and ask for feedback. That led to praise for Topp for having community-conversation meetings – something other directors aren’t doing. The school board’s unpaid status came up at that point – “what other job are you in charge of a $1 billion budget and unpaid?” asked Topp.

One more comment from Sanislo parent Ken – he said he was frustrated at the district’s meeting there to hear some district reps say that Sanislo wasn’t how a school was meant to look. “It’s about the people,” he said, not the physical surroundings. Also, regarding the meeting format itself: “It wasn’t authentic engagement – it was them going through a script,” observed another Sanislo advocate.

At that point, Topp had to wrap up because the library was closing. She’ll have another meeting in December; we’ll announce the date and time as soon as we get word.

Thanks to those who forwarded this: One night before the Seattle Public Schools Board was scheduled to have a special meeting to authorize superintendent Dr. Brent Jones to withdraw his plan to close four schools, he sent families a message tonight saying he’s doing just that, declaring the district will find other ways to save money – next school year, at least:

As Superintendent, I take seriously the responsibility of ensuring our district’s schools meet the needs of every student while operating sustainably for the future.

Earlier this year, the Seattle School Board directed me to develop a preliminary recommendation for elementary school closures and consolidations to address enrollment declines, budgetary challenges, stabilizing programs and services.

After much deliberation, reflection, and engagement with our community, it is clear there is no longer a pathway for this approach for the 2025-26 school year. I am withdrawing my preliminary recommendation, and we will not pursue school closures and consolidations for the upcoming school year. The Board will vote Tuesday to formally approve this direction.

This decision was not made lightly and reflects the Board and my shared priority: the needs and well-being of our students, families, and community. While our Board recognized the vision for the proposed changes, and many in our community understood the need for stability behind them, this decision allows us to clarify the process, deepen our understanding of the potential impacts, and thoughtfully determine our next steps.

The projected $5.5 million savings from the proposed closures are significant. However, we agree that achieving these savings should not come at the cost of dividing our community.

The discourse surrounding this issue highlighted the need for constructive conversations and collaboration to replace conflict, as meaningful progress for our students requires unity and shared purpose.

Instead, we will focus on addressing our district’s budget shortfall through legislative and levy renewal advocacy, as well as pursuing operational efficiencies aligned with our shared values and priorities. We also remain committed to addressing the underlying issues that drove this initial proposal. These challenges remain critical to ensuring the long-term health of our district, and we will continue to work together to find solutions and ensure any adjustments we make are both equitable and sustainable. …

The closure possibility loomed over months of meetings, discussions, and protests about what the district originally suggested would result in a system of “well-resourced schools” – a concept first introduced a year and a half ago – closing up to 20 of them and offering two possible slates of closures. That was eventually whittled down to four elementaries including Sanislo. Then last week’s emotional board meeting ended with Dr. Jones saying he might withdraw the plan.

P.S. If you want to talk with West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp about any of this – or any other SPS topic – her community conversation meeting remains on for 6:30 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, November 26) at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), shortly after the board’s one-issue, online-only meeting to officially cancel the closures.

His final decision on whether to withdraw the four-school-closure plan isn’t in yet, but Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones has announced the upcoming meetings/hearings for the affected school communities are canceled/on hold. Here’s his statement released today:

We are canceling our upcoming round of online community meetings at North Beach, Sacajawea, Sanislo, and Stevens elementary schools. We are doing so as the board has decided to delay the December closure and consolidation hearings, in part based on important input from families that we all value. As a result, I am considering withdrawing my earlier recommendations for closure and consolidation.

Our next step is to sit down with the school board for further planning. Having community meetings before or during these conversations would not be fair at this time.

Closing and consolidating schools is one of the hardest conversations we have ever had as a community. The conversations with affected school families, with the larger Seattle Public Schools community, our staff, and our board have been productive and at times painful. We understand that no one wants their beloved school to close – and we appreciate how much you love your schools, the teachers, the staff, and the culture that helps each student thrive.

I want to thank our school community for providing feedback as we work to address our budget gap and build a sustainable system so that every student thrives.

As noted in our report on the school-board meeting that preceded this, local school board director Gina Topp will have a community-conversation meeting at 6:30 pm next Tuesday (November 26) at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), and that’s a good place to plan to voice your opinions and ask questions.

While the wind raged across our region, a gust of surprise stirred things up at last night’s Seattle Public Schools board meeting (video above). Suddenly, the district might be abandoning its plan to close schools to save money. (Four elementaries are proposed for shutdown, including Sanislo Elementary on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge, with one parent last night saying the closures would “destroy communities”). Toward the end of the emotional meeting, including impassioned testimony by supporters of the targeted schools, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones threw out his planned update on the closure process and instead announced he’s “considering withdrawing the recommendations.” That in turn had followed a tearful speech by board president Liza Rankin – currently the subject of a recall campaign – saying the path on which they were proceeding does not “align with any of the things we asked for.” While legal counsel said she couldn’t simply call for a vote on scrapping the proposed closures then and there, she was told she does have the power to postpone the formal hearings planned for next month at the schools. If the superintendent withdraws his recommendations, that would do the same thing. So now it’s a matter of what happens next.

Meantime, West Seattle’s school board director Gina Topp has set the time and place for her next community-conversation meeting – 6:30 pm Tuesday, (corrected) November 26, at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) – you can talk/ask about the closures or any other SPS topic.

In addition to what’s already on the calendar, we just got word of one more school open house today: Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) invites prospective families to visit 1 pm-2:30 pm this afternoon:

Discover what makes our school unique! Meet our passionate teachers, hear from community members, and explore our classrooms. Learn about our focus on social-emotional learning, outdoor education, financial aid, and more. Adults and kids welcome!

Explorer West is at 10015 28th SW.