Seattle Schools Community Forum

Update:  here is what Superintendent Banda said in a press release on Tuesday: As a result, each school was given a funding amount based on student population, including weighted discretionary dollars, to make budget decisions that best fit the needs of their school. The goal was to provide as much flexibility to schools to meet the needs of their school population. Subsequently, we have heard from our school staff that this new formula is detrimental to our schools. Please know we listened to your concerns and funding of our classrooms and schools remains our first priority. As of today, $1.8 million has already been restored to schools and the Executive Directors of Schools are working with school leaders to have the remaining amounts in place this week. We intend to fully restore what was cut during the WSS allocation. End of update. In an e-mail that was sent yesterday to SPS principals, Executive Directors and the Superintendent Leadership Team (but not the B...

There is a petition against cuts in school clerical staff - which will primarily affect high schools where, frankly, they can least take it - to send a message to the district.  There is a minute-and-a-half video of the issue by Mary Smith who works in the office at Ingraham.  Mary is a long-time SPS school employee and I have been acquainted with her and her work now for over 10 years.  Mary has served as a PTA president and officer numerous times.  She is probably one of the most kind and trustworthy people I have ever met in my years in SPS.  I trust what she is saying completely. That this comes as the district is giving all non-contract employees at JSCEE a raise - starting this week - seems quite unseemly.   I urge you to sign this petition.   I have heard from different people that the budgeting being put forth is going to hurt the schools and I believe every effort should be made to protect school budgets.