Seattle Schools Community Forum

 Update:   I asked, via public disclosure, for the official reports on enrollment.  Here's the reply: Relevant staff members have informed me that the October P223 report is not yet available. Staff anticipates having it by the end of next week, and the report will be posted to the District Data and Reports webpage once available. All available past P223 reports can be found on that webpage as well.  End of update KPLU is saying it incorrectly quoted Superintendent Nyland at last night's Board meeting on enrollment growth on Twitter.    Here's the portion of the meeting where the Superintendent speaks on the issue.  But here's his exact quote (which I transcribed but find difficult to comprehend):

Update:  Rally for teachers before vote from 1-3:30pm outside of Benaroya Hall where the vote is to be taken.  Doors open for teachers at 2 pm with the general meeting starting at 3 pm.

Second Strike Update: As of an hour ago, SEA says no movement on negotiations.  I'm going to go to the press conference that is to be held at 3 pm. ( Strike update: nothing from SEA as of 10:15 am today, Sunday the 13th; SPS has a press conference today at 3 pm.  Maybe they are hoping there will be something to say then.) 1) In some of the biggest news for public education in Washington State - namely, that the Governor is assembling a "work group" to get McCleary done AND doesn't want the overturned charter law part of the discussion (AND he still doesn't support charter schools) - and yet the Seattle Times has said nothing.  Zero. Zip.  (At least I can't find it.) The Stranger reported it.  The Puget Sound Business Journal reported it.  And that was two days ago.  But the Times has time to write about the Justices who sit on the Supreme Court.  Hmm...

There's the provocative question that Jen Graves over at The Stranger Slog asks. She's asking about how to properly fund our schools and gives an interesting history about how it happened in New Jersey (which funds their schools very well) and finally got that state to an income tax. It was something I noticed in a Slate story from earlier this summer about our situation here in Washington, and it bears repeating: "When, in 1976, New Jersey was in a similar situation [to Washington], the Supreme Court shut down the schools for eight days. The fruits of that conflict remain with New Jerseyites to this day, for the need to fund schools more fairly is what led New Jersey in 1976 to adopt a state income tax for the first time." It made me wonder the following things. 1. Does the Washington State Supreme Court have the authority to shut down schools across the state right now? ...

This is a thread for any and all School Board candidates who would like to make a statement about the strike. Please e-mail me at sss.westbrook@gmail.com with your statement (which I will print in full with no edits).  Or, put your statement in the Comments section. I myself would not necessarily hold it against any candidate who does not make a statement; that's their choice during an election. But I will offer this opportunity. Jill Geary said this on Facebook: I have been getting inquiries as to whether I support our teachers and how I would have vote as a school board member. Of course, I do not currently sit on the board, and am not privy to all the information - but, from what I know of the issues and my personal beliefs, I could not see voting yes to bring legal action against our teachers. The parents I have heard from want our teachers supported and are willing to make sacrifices to see they are treated fairly as they stand up for our kids!!! As a school board repre...

In the interest of fairness, here's the link to the district's page on the strike.   Commendations To address questions about the start of school, the strike and contract negotiations, the district has established a message line. Questions left at 206-252-0207 will be added to the FAQ on this section of the website. However, there are some points which both sides continue to work toward agreement, including teacher and professional salary. Below is a brief summary of the top issues in the negotiation. Read the negotiation proposals and counter proposals on the Negotiation Proposals webpage.

  Update:  I cannot find any notice of the closure of SPS on May 19th at the Times.  The newspaper of record in Seattle and they don't have this up? Hmm.  (I searched and if it's there, it's not easy to find.) end of updates From SPS Communications (please note, no info here on IB testing) Seattle Public Schools Families, Thank you in advance for your patience as we work to provide information and options for you around the May 19 Seattle Education Association (SEA) walkout and cancellation of school that day. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and information to assist your family in planning for May 19. Last day of school for seniors and all other students What is the last day of school now? What is the last day of school for seniors ? The last day of school for all students, except seniors, is June 16 . Students will attend school for a full day on June 15 and be dismissed 1 hour early on June 16.  The last day of school for senior...