seattletimes.com - Paige Cornwell 5h. We also felt confused about the criteria that were being used to make the decision. Under the consolidation recommendations, Ardmore would combine at Bennett, Cherry Crest and Sherwood Forest elementaries. Lower enrollment has started to hit districts bottom lines in a major way: Throughout the pandemic, the state of Washington offered hold harmless revenue, meaning they used pre-pandemic enrollment to calculate district funding levels. All Rights Reserved. The Bellevue School District's board met today to discuss the consolidation of three out of seven elementary schools in Bellevue. Across the state, private school enrollment is up by a bit more than 8,300 students, about an 11% increase since 2019. Parents are grappling with what deVita is saying. Two of the Bellevue elementary schools that could be consolidated are Title I schools, which receive extra federal funds because they serve a high . Bellevues total enrollment has dropped by more than 9% over the past 3 years. No long bus rides. The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. It is projected to continue declining for the next 10 years. What it means for the kids? On January 12, BSD will share some potential scenarios with the Directors of the Bellevue School Board at the study session of regularly scheduled Board Meeting which aim to address declining enrollment and share opportunities to engage all stakeholders in providing final recommendations. Former BSD families recently shared their school consolidation and closure experiences with the BSD Communications Department, expressing their viewpoints, vivid memories, and advice our school community today. BELLEVUE Families of students from seven Bellevue elementary schools on a list for potential consolidation held a rally Monday outside the school districts offices. These are the schools that had been recommended to be consolidated with other Bellevue schools. Three, Clyde Hill (the receiving school) had an open and inviting meeting, and that was encouraging from the start. Believe in Bellevue. Paige Cornwell Seattle Times staff reporter BELLEVUE Families of students from seven Bellevue elementary schools on a list for potential consolidation held a rally Monday outside the. deVita counters that there was no way to predict the quintuple whammy of the pandemic, skyrocketing housing prices, declining birth rates, the shift to remote work, and recent tech layoffs. BELLEVUE, Wash. The Bellevue Schools District (BSD) said it has seven elementary schools on a list for a consolidation plan that will go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year.. In 1952, Clyde Hill Elementary was opened, making it the oldest elementary school. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005. Wait, why would any consolidation be needed?. Enrollment is projected to decline for the next 10 years to a low of 16,000 students, according to Melissa deVita, the districts deputy superintendent of finance and operations. Preschool + Elementary 100 South 3rd Street, Bellevue, IA 52031 By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Find Us . Fortunately, the principal helped calm our community and assured us that even if we were selected to close, we could make it work. Eastgate was built in 1956 and rebuilt in 2009. 260 | fax: 563.872.3216, Preschool + Elementary100 South 3rd Street, Bellevue, IA 52031563.872.4001 ext. How do I face the same kids and say sorry, kids, were going to move you again?. In January 2022, the Bellevue School District Board of Directors announced that Dr. Kelly Aramaki was selected as the incoming superintendent, assuming the role in July 2023. Bellevue school leaders say the move is needed due to declining enrollment. Example video title will go here for this video. Early Childhood Education. KUOW is the Puget Sound regions #1 radio station for news. "They're looking at data, but are they also looking at what it means for the community? Enrollment is projected to decline for the next 10 years to a low of 16,000 students. District officials have said all staff members from the consolidated schools will be retained and the buildings would remain in use. The district is experiencing its lowest student population in more than a decade. Shes a native Pacific Northwesterner who grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington and covered local news as a producer and reporter with KIRO Radio. On a chilly evening in south Bellevue, parents are filing into the cafeteria for an open house at Eastgate Elementary. BELLEVUE, Wash. In KING 5's continued coverage of the Bellevue School District's plan to close and consolidate three elementary schools - requests for comment have been sent to Gov.. Incoming Superintendent Kelly Aramaki stressed the recommendations arent final, and the district will continue listening to families from impacted schools. Excellent job of putting it together. BELLEVUE, Wash. Ardmore Elementary School in Bellevue would not be consolidated under a new plan that the school district released Thursday. After meeting today, the Bellevue School District has chosen Ardmore, Eastgate, and Wilburton elementary schools as the three that it is recommending be consolidated with other schools. Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge and Wilburton Elementary Schools are being considered for closure. Our independent, nonprofit newsroom produces award-winning stories, podcasts and events. He played a significant role, and people trusted him. Our Mission . Which is the fate of this brand new school? Comments (-1) Water Quality Update. The district has been experiencing a drop in enrollment since 2019. News . Organizers said they hoped district officials would see the rally while they met in the building and prepared for Thursdays school board meeting. To provide an environment of academic excellence and social and emotional support for each student. Traditional Public Charter Magnet. A series of staff engagement sessions and open houses for impacted families and community members will be held over the upcoming month. A final consolidation plan will need to be approved by the . King County has third-highest ratio of young men to young women in U.S. Scientists find worrisome lesions on endangered southern resident orcas, Just outside Seattle, residents endure a dangerous yet ordinary intersection, seven Bellevue elementary schools on a list for potential consolidation, Bellevue may consolidate some elementary schools. Wilburton and Eastgate families crowded into the room, with many holding signs or wearing shirts asking the board to keep their schools open. Sherrie M: While I remember the initial impact was very stressful, I was most impacted by the resilience demonstrated by both school communities. She added she had looked at housing developments being constructed throughout Bellevue, and wondered how the student population will continue to change. This is where the district has seen the most enrollment declines. deVita says there are a lot of contributing factors: millennials arent having as many kids; fewer families are willing to pay sky-high Bellevue rents; and some Bellevue kids with parents on H1B visas have had to leave the country. Monday night in Bellevue was a chance for parents and staff to address the district's board of directors about a plan to consolidate three elementary schools in response to declining enrollment . Ralph Allen was the principal and had a collaborative work style that was very transparent. Downtown Bellevue Fitness Centers and Gyms, Bellevue Childrens Museum Presents KidsQuest Summer Nights with Animals, Science, & Live Music, Bellevue Towers Penthouse Back on Market after Additional $2M Reduction, Bellevue Collections Lincoln South Food Hall Reopens with New Restaurants, Final Beam Set & Signed on Top Floor of Luxury Condo Tower, MARI, Korean BBQ Restaurant, Seoul Bowl, Now Open in Bellevue. Parents say theyre skeptical of some of the districts projections and wonder if officials have explored policy changes that could help balance enrollment across the district. Interim Superintendent, Art Jarvis, explained that Wilburton Elementary students would go to Clyde Hill Elementary and Enatai Elementary and Eastgate Elementary would be combined with Spiritridge Elementary. Bellevue Elementary School's Time to Shine! Public School Type. Beginning in the fall, students from Wilburton will attend Clyde Hill and Enatai and students from Eastgate will attend Spiritridge. In 1923, Bellevue High School became the first accredited four-year high school, making it the oldest school in our district. Its a learning experience; they watched what we said and did. Dr. Jarvis said there is a surplus approaching 3,000 seats in Bellevue elementary schools, which translates to at least 100 empty classrooms. Bellevue may consolidate some elementary schools, citing low enrollment. The Bellevue School Board voted Thursday to consolidate two elementary schools over concerns about declining enrollment. The process had the effect of pitting one school against another and both schools against the school district. What impact did it have on you then? Seattle has 106 public schools with ~50,000 students, and Bellevue has 30 public schools with ~18,000 students.Both districts have seen big enrollment declines in recent years due to factors like the pandemic, which led some parents to home-school their children or enroll them in private schools. deVita said. BELLEVUE, Wash. It was just eight weeks ago that the Bellevue School District announced that it would be closing some elementary schools for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. In October 2022 the district had 18,409 students, a decrease of nearly 2,000 from when the district began losing students in 2019. A crowd of kids has surrounded somebody in an Eagle mascot costume. The original proposal, presented by interim Superintendent Art Jarvis in early February, also included Ardmore Elementary combining at three other schools and Eastgate going to both Spiritridge and Somerset elementaries. "As a system, we faced the impossible choice of . After being established in 1942, the Overlake School District #405 was consolidated and renamed in 1952 as the Bellevue School District #405, approximately one year before the City of Bellevue was incorporated. Parents, staff push back on proposed plan to consolidate 3 Bellevue elementary schools. Closing the two schools would provide approximately $6.2 million in savings, Jarvis said, which would save about 60 full-time staff from layoffs. The district had recommended consolidating . We recognize that any potential scenarios may cause disappointment and concerns for students, staff, and families in our community. Other parents voiced their concerns in February. 