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Public Opposition to SPS School Closures Heats Up

Superintendent Ben Shuldiner announced potential school closures in his weekly newsletter, stirring anger and uncertainty among families, educators, and community members throughout the district. SPS confirmed with KUOW that 21 schools are up for potential mergers. [The Bulletin Seattle, Seattle Public Schools, KUOW]

• What the superintendent said — and didn’t say: The newly-appointed Ben Shuldiner cited low enrollment and poor conditions (like run-down buildings and multi-grade classes) as motivating factors. He provided a timeline with steps between now and early March 2027, when the board is expected to make the call. However, Shudlinder did not include names of the potentially impacted schools, saying, “There will be time for that.” Seattle parents expressed frustration over this, as well as the district’s suspected lack of support for schools focused on Indigenous culture, students with disabilities, Black and Brown families, and working-class neighborhoods. [The Bulletin Seattle]
• The wheels on the bus go round and round: Feeling a bit of deja vu? The district unveiled a controversial proposal to close multiple schools only two years ago, but community pushback caused them to abandon the plan. Many of the schools that faced closure in 2024 are being considered in this round, too. [KUOW]
• Why you should care, even if you don’t have kids: Don’t let your eyes glaze over this story, my fellow child-free Seattleites. Your tax dollars fund the SPS budget. You elect the school board members making these decisions. Plus, many of the impacted students will one day graduate high school and likely become your neighbors and coworkers. (Spoiler — the outcome of school closures isn’t always great.) [The Bulletin Seattle, The Chicago Reporter]
• We want to hear from you. What do you think about the potential school closures? What are you hearing from your neighbors? Send us an email at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also text us or leave us a voicemail on the City Cast hotline at 206-‪880-3931‬.

🏠 Social housing expands to North Delridge: The Seattle Social Housing Developer board voted to acquire the Youngstown Flats in West Seattle for $68 million, exceeding its housing pipeline goal for 2026. By the end of next year, SSHD expects to own more than 1,000 units of permanently affordable housing. [Seattle Social Housing Developer, West Seattle Blog]

🌧️ Seattle businesses want to leave: A recent survey of Seattle companies shows that the majority are pessimistic about the next 12 months, and nearly half have “seriously considered” moving out of the city. Public safety, taxes, and fees are some of their top concerns. The Seattle Metro Chamber CEO says the findings are “a wake-up call.” [Seattle Metro Chamber]

🚧 RapidRide R decisions incoming: The bus route with the second-highest ridership in the county could be replaced by a RapidRide line if a King County Council committee approves the proposal next month. County Executive Girmay Zahilay also wants to increase the budget and speed up the project timeline. Supporters hope the changes will improve the rider experience, while other community members have expressed concerns about accessibility. [South Seattle Emerald, The Urbanist]

For more details on the RapidRide vs Route 7 debate, check out today’s podcast where we ask the reporters that have been covering this story what's really at stake.