Two nights after the Seattle Education Association – the union for Seattle Public Schools teachers and other educators – voted to authorize a possible strike, there’s no deal yet. In an update tonight, a union spokesperson says, ” The SEA bargaining team is continuing to bargain and working hard to reach an agreement to avoid a strike and clear the way for students to come back on time.” (That would be this Wednesday, September 2nd.) But just in case, the union update also announced that 100~ members will gather in the Central District’s Judkins Park to make signs and practice picket-line chants. The union says they’re continuing to push for “increasing Special Education supports, providing respectful pay, (and) easing the pressurization that large class sizes, high caseloads, and piled-on extra tasks have had on educators.”

As noted here last night, the educators’ union Seattle Education Association had a general membership meeting tonight. The union took a strike authorization vote, and reports tonight that 91 percent voted yes. But that just means they have voted to authorize a strike if they feel it’s necessary; in the meantime, they’ll continue the talks that date back to June: “We are ready to keep working toward an agreement that gives educators the conditions we need to support every student and build the thriving schools our community deserves.” Tonight’s announcement also says that “Special Education supports, respectful pay, and easing pressurization on educators (are) the major sticking points.”

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Torin Record-Sand
for West Seattle Blog

One week before the first day of classes for Seattle Public Schools, families, school staff, and district dignitaries gathered to celebrate the newly rebuilt, expanded Alki Elementary School.

The ribboncutting was of course the centerpiece of the ceremony. But it was closely rivaled by free ice cream:

This all followed speeches full of gratitude. Proud Alki Elementary principal Mason Skeffington, resplendent in a suit as blue as nearby Elliott Bay on a sunny day, emceed:

He, district superintendent Ben Shuldiner, and school board president Gina Topp were first to speak:

While praising the “world-class” and “state of the art” project, Shuldiner declared that “what happens inside” – learning and teaching – must be “world-class” too, and restated his goal that Seattle will become the nation’s top urban district.

Topp expressed excitement from a special perspective – saying her daughter will beattending Alki Elementary.

She and other speakers also took time to thank voters for approving the BEX V levy that funded the project, designed by Mahlum Architects and built by Cornerstone Contractors. Appreciation for those who built the school was also expressed by Monty Anderson of the Seattle Building and Construction Trades – he’s the second of three speakers in this video segment, following Evan Smith of Schools First and preceding Andy Sheffer from Seattle Parks and Recreation:

“How cool is it to have a school overlooking a park?” enthused Sheffer, referring to Alki Elementary’s new orientation facing north – the old school’s entrance faced west – which is toward the newly rebuilt playground as well as, beyond it, Alki Playfield and Whale Tail Park:

The playground is still getting some finishing touches:

After the ribboncutting, along with ice-cream scooping outside, attendees streamed inside for their first up-close look at the new school. We had a comprehensive look at its features, inside and out, in this July report. But we went in for a few minutes with today’s crowd:

Classrooms were closed, as educators already have moved in, but there are so many windows – interior and exterior – that everything was on view. All but the kindergarteners will start classes one week from today; the youngest students will start on September 8.

Alki Elementary spent the last three years in the former Schmitz Park Elementary, which the district tells us will be vacant this year so some work can be done.

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Dogged progress continued this evening as Seattle Public Schools and its teachers’ union bargain to reach a contract agreement before the start of school. Tomorrow marks 1 week until classes start, and it is also when Seattle Education Association (SEA) members will have their general membership meeting to vote on a tentative agreement, if one is reached by then, or to strike.

As we reported earlier this month, bargaining started in June, with barely a handful of agreements reached by a week ago, and 57 issues total to resolve. “Right now, the biggest sticking points are Special Education supports, respectful pay, and class size,” SEA spokesperson Julie Popper told WSB this afternoon. She says SEA is committed to be at the table 12 hours a day every day until an agreement is reached. As of this week, there were still 50 issues remaining, which makes it difficult to imagine how nearly all of those could be resolved by this time tomorrow. Popper says there was progress today, but nothing monumental. “We hope to reach a few issue tentative agreements by the end of the day, but we haven’t made headway today on our biggest issues.”