300 | fax: 563.872.5049, Middle + High School1601 State Street, Bellevue, IA 52031563.872.4001 ext. Ashwood had two popular events, Funky Fair and Fun Day, and Clyde Hill said, lets do that here too! That made us feel very good. Sherrie M: Watching the recent outbursts on TV, I wondered how much the post-COVID-19 environment has augmented the angry response. "Is it the location of the school building, or the services our students receive when they arrive at school? Meanwhile, the district says it is focusing on outreach to parents. In December and January, we partnered with the Bellevue Education Association and building leaders on this topic and continue to meet regularly. Eastgate Elementary hosts the Olympic program, which serves special education students in the areas associated with autism spectrum disorder. Originally, seven elementary schools had been proposed as options for closure but in a final recommendation by Interim Superintendent Dr. Art Jarvis, two schools will close. Fred: We were co-presidents of the PTSA, the kids were small, and it was handled well. The Bellevue School District recognizes that there are many impacts to our learning community resulting from the recommendation put forth to the school board. Sheri Y: Three things: One, the principals style was very supportive and welcoming. The district is planning to make a recommendation to the school board on Feb. 9, narrowing the seven possibilities to three schools that will close. Inslee: Install speed-enforcement cameras on WA highways. The district identified seven schools it says are being considered for consolidation into other schools. Brand freakin new school. Weve got to go with how can we keep the most certificated and classified staff?. If you were unhappy with how the district handled the closure process, share specific recommendations to make the next process go more smoothly. Bellevue parents say they were caught off guard when told of a plan to consolidate several of its elementary schools. I was also very grateful to the incoming Bellewood PTSA president and a group of parents for their willingness to cooperatively work with us. Last week, Seattle Public Schools said it was considering layoffs while it addresses a critical budget deficit. Comments (-1) Register for Preschool or Kindergarten! She asked the School Board to prioritize groups like students with special needs, and provide adequate support for students in the consolidated schools as they navigate the school year, knowing it will be their last in the building together.. Bellevue isnt the only district grappling with budget problems amid declining enrollment. She was asked by the school principal to present the case to the closure committee to keep Lake Hills open. Bellevue parents say consolidating schools is an equity issue Citing shrinking enrollment, the school district may close some elementaries raising questions about who will bear the brunt of. The district saw its lowest student count in a decade in October, with 18,409 students. I ask that the district be proactive and meet with groups ahead of time. Thu, March 16th 2023, 12:25 PM UTC 6 VIEW ALL PHOTOS A Bellevue School District parent holds a sign that reads "Please save our schools!" (KOMO News) The second option would have eliminated about 30 full-time positions, while the third would have eliminated about 60. Three short years later, Bellewood Elementary became the fourth school to be consolidated, sending students to Lake Hills Elementary in June 1981. KUOW is the Puget Sound regions #1 radio station for news. The district has been seeing a fall in enrollment since 2019. A letter sent to. The mood is tense. BELLEVUE The Bellevue School District has chosen Ardmore, Eastgate and Wilburton elementary schools as the three it is recommending be consolidated with other schools, district officials said Thursday. BELLEVUE, Wash. It was just eight weeks ago that the Bellevue School District announced that it would be closing some elementary schools for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. She points out that Bellevue School District is far from alone in facing enrollment challenges, though its declines are the steepest in the area. If youre part of the receiving school, reach out to the new school community and find ways to collaborate to honor both schools traditions. The schools that were up for discussion included Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge, and Wilburton. A student walks through the entryway area as second-grade students returned to in-person learning at Somerset Elementary School in Bellevue on Thursday, January 21, 2021. We are moving forward together to ensure students transition with support and reassurance from trusted adults and professionals. Fred: The kids knew and watched what us adults said and did. School Board member Jane Aras, who abstained from voting, said she had lost sleep over trying to come up with the best possible solution for the districts shortfall. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, cooking, frequenting the Bellevue Downtown Park with her family and searching for the perfect chocolate treat. When you experienced school consolidation while in the district, how would you describe your experience at that time? The district is focused on ensuring that our students are supported, and the educational process will continue for them especially following the pandemic and learning recovery efforts led by BSD administrators and educators. Comparing your thoughts and feelings to now, what comes up for you? Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only. As 6 p.m. rolls around, Nicole and the crowd head into the cafeteria for the open house. The Bellevue School District released a new consolidation plan a week before the school board was expected to adopt a proposal. The original recommendation was to consolidate 7 elementary schools, which was then revised to only two, based on feedback. These are the schools that had been recommended to be consolidated with other Bellevue schools. Earlier this year, the district proposed consolidating three elementary schools to save costs due to low enrollment. The Bellevue School District announced this month that its planning to close three elementary schools because of declining enrollment. Three board members voted yes, while two abstained. Two, lots of meetings were held, so we felt like things were transparent. Nicole Holley's child attends Eastgate and she says shes ready to fight for the school. Some schools are at 50% occupancy, and smaller schools are simply too expensive to run. Three board members voted in favor and two