Rainy Day Recess (in transition)

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In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, hosts Christie, Jane, and Jasmine dive into the data-rich presentation on Seattle Public Schools' student outcomes, delivered by Dr. Ray Hart, Executive Director of the Council of Great City Schools, at the October 23rd special school board meeting. They break down the findings on student performance trends, equity gaps, and economic factors affecting achievement. The hosts also explore the subsequent board discussion, where school directors reviewed draft goals proposed by district staff for the upcoming strategic plan.

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In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, school board director Gina Topp discusses the school closure plans with co-hosts Christie and Jane. The three also discuss Seattle Public Schools’ $94 million budget gap, the upcoming legislative session, community engagement, and student outcomes-focused governance.

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In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, we dive into Seattle Public Schools' proposal to close and consolidate four elementary schools: North Beach, Sacajawea, Stevens, and Sanislo. Christie, Jane, and Jasmine explore critical questions surrounding the district’s decision-making process, including the criteria used for selecting these schools, the potential impacts on special education services, and how transitions might affect students and staff. We discuss community concerns, staffing changes, and the broader implications for the SPS landscape.

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In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, we sit down with former Seattle Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Stephen Nielsen to understand the implications of “binding conditions” and potential state oversight for Seattle Public Schools if it can’t close its budget gap. Nielsen shares his insights on what financial oversight might look like, the difficult cuts that could follow, and the complex history of Washington's education funding.

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Disclaimer: Seattle Hall Pass features a variety of voices. Each person’s opinions are their own. 

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In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, we discuss school and student safety in Seattle Public Schools, featuring interviews with students, staff, and parents. We explore concerns about balancing physical safety measures with the need for mental health support, sharing perspectives on a $20 million initially promised from the city for mental health. Voices from the community highlight the role of telehealth, community organizations like Community Passageways, and the controversial possibility of the return of School Resource Officers (SROs). Interviewees offer suggestions for improving safety, including wellness rooms and better communication between students and administrators.

Community voices featured in this episode include:

• Rafi Brewer, a sophomore at Garfield High School
• Fatra Hussein, a junior at Franklin High School
• Isaiah Parker, a student at Ingraham High School
• Kaz Hill, a student at Ingraham High School
• Shraddha Shrudde, a math teacher at Cleveland High School
• Lexi Awdziejczyk, a counselor at Franklin High School
• Alicia Spanswick, co-president of the PTSA at Garfield High School
• Kathleen Zagers, president of the parent organization at Ingraham High School

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Contact us: Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to [email protected]. 

Disclaimer: Seattle Hall Pass features a variety of voices. Each person’s opinions are their own. 

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Music by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist, logo by Carmen Lau-Woo.

In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, School Board Director Joe Mizrahi shares his perspective on Seattle Public Schools' plans for addressing declining enrollment and budget deficits. Director Mizrahi emphasizes the importance of minimizing impacts on students and families, focusing on a more thoughtful and community-centered approach to school closures. He touches as well on the role of state funding and community advocacy in shaping the future of Seattle's schools. We also discuss his thoughts on school board operations and dynamics.

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Christie, Jane, and Jasmine break down the October 9 Seattle School Board meeting, where the board passed a resolution to close up to five schools. We discuss the surprise executive session, held behind closed doors, and the newly imposed controls on board directors' questions and interactions with staff and the superintendent. Finally, we opine on where Student Outcomes Focused Governance is taking us.

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In this first episode of our Option C series, we explore alternatives to Seattle Public Schools' closure plans, known as Options A and B, which initially proposed closing up to 21 schools.

Our guest, Ben Gitenstein, an SPS parent and former school board candidate, introduces the idea of a school board recall as his "Option C" in response to what he sees as the school board's undemocratic and ideological actions.

Our guests' opinions are their own.

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In this episode, we discuss Seattle Public Schools' revised plan to close 5 schools instead of 17-21, and the renewal of Superintendent Jones' contract with modified evaluation metrics. We reflect on feedback from our previous episode and emphasize continued advocacy for education funding.

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Music by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist, logo by Carmen Lau-Woo.