(SEA graphic showing bargaining progress)

SEA members have been working under a contract negotiated in 2022, when a strike delayed the start of school by a week. It was a 3-year contract, and last year, SEA voted to continue under that same contract. SPS has had limited comment on bargaining, but just this evening released a statement from District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner on progress so far:

Bargaining continues in good faith and with respect for our labor partners. The opportunity for conversation and progress remains.

I want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the Seattle Public Schools bargaining team. Our team members have been working diligently to move negotiations forward, meeting throughout the weekend and continuing their round-the-clock efforts every day this week. Their dedication reflects a shared commitment to finding mutual agreement.

SPS is working to open the school year successfully with an agreement that centers our students, supports our educators, and keeps our school district fiscally viable into the future.

Assuring that viability is contingent on the outcome of a scheduled school board meeting, which includes a vote on whether to approve the $1.3 billion 2026-2027 school year budget, along with budget plan summaries and enrollment projections for the next 4 years. The SEA membership and SPS board meetings will happen simultaneously.

If a tentative agreement is not reached and approved and SEA votes to strike tomorrow evening, Popper says to expect the bargaining team back at the table the very next morning. “Bargaining will continue until we reach an agreement.”

Alki Elementary is not the only West Seattle school having a dedication ceremony before school starts.

(Photo courtesy Our Lady of Guadalupe)

Back in June, with the photo above, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School announced its “summer of construction,” and the celebration is next week:

Join us Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:00 PM for a special Ribbon Cutting and Blessing!

Let’s gather as a community to celebrate the transformation of our school campus and give heartfelt thanks to those who made it happen!

Our deepest gratitude goes to the Fulcrum Foundation, Shea Homes, Knipp Contracting, the Archdiocese of Seattle Office for Catholic Schools and the dedicated construction team at KNIPP Construction. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity of time, talent, and treasure, our students now have an updated space designed to inspire learning, leadership, service, and prayer for years to come. We also want to thank our parish and school staff, parishioners, and neighbors for your patience and positivity throughout this process.

OLG School is on the southwest corner of 34th and Myrtle. The June announcement details the work that was done, including a new roof and windows.

(WSB photo, July)

As we first told you in June, tomorrow’s the dedication day for the new Alki Elementary School (3010 59th SW). The community is invited to the 10:30 am ribboncutting – here’s the official reminder sent today by the district:

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m., Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will celebrate completion of the new Alki Elementary School building and modernization of the gymnasium.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Alki Elementary School, 3010 59th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Superintendent Ben Shuldiner will join School Board President Gina Topp and Alki Principal Mason Skeffington will speak before cutting the ribbon to officially open the school for the 2026-27 school year. Additional confirmed speakers include Andy Sheffer of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Monty Anderson of Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, and Evan Smith of Schools First.

There will be an opportunity to tour the school following the ceremony.

As noted in our story last month with a look inside the building, more than 400 students are enrolled at the newly rebuilt and expanded school for the 2026-2027 school year – a 50 percent increase from last year’s 260, the third year at temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary.

Is your family new to Lafayette Elementary – with an incoming kindergartener, or student(s) who attended somewhere else last year? You’re invited to two playdates on the school’s playground!

Sunday, August 23 from 2-4 pm
Sunday, Sept 6 from 9-11 am

The school is at 2645 California SW; the playground is on its west side.

P.S. Reminder as the new school year approaches, we appreciate getting info on school events for our community calendar – just email the basics, including any relevant weblink, to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

(SEA photo of members at West Seattle Farmers Market yesterday)

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

You may have wondered about all the people in red shirts. Yesterday it was leafleting at the West Seattle and Capitol Hill farmers’ markets, and tomorrow it’s back to the bargaining table for members of the Seattle Education Association (SEA), as the teachers’ union continues negotiations with Seattle Public Schools ahead of their contract expiration on August 31st.