abstained. Inslee: Install speed-enforcement cameras on WA highways. She also served as a member of the Virginia Interracial Commission and chairman of the board of directors for the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company. These milestones are just a few in the vibrant history of schools and buildings in Bellevue. The Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Compliance Officer is Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or phamn@bsd405.org. King County has third-highest ratio of young men to young women in U.S. Scientists find worrisome lesions on endangered southern resident orcas, Just outside Seattle, residents endure a dangerous yet ordinary intersection, Bellevue families rally against proposed plan to consolidate schools, Seattle may need to close schools to save money. The district has said fewer families with young children are moving into high-density housing like apartments or town homes or into the Bellevue homes that typically cost more than $1 million. In the meantime, shes deciding just how much about the potential school closure to share. 2023 Cox Media Group. The PTAs at the schools up for consolidation, including Eastgate, sent a letter to the Bellevue School Board this week which raises questions of equity regarding whether the school closures will disproportionately affect Black and Latino students, or English language learners and low-income students. Grade Level. Sheri Y: The kids watched how the parents and teachers discussed it. she says. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The approximately 82,000-square-foot building cost $49 million to construct. The Bellevue School Board discussed the new consolidation plan at a school board meeting Thursday. A direct message was sent to community members at the impacted schools with dates and times for their open houses. Comments (-1) BES Cub Council to Hold Bake Sale April 6-7. Breaking: Emotional reaction from parents as @TheBSD405. The four other elementary schools also up for consideration were Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest and Woodridge. Kara is the editor-in-chief at Downtown Bellevue Network. The district did not make changes to the rest of its consolidation plan, which would consolidate Wilburton Elementary with Clyde Hill and Enatai elementaries and send Eastgate Elementary students to Spiritridge Elementary. Fred: The media attention showed the polarization between the district and parents. This is in comparison to enrollment in private schools and home schooling, which have both increased. Data on where students who leave public school land is murky, but its clear more Bellevue parents are opting to send their kids to private school. And what do you remember about it? Bellevue families have limited time to register their concern about school closures. Hans Anderson is a producer on KUOWs Soundside, where he covers a diverse range of topics from conflicts over how to use busy streets to how the open spaces of the Palouse inspire modern musical compositions. A final recommendation to the board will be presented to members Feb. 9. Eastgate is in a precarious position, because, of the seven up for consolidation, its seen the largest dip in enrollment in recent years. Parents were questioning the districts timing and transparency over the proposal to consolidate three schools. Everett Public Schools could also cut full-time positions to make up a budget shortfall. I heard much more defensiveness from everyone and focused on the individual and how it would bother them. VIDEO: School board closing two elementary schools. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Under the new plan, Ardmore would not be consolidated, and the district would add an Arabic Heritage Language program and work with staff to develop and implement innovative approaches to attract and retain students. Inside, its organized like a science fair. Im very disappointed, Tianxyin Wang, a parent at Eastgate, said. Advanced learning at Spiritridge would be relocated to Woodridge Elementary. King County has third-highest ratio of young men to young women in U.S. Scientists find worrisome lesions on endangered southern resident orcas, Just outside Seattle, residents endure a dangerous yet ordinary intersection, districts recommendations to move Eastgate and Wilburton elementary students, spurred criticism over the districts handling of the school consolidations, Bellevue School District revises consolidation proposal, because of a declining student population, Seattle may need to close schools to save money. There will be a presentation to the Board on Thursday, January 12, 2023, with options to address declining enrollment. I became too quickly focused on the need for our school to stay open because I felt I needed to protect our students and prepare the best rationale for us to remain open to present to the closure committee. This option of just letting more staff go is just not going to work, she said. Bellevue Elementary School . Fred: Encourage parents to get involved in their students education. The Bellevue School District changed. Some say they bought their houses here, in Bellevue a very expensive city so they could be near this school. Read more on seattletimes.com. The intention is to stabilize elementary enrollment, as it has greatly declined. Jarvis said this was necessary because of a budget deficit within the school district and declining enrollment. . The Bellevue Schools District (BSD) said it has seven elementary schools on a list for a consolidation plan that will go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year. Comments (-1) Family Literacy Night . BELLEVUE, Wash. Emotions and tensions were running high at the Bellevue School District meeting on Thursday evening. Copyright 2023 Downtown Bellevue Network. