Today May Be Announcement Day for Seattle School Closures

Update 4:

SPS finally got it together and here you go for the virtual meeting tonight:

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Teams

• Join the meeting
• Dial in by phone: 206-800-4125; phone conference ID: 857001029# (those attending by phone will not have an option to submit questions)

end of update

Update 3:

As we wait (and wait) for the closure list to be released, a couple of other items.

1) Despite the fact that the district is having virtual meetings to talk about BEX VI, they are not listed on the calendar on the front page of the SPS website. Yes, they are listed in the "News" section but the title used there does not say "BEX VI" or "capital levy" but "building for learning."

So I'm not sure anyone should believe SPS is sincere in providing useful information to voters. 

I just checked and it's less than 3 hours before their first BEX VI meeting and no link. Wow.

2) I did want to mention when it happened but a well-known community activist was indicted on October 3rd "in connection with a multistate fentanyl drug trafficking organization, including the executive director of SE Network SafetyNet, a community group that is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County."

From the Seattle Times:

Matelita, or Marty, Jackson, a fixture in South Seattle, is a well-known violence prevention advocate who has frequently called for alternative pathways and opportunities to help steer children and young adults away from gang culture and gun violence.

After this happened, it caused the City and district to pause using SE Network SafetyNet violence reduction programs.

From FOX13:

Jackson, who oversaw the Boys & Girls Club's SE Network SafetyNet program, had been contracted to provide "violence intervention specialists" at Garfield and Rainier Beach High Schools.

Following the fatal shooting of a student at Garfield High School, Mayor Bruce Harrell pledged to invest in community-based solutions rather than reintroduce school resource officers. The city allocated $4.5 million for the initiative, which included in it these violence intervention specialists.

Seattle Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office confirmed they have paused work with SE Network SafetyNet following Jackson’s indictment.

From The Stranger:

SE Network SafetyNet recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seattle Public Schools (SPS) to provide violence interrupters at Rainier Beach High School, and the City of Seattle had agreed to provide funding for additional case managers at the high school as well through the organization. 

You'd think the Board might ask the Superintendent about this issue and find out how much it affects the district's safety work.  

Or is that a type of question the Board is no longer allowed to ask?

end of update

 

Update 2:

No closure list BUT there was this announcement:

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has selected José Curiel Morelos to lead the district’s Safety and Security Department as executive director. He will oversee efforts to ensure the safety of students, staff, and campuses under Superintendent Brent Jones’ School Safety and Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, coordinating with district departments and working with partners such as Seattle Police and Fire departments.  

“My vision [for Seattle Public Schools] is to create a space where everyone feels protected, respected, and empowered to thrive, regardless of their background or identity,” said Curiel Morelos. “My goal in the first six months [in this role] is to assess the safety and security protocols across all Seattle Public School buildings, implement necessary improvements, and provide training to relevant staff members. This action will ensure we are fully prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.” 

With more than 12 years of experience in public safety and emergency management, Curiel Morelos brings expertise in strategic planning, crisis management, and interagency collaboration. 

He previously served as executive director of campus safety at Pacific Lutheran University, where he led initiatives to enhance emergency response and security measures. 

“We are excited to welcome José Curiel Morelos to Seattle Public Schools,” said Superintendent Jones. “His expertise in safety and security will be an asset in reinforcing our district’s commitment to safeguarding students and staff as we intensify our efforts to enhance safety measures and overall well-being in our schools.” 

Curiel Morelos’ bilingual skills (English/Spanish) and commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive safety practices have been key to his success.  

His background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Western Oregon University and Title IX certification.  

end of update

Update:

I see nothing at the SPS website. There is this new meeting:

Join School Board Director Gina Topp (District 6)on Sunday, October 27th  for a community meeting to discuss Seattle Public Schools at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond St, Seattle) from 11am to noon.

end of update

 I'll keep an eye on the district's webpage mainly because they don't put serious news on either their Facebook or Twitter account. If you receive an email, please let me know. 

The announcement will let you know which NE elementary school is getting a rebuild. They didn't name it in BEX because they weren't sure but know they need it even as they are already rebuilding John Rogers.