SEA and SPS started the bargaining process in late June. Just a couple of weeks later, the SPS board had a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 district budget. At $1.34 billion, it includes cuts that aim to both balance the budget and shore up the district’s reserve funds, which had been projected to be depleted next year. Even though the budget is not yet approved, it is top of mind. “More than anything, we’re bargaining against SPS’ budget challenges and against the calendar,” said SEA Lead Bargainer Davina Diaz in a community update on SEA’s website last week. “SEA has put on the table all 18 of our “small” issues, called that because we believe they’re less expensive and easier to reach agreement on. So far we have reached agreement on two of those.”

(SEA photo)

The teachers’ union has been working under a 3-year contract negotiated in 2022, which was extended for 1 year. The 2022 contract was only reached after a strike that delayed the start of school for the district’s 50,000 students for one week. SEA and SPS have met 14 times already, with another 6 dates set, but SEA has asked for more dates to be added. They have a list of 57 issues to resolve, from class sizes and compensation to professional development and supports for students. “We’re committed to winning more time for supporting students in our days, safer schools, and respectful pay,” said Diaz. SEA’s bargaining team includes two dozen educators, including 3 from West Seattle schools—one each from Sanislo Elementary, Lafayette Elementary and West Seattle High School.

This all comes as SPS’s new Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is finishing his first 6 months on the job. SPS has not yet replied to a request for comment on the negotiations, but Shuldiner’s introduction to the new budget is clearly focused on the bottom line, including maintaining an adequate reserve. “A negative fund balance means the district enters binding conditions, potentially losing local control over how we spend money and make decisions for our students. We cannot let that happen, and that is what compels us to make difficult choices now, in the year ahead, and every following year until we have turned this around,” he wrote. “We have many hard choices ahead. We will address those head on, and we will do it together.”

“We’re doing everything we can to reach an agreement,” SEA spokesperson Julie Popper told WSB this afternoon. They’re also ready for anything, as evidenced by Picket Captain training listed on their website schedule for SEA members later this month. “We’re preparing just in case, but nobody wants to go on strike.”

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Torin Record-Sand
for West Seattle Blog

The message above, one of several inscribed in small “cozy corner” seating spaces scattered inside the new Alki Elementary School, are meant as reassurances for its future students, but could also apply to those who fought over the plan for the ~$67 million rebuild and expansion.

Those battles are in the past, and so are two years of construction. A student body more than 50 percent larger than last year will occupy the new Alki ES in one month – 409 enrolled, compared to last year’s 260, according to principal Mason Skeffington, in part because Alki will be the regional center for Highly Capable education. Skeffington’s in his seventh year as Alki’s principal, and after three of those years in interim quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, he’s excited. He led us on a long-planned tour of his new school earlier this week, along with the district’s project manager Brian Fabella.

We started outside:

Crew members were installing the landscaping for raingardens and other areas outside the school’s new entrance, which faces north, where a side entrance used to open onto a parking lot. The area in front of the school- designed by Mahlum Architects and built by Cornerstone Contractors – is now a “parkway”; the line where concrete pavement gives way to asphalt pavement is the line between Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Parks property. As was the case pre-rebuild, the two will share the playground north of the building:

It’s not finished yet but the plan is for it to be ready to go before school starts September 2. That’s actually the start date for all but the kindergarteners, who start classes on September 8 9. And that date the later start factors into tile work on the front of the school:

Inscribed in the tile work are the high and low tides projected for September 9, the (second) day all Alki Elementary students, kindergarteners through 5th graders, will be together in the new building (which is 8+ years in the works, going back to BEX levy planning in 2018). The tide tiles are near the main entrance, where two sets of doors will enhance security, with the office entrance to the right.

Though the office is a fairly traditional area, with a front desk that will be the gateway to some administrative offices including Skeffington’s, it won’t be a total “hub” type of set up.

Other staffers who serve the whole school have their areas integrated on classroom floors – for students who need services, it won’t be that dreaded “trip to the office,” for example. There are also meeting rooms for everything from staff gatherings to meetings about students’ Individualized Education Plans.

Back to the ground floor, you’ll notice two things about the commons – aka lunchroom: It’s close to the entrance:

And it’s an atrium, with the ceiling open all the way to the top of the building:

Another feature you might not notice until it’s pointed out are two circles in the floor like this:

They represent another feature that Skeffington says the students will learn about – the school itself being “a curriculum” (as mentioned previously) – the caps to the geothermal wells factoring into the school’s heating/cooling system, visible in other ways around the school.

