Seattle Schools Community Forum

Update: From The Seattle Times , a story that SPS is appealing to an appeals court over an $8M judgment against them " in which a former math teacher hit a then-middle school student and ejected him from the classroom." The district first wanted a new trial but that got nixed (along with the defendant's claims that his constitutional rights were violated by the district.) The district has not laid out the specific grounds for its appeal, but the notices filed indicate it is asking a higher court to review the rulings in the case, including the final November judgment, the denial of a new trial and a portion of the order on Sheikhibrahim’s attorney’s fees. A new firm, Seattle-based Carney Badley Spellman, has joined the district’s team. “We would much prefer that this process was done and that the verdict be left undisturbed,” said Lara Hruska, one of the lead attorneys representing Sheikhibrahim.   The jury found the district responsible for Sheikhibrahim’s injuries and v...

That didn't take long.  Via The Urbanist : Councilmembers Reverse Course After Backlash  to Universal School Meal Delay The day after voting to delay the program, the Seattle City Council is moving to ensure students attending K-12 public schools in Seattle will be able to enjoy universal school meals starting this fall.  That would mean the amendment that was offered by several City Council members would postpone universal meals for a year so they can fund a food voucher program for weekends and school breaks for students who already are qualified for free school meals.  They state that Mayor Wilson wants to pay for it out of the FEPP ( Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise  ) levy. But that could change in a couple of years. The Washington State Legislature is planning to use revenue from the newly passed millionaires tax, assuming it survives the legal and electoral challenges against it, to fund universal school meals for all public school students in ...

Following up on the public meeting about the athletic field for Lincoln High School , a story from KOMO News: S eattle Public Schools is pushing ahead with a plan to build a new athletic field for Lincoln High School in Lower Woodland Park, but the proposal is drawing backlash over the potential removal of dozens of trees. Initial reports from arborists suggest approximately 80 trees would need to be cleared to build the field. Activists with Tree Action Seattle are trying to block the project, saying the trees help cool the surrounding area and remove air pollutants.   Initial reports from arborists suggest approximately 80 trees would need to be cleared to build the field. Activists with Tree Action Seattle are trying to block the project, saying the trees help cool the surrounding area and remove air pollutants. I have heard pro-field folks say these are not important trees as in specialty trees but yes, all trees contribute in an urban landscape. They do get one thing wrong - ...

Via the Lincoln High School Alumni and Staff Facebook page: On Thursday, July 23, Seattle Public Schools will recommend a full-size field at N. 50th St. & Aurora Ave. N., plus a track renovation at Lower Woodland Field #7, to the Seattle Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners — asking approval to move into environmental review. Links at bottom are the agenda and public memo for the Parks Board of Commissioners this week and info on the SPS project page.   This special meeting is from 6pm-8pm at 330 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112. Important: They have now added public comment at the July 23rd meeting and we need people to show up in support! See below for the tentative agenda including signing up to speak. 6:00 Welcome, Introductions & Land Acknowledgement Ryan Baum, Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Co-Chair 6:10 Briefing: Lower Woodland Park Athletic Field Proposal Andy Sheffer, Deputy Superintendent, Planning and Capital Development 6:40 Public Hearing: Low...

Update Via the Washington State Attorney General's office : Washington State leads lawsuit to prevent Department  of  Education’s  cuts to school mental health grants Attorney General Nick Brown led a lawsuit today with 14 other attorneys general to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from unlawfully terminating congressionally approved school-based mental health grants. In defiance of a court order, the administration plans to terminate these grants at the end of July, which is projected to cost Washington schools and universities over $20 million. “This administration already tried to take money from our schools, money that was supposed to support student mental health, and they lost,” said Brown. “Now they’re trying using a new tactic to try for the same goal--getting around the court’s order and Congress’s intent. Our goal is the same too: fighting for and defending the well-being of Washington’s kids.” Terminating the grants would result in the loss of millions...