TOPS Petition in Support of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program

Please read this petition and sign if so inclined. I do believe moving this program - without saying where - is a disservice to these students and their parents.

Petition

Dear Superintendent Brent Jones and the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors,

We, the undersigned parents and concerned community members, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the potential closure of Tops K-8, which houses the district-wide Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) program. This raises significant concerns about the district’s ability to meet its legal obligations and the profound impact on the effectiveness of the program.

Tops K-8 serves many students who are furthest from educational justice, a group the district has identified as a priority in its decision-making. DHH students are part of this group, and closing Tops and splitting the DHH program would further marginalize these students. Such a move would compromise their access to specialized resources and the inclusive environment that is critical for their success.

We are deeply concerned that there is no clear plan in place for where or how the DHH program will be relocated. There are numerous critical considerations that we feel have not been addressed, including ensuring access to specialized staff, peer interactions, and inclusive resources. The district has remained largely silent on its intentions regarding this vulnerable population, leaving families and staff uncertain about the future of this essential program.

There has also been a significant investment in training staff at Tops K-8 to effectively serve DHH students. Over the years, staff have received specialized training to meet the unique needs of DHH students, and this expertise is invaluable. The relationships and understanding built within the school community take time, dedication, and investment—resources that will be lost if this program is relocated or split. Disrupting this continuity would not only hinder the progress made but would also be a setback for the entire community.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the district is required to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Centralizing the DHH program at Tops K-8 ensures continuity, a cohesive learning environment, and access to specialized staff and resources critical to the success of these students. Splitting up the DHH program would further isolate DHH students, depriving them of necessary peer interaction and specialized support, violating the LRE provision under IDEA.

Additionally, separating the DHH program would disrupt the consistency and stability that are crucial for the academic, social, and emotional development of DHH students. A fragmented program may fail to provide the unified environment that fosters inclusion and growth, again violating the LRE mandate.

Furthermore, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public institutions are required to provide equal access to services. Dividing the program between multiple locations could reduce access to essential resources, specialized staff, and peers who understand their needs. These logistical barriers may create inequities and could conflict with the ADA’s provisions for nondiscrimination and equal access.

Keeping the DHH program centralized in one cohesive K-8 school, like Tops K-8, fosters a sense of community and belonging that is critical for DHH students to thrive both academically and socially. This stability allows students to develop relationships, build confidence, and receive the continuous, specialized support they need to succeed. Disrupting this model by closing Tops could lead to significant setbacks for these children, compromising their educational experience and overall development. Furthermore, it would contradict SPS Board Policies 0010 and 0030, which emphasize equity and inclusion. 

We strongly urge the district to reconsider any plans to close Tops K-8 and divide its DHH program. These proposed changes could have serious negative consequences for the students who depend on this program. We respectfully ask the district to prioritize the needs of the DHH community and explore alternatives that preserve the integrity of this specialized program in its current, unified setting at Tops K-8.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,