Students will also learn more about stormwater in a small ground-floor courtyard that hosts a stainless-steel cistern and a rainwater-ladder type of feature nearby:

The ground floor is also the gateway to an area that the school will continue to share with neighboring Alki Community Center, the gym:

The Alki seagull logo is a prominent feature on the gym’s new floor:

The gym also has a wall with a 16-foot board that can be used for projection or can be written on.

On every floor, the restroom areas will feature a shared sink but mltiple individual, private stalls:

These are meant for safety as well as privacy. Heading up to the second floor, what comes into view are the views themselves – such as the northward view from this deck:

Most of the staff area (except for a private lactation lounge for nursing/pumping) opens onto the deck, from which you can glimpse the water of Elliott Bay, which is also visible from the big new library:

The upper floors are dominated by teaching and learning areas – and lots of windows.

The hallways are the only places where overhead lighting provides more illumination than natural light through windows:

As with other recently built school buildings we’ve toured around West Seattle, the spaces are flexible, with many different configurations of tables, chairs, and other seating, as well as open hallway-adjacent space where either multiple classes can meet or breakout sessions can be held. There are some specialty classrooms too, like the art room – with a kiln. Throughout the classrooms are tech features both modern and classic, from telephones to emergency buttons to PA systems to outlets accommodating USBs as well as power plugs.

We asked project manager Fabella about his favorite part of the new school. He replied: Its mass-timber construction. Not only does it result in the warm appearance of wood – though most of it is wood-laminate – but it is a major factor in earthquake safety, as the beams and supports will help the building flex in a quake. The method of construction also meant faster framing, he addded, and leaves the building weighing less. Overall, the supports are “like a shock absorber for the building,” Fabella explained.

And he recalled a story told by Duwamish Tribal Council member Ken Workman, about his ancestors being part of the trees, so they’re now part of the building too – as will be the first students to learn in the building starting in a month.

WHAT’S NEXT: Teachers are moving in August 17. That’s nine days before the ribboncutting, 10:30 am Wednesday, August 26th (they’re hoping to be able to allow community members into the building, too). And as mentioned above, Wednesday, September 2 is the start of classes for all Seattle Public Schools students except kindergarteners, who will start (updated) on Tuesday, September 8.

SUNDAY NOTE: Though the principal told us kindergarteners were starting September 9 – and said that was the reason the exterior tilework is inscribed with high and low tides for that date – reader K noted in comments that the district calendar says kindergarten classes start September 8. We asked a district spokesperson about the discrepancy and they confirm that Alki kindergarteners will also start September 8. So what about the tile work – will the date/time/tide inscriptions have to be changed? Reply: They’re “checking with the design team.”

(WSB photo, Monday, 59th SW side of new Alki ES)

Though the previous update had said Seattle Public Schools was hoping to start “move-in” at the new Alki Elementary School this week, it’s going to be a little while longer, according to an update today:

Our team is focused on the last elements of the interior work: final cleaning, punch list
items, commissioning the heating and ventilation systems, commissioning the automated doors and security systems,
and completing the remaining work at Whale Tail Park.

We anticipate that the building will get its final inspection and approval by the City of Seattle in mid-July.

Reminder: the South Alki Playground will remain under construction throughout the summer.

As we first reported last week, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new school is set for 10:30 am Wednesday, August 26.

(WSB photos, this afternoon)

If you’ve been by Alki Elementary lately (3010 59th SW), you’ve likely noticed the new school looks pretty close to done. Today we learned the date that’s been set for the ribboncutting ceremony, so you can mark your calendar: August 26. Long before then, though, staff will start moving in; according to the latest project newsletter, that begins next Monday (July 6).

Alki Elementary has spent the past three years temporarily housed at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, which will be vacant next year so some maintenance work can be done, the district told us in March.

