Tell Mayor Harrell: Protect Seattle’s Schools and Communities from Closures

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Email Subject:

Dear [Your Elected Official],

I am a concerned parent with children in Seattle Public Schools (SPS), and I am reaching out to urge your involvement in stopping the planned closure of 21 elementary schools throughout Seattle for the 2025-2026 school year. As Seattle’s leader, your voice and influence are crucial in protecting the vibrancy of our neighborhoods, as thriving schools are the heart of thriving communities.
SPS faces significant challenges: a $94 million annual budget deficit and declining enrollment. While I recognize that solutions are needed, the proposed mass closure of schools is not the answer and will only further destabilize our city’s school system and community.
Closing schools is a short-sighted solution that will not address the underlying issues. Here are three key reasons why:
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<li>School closures won’t close the budget shortfall: Experiences from other cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. have shown that closing schools saves minimal funds. In those cities, closures only generated savings of about $17.5 million per year (adjusted to 2024 dollars). This won’t meaningfully address the budget crisis SPS is facing.</li>
<li>Harm to student outcomes: Evidence shows that mass school closures in large cities often lead to worsened educational outcomes, particularly in the short term. After the major disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, our children cannot afford further upheaval. Seattle’s students need stability and a clear path toward academic progress.</li>
<li>Lack of a clear, well-resourced plan: The current “well-resourced school” proposal lacks a concrete plan detailing how staffing reductions will affect the overall educational experience. Parents and families deserve clarity on how this will impact not just elementary schools, but also middle and high school students.</li>
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Additionally, with Seattle’s ongoing push for more middle housing to increase urban density, we cannot ignore the role a well-funded and stable school system plays in attracting families to our city. Families will not choose to move into neighborhoods with a chaotic, underfunded school system. Strong schools fuel vibrant communities, and supporting our public schools is essential to maintaining Seattle’s appeal as a place to live and raise children.
Our school district is in crisis, and without accountability and a long-term solution, the negative impact on our city will be profound. I urge you to get involved and work alongside parents, educators, and city leaders to find solutions that secure a brighter future for Seattle’s children and communities.
Sincerely,

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is facing a serious challenge: a $94 million annual budget deficit and declining enrollment are threatening to close 21 elementary schools across the city for the 2025-2026 school year. These closures would not only destabilize our public education system but also weaken the communities that depend on these schools. As Seattle’s leader, Mayor Harrell has the power to take a stand against these closures and advocate for better solutions. We need the mayor’s leadership to preserve the heart of our neighborhoods—our schools—and ensure that Seattle remains a great place to live and raise children. Closing schools is a short-term fix that doesn’t address the root problems. Research shows that school closures in other cities have saved minimal funds and led to negative outcomes for students. At a time when stability is crucial for our children, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot afford further disruptions. Strong schools are essential to the future of our city. Families are drawn to communities with a well-funded, stable school system, and the closure of so many schools would have lasting effects on Seattle’s appeal and livability. It’s time for Mayor Harrell to step up and work with parents, educators, and city leaders to find sustainable, long-term solutions. Take action today! Use the form letter to urge Mayor Harrell to get involved and help stop these school closures before they damage the future of Seattle’s children and communities. Please note that the name of the Mayor Harrell will not populate when you enter information. It will be added after you click "Send email."

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Your City Mayor