KPLU Local News
(2009-11-19)
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Seattle School Board members (L to R) Michael DeBell, Steve Sundquist, Mary Bass (hidden) and Peter Maier at the Nov. 18, 2009 meeting.
Gary Davis photo.
The policy change is historic. It ends thirty years that have witnessed both mandatory and voluntary busing programs aimed at desegregating schools. And it ends what's become a complex and expensive system of school choice, one with high transportation costs. Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson says the money will be better used.
"Greater efficiencies in how we administer the district mean that we can continue to direct even more resources where they matter most, to the classroom."
After a few boundary amendments, and nearly five hours of discussion, school board members gave the plan their unanimous approval. Board president Michael DeBell calls it a major step forward in the effort to strengthen community involvement in schools.
"We have to provide all of the opportunities possible for each community to embrace their school, to gain confidence in their school, to look at that school as part and parcel of the fabric of their community."
Board member Cheryl Chow says returning to neighborhood schools is the right move for the district, but there's a major challenge.
"Are we offering quality programs throughout the district? Yes. Are we offering them equitably? No." At her last meeting before retiring from the board, Chow urged district leaders to advocate for low-income kids, who she says are hurt most by the inequities.
The new plan doesn't move any students from their current schools. It affects incoming Kindergarten, sixth and ninth graders. In January, the board will consider another topic that's stirred high emotions among parents; how to handle demands to keep siblings together in the same school. Gary Davis, KPLU News, Seattle.
Seattle Student Assignment Plan Links:
SPS Web Site
SPS Press Release on Plan (Nov. 18)
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