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NOVEMBER 27, 2024
VOL. 105, NO. 48
& QueenAnne&Magnolia news
Seattle Schools superintendent reconsiders closure of 4 schools despite deficit
QueenAnne
Magnolia news By Spencer Pauley The Center Square
COURTESY CAROLINE DAVIS
The McGraw Street Bridge after the bomb cyclone.
Red Cross shares safety reminders after power outages Submitted Thousands in western Washington were without power after a bomb cyclone impacted the area. At the American Red Cross, we see every day the impact of the climate crisis and how extreme weather events continue to wreak havoc on families across the country. The Red Cross lets people in the path of hazardous weather should follow these safety steps:
DURING A POWER OUTAGE Staying Safe Indoors Use flashlights in the dark, not candles. Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested. If you are using a generator be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use
HOW TO HELP: Donors of all blood types, especially Type O and platelet donors, are encouraged to book appointments at: X Phone: 800-398-7888 X Website: www.bloodworksnw.org X App: Text bwapp to 999-777 to download the Bloodworks App. generators safely. Never operate a generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds or other partially enclosed spaces, even if using a fan or opening doors and windows. Carbon Monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these spaces and linger for hours after a generator is shut down.
FOOD SAFETY Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48
hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or below to be safe to eat. Then use food from the freezer. Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer. If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics. Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics
OUTAGES, 4
Seattle Public Schools may not go through with a proposed plan to close four schools despite looming budget challenges. The school district is facing a structural deficit of $90 million to $100 million in the upcoming school year. Late last month, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Brent Jones presented his preliminary recommendation for school closures next year. Four schools were set for closure: North Beach Elementary, Sacajawea Elementary, Stevens Elementary and Sanislo Elementary. Seattle Public Schools was initially considering closing 17 to 21 schools, which would have saved the district approximately $30 million. That would have left an estimated gap of around $70 million for the district to address after consolidations. However, pushback from the community has led to the district considering alternative ways to close the structural deficit. On Tuesday, Jones said he was considering pulling his preliminary recommendation for his “well-resourced schools” plan as a result. “It is now clear that that direction is shifting, and I am withdrawing my preliminary recommendation,” Jones said at a Tuesday night Seattle Public Schools Board meeting. “I will need to give it more consideration as to when it would come back, if it does.” Applause was heard from those in attendance. Right before this announcement from Jones, school board members shared their frustrations with the proposed school closures. Seattle Public School Board President Liza Rankin was visibly emotional after the public comment period when parents spoke out against the proposed school closures. She said consolidation of schools is still an option the district board still may need to consider but added that she “can’t imagine we get to the place where everybody feels good about voting ‘yes’ in January with what we have now.” School Board Director Michelle Sarju predicted a grim future for the district. “What’s about to come after January 20, 2025, is going to be devastating to this district, because we actually didn’t do our work that we needed to do before that,” Sarju said. “We’re not trying to break up communities; what we’re trying to do is save a system for all of your kids.” Jones said the district has some assets to help solve the issue. First, Seattle Public Schools does have $30 million in flexibility from the repayment of its capital loan program. Second, the district is seeking $40 million in state funding. Jones said there have been productive discussions with members of the Legislature to secure that funding. Lastly, the Seattle Public Schools Board is looking at $30 million in internal savings. Jones also mentioned that the board is looking to authorize the placement of levies in front of voters in order to secure long-term financial stability for the district. That motion may come next month.
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