Lacey emailed us to say, “We are coming up on the 30-year reunion for West Seattle High School Class of 1996! This time we have decided to join forces with the Class of ’95 and Class of ’97 for a joint reunion on Saturday, July 18. We’re trying to get the word out, we know a lot of folks have moved out of West Seattle, but many still have family here.” So if you or someone in your family is a WSHS alum from one of those years, you’re invited! The reunion celebration is at 7 pm July 18 at Dakota Place Park (California SW & SW Dakota). Here’s where to RSVP/buy tickets – or even just to answer an anonymous poll, whether or not you can go!

(Photo courtesy South Seattle College)
One last graduation this season – and it was our area’s biggest one – more than 600 students from South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) joining their counterparts from the two other Seattle Colleges to celebrate the completion of their degrees and/or certificates. SSC sent us this report on last night’s ceremony:

South Seattle College celebrated the Class of 2026 with a commencement ceremony at University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena. The ceremony brought together graduates from South Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and North Seattle College – all part of the Seattle Colleges District.
  
SSC’s 627 graduates collectively earned 655 degrees and certificates (many students graduate with multiple certificates).  Awards include bachelor of applied science degrees for those furthering their expertise and earning potential, college transfer degrees for those planning to attend a four-year university as their next step, career training degrees and certificates for those seeking immediate skilled trades employment, and high school completion awards.

155 graduates were part of Seattle Promise, a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle following passage of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy in 2018 and its renewal in 2025.

At the commencement ceremony, SSC President Monica Brown addressed SSC’s graduating class with advice for their next chapter:

“Graduates, today you carry forward more than a degree. You carry forward your voice, your leadership, your responsibility to your community and to one another. So, as you step into your future, I leave you with this charge: When life gives you the choice between standing still and stepping forward; between comfort and courage; between watching and truly living; choose to step forward. Choose to engage.”

Danna Karime Gamboa Méndez was selected as SSC’s Class of 2026 Commencement speaker. Originally from Colombia, Danna earned an Associate of Science in Engineering with a 4.0 GPA and President’s List honors. She served as President of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Alpha Chi Phi Chapter Honor Society and was named to the All-Washington Academic Team. Danna will transfer to the University of Washington, where she plans to study chemical engineering. Her goal is to advance public health and biomedical research, inspired by her journey of resilience and service.

Danna shared the following during her commencement speech:

“Dreaming is beautiful, but it is not enough.
We have to train for the life we want.
We have to show up every single day… even when it hurts.
Even when the exam feels impossible.
Even when the bank account is low.
Even when we are grieving.
Even when we are scared.
Especially then.
Because the struggles we face are not signs to stop.
They are part of the process of becoming.”

Each year, four graduates are also honored with the President’s Medal, recognizing students who demonstrate academic excellence, resilience in the face of adversity, and dedication to service. This year’s recipients are Jose Alfredo Maldonado (Skilled Trades), Amanda Contreras (Transitional Studies), Alejandro Garcia (Bachelor of Applied Sciences), and Judas Iscariot (College Transfer).

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Go, Otters!

South Seattle College is headquartered on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge, with a satellite campus in Georgetown.

(WSB video/photos)

The second ceremony in tonight’s graduation doubleheader concluded at McCaw Hall downtown about half an hour ago – the West Seattle High School Class of 2026 is heading into their post-high-school future. Above is our video of the tassel turn and cap toss – below, their entrance:

ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Here’s our video of the heart of the WSHS speaker lineup – Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, followed by grad Lizzie Greene, staff speaker Chris Harris, and “Lessons of Life” from grad Adam Gosztola:

They were followed by grad Elinor Largent singing “Don’t Dream It’s Over” (unfortunately out of our video camera’s view because of where we were stationed, but you can see/hear her on the district’s recording of the ceremony, 41 minutes in):

WSHS principal Brian Vance introduced valedictory speaker Sam LeBaron, one of 18 valedictorians listed on the program, and then the district official, dignitaries, and school administrators who also were onstage, concluding – after a final “spelldown” – by presenting the class to School Board President (and West Seattle resident) Gina Topp:

Here’s another view of the tassel-turning ceremony, led by a group of grads onstage:

Memorial Stadium will still be in construction next year; the 2027 graduation-ceremony locations have yet to be announced.