(The Center Square) – The Seattle School Board has unanimously approved a plan to address a $104 million budget deficit that could include closing approximately 20 elementary schools.
The district’s “well-resourced schools” plan finds the district would be better accommodated with approximately 50 K-5 sites, with 10 per region after the 2024-2025 school year. There are no plans for school closures or consolidations for the 2024-25 school year.
According to the district, closing a school could save Seattle Public Schools between $750,000 to $2 million.
The projected deficit of $104 million for the 2024-2025 school year could increase to $129 million for 2025-2026, and $153 million for the 2026-2027 school year if the district fails to balance the budget.
Currently, the district has 73 K-5 schools, with 29 elementary schools serving fewer than 300 students.
In comparison, the Bellevue, Renton, Lake Washington, Shoreline and Highline school
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