Latest News and Comment from Education

Friday, April 5, 2013

UPDATE: Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools Updates

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools Updates:


Seattle Schools Updates

 A story from KPLU about the Rainier Beach High School's new IB program.  It's a good one.

From SPS:

Seattle Public Schools is seeking applicants for a newly formed Native American Advisory Committee. 

The committee will advise Superintendent José Banda on implementing Native American Education in Seattle Public Schools. It will be composed of Native families, Native community representatives, Native SPS staff, Native higher education representatives and Native students who represent the diverse Native American population of Seattle Public Schools.

The initial committee term is April 2013 to June 2015.  Nomination forms are available here.

Nominations can be mailed to:
P.O. Box 34164
Mailstop 32156
Seattle, WA, 98124

Nominations can also be emailed to naeac@seattleschools.org.

The deadline for submission is Monday, April 15, 2013. Those selected will be notified by Monday, April 22, and


BEX Changes - Thornton Creek to Move Into New Building On-Site

I had understood that the district was reviewing the plan for Thornton Creek.  What I believed I had heard was that it did not appear to the community that the district had considered all options.  (I also believe there were real differences of opinion within the community about what would be the best plan.)

The district DID do analysis and here it is. 

There is a comparison of two projects - the one at Cedar Park and the one at Thornton Creek.

The analysis for Cedar Park was versus using Lake City property (an old school building that has been coverted into offices).  They still believe Cedar Park is the better option (cheaper) but looking at the breakdown, CP would have to have 8(!) portables to be viable.  I am also confused at the high price to redo Lake City as it is a lovely building that just needs some renovation (although it needs a gym)  and yet is is double the cost of updating