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, cooking, frequenting the Bellevue Downtown Park with her family and searching for the perfect chocolate treat. The district said it realized in October that enrollment wasnt returning to pre-pandemic levels and would impact the districts financial position. Immigrant, Undocumented Students, and ICE Enforcement Resources, Bellevue School District Virtual Academy 2021-2022, The History of District and School Consolidations in the Bellevue School District, Sunset Elementary (now Puesta del Sol) 1958, Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination: Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or, Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or, Disability Discrimination: Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Heather Edlund, (425) 456-4156 or. Still, its also important to help your children to develop resilience as they move to the new school. The Bellevue School District changed its plan to consolidate three schools after holding a series of formal hearings and gathering feedback from the community. The intention is to stabilize elementary enrollment, as it has greatly declined. Likewise, our children adjusted reasonably well to the consolidation and quickly formed new friendships. Downtown Bellevue's most up-to-date lifestyle news featuring: Entertainment, Real Estate, Restaurants, Shopping, Arts, Business and more! The elementary schools that are being considered are Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge and Wilburton, the district said. The BSD said. Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. every single school board member should be removed due to absolute incompetence. The district approved plans in March to close the two schools as part of a consolidation effort stemming from a $31 million budget shortfall brought on by falling enrollment. When they closed it, they couldnt do that anymore. We didnt have that when our school was closed. The district has set up tables with informational handouts, and administrative staff circulate to answer questions. These schools have experienced the greatest enrollment decline to date and include Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge and Wilburton elementaries. We were also emotional about the possible closure of our neighborhood school and stressed over the implications for childcare with so many working parents. Zac Gudakov / Unsplash Members of the Bellevue School Board will be briefed Thursday on proposals aimed at helping the district deal with its declining enrollment numbers. Are they purely looking at this from a numbers perspective?" Paige Cornwell Seattle Times staff reporter The Bellevue School District will hold listening sessions this week for families at seven elementary schools that could be consolidated to. This week,. Three short years later, Bellewood Elementary became the fourth school to be consolidated, sending students to Lake Hills Elementary in June 1981. After the District met once again, they decided to take Ardmore Elementary off of its list. . It has been losing students since 2019, when 20,295 students were enrolled in schools. At times, a few voices get heated. BELLEVUE, Wash. Bellevue parents have one last chance to hear about the district's plans to consolidate some elementary schools and shift students to other school campuses. This K-6 school located in the west Bellevue area was also known for serving neuro-diverse and special needs students. Man sentenced to 34 years in prison for murdering woman whose remains were found near UW campus, Washington State Patrol searching for missing Indigenous teen. Seattle Schools has seen more than a 7% drop. 2023-2024 School Year Calendar . At one table, there's a cluster of parents gathered around deVita, whos fielding rapid-fire questions. The BSD school community has unmatched school spirit which is a testament to its educators, students and families. Discussions first began in January, to consolidate three of the seven elementary schools to stabilize elementary enrollment. It gives the sense that people are not being treated fairly and the viewers dont really know the breadth of the dissatisfaction. We do not need 18 elementary schools at the moment, or in the next decade, Jarvis said at Thursdays meeting at the districts Wilburton Instructional Service Center, across the street from Wilburton Elementary, one of the schools slated for consolidation. School Name. The School Board was presented with three options to reduce the shortfall: consolidating schools, postponing the decision by tapping into the districts reserve fund, or reducing staff. Sherrie M: Its natural to be disappointed if your school is selected to close. Jarvis said that group would be a significant number of junior staff who are people of color hired within the past two or three years. That practice has ended. Families from the seven schools attended Thursdays School Board meeting awaiting the announcement, though most found out on their phones after the district posted a news release before interim Superintendent Art Jarvis began speaking. There was no resistance because we trusted him. Three of the School Boards five members voted yes and two abstained from Thursdays vote. Wilburton decision is a real head scratcher. They moved the kids to Clyde Hill and then Cherry Crest. Recommendations for closing three elementary schools were made by. Theo Chocolate to close Seattle factory, announces job cuts, merger, Gov. Other students may be commuting out of the area to schools in Seattle or around the eastside. However, the news tends to play up the outrage. Yes, King County birth rates have been sliding recently, but that wave mostly hasnt reached kindergarten age.
Cal Poly Pomona Demographics,
2505 Summitridge Dr Owner,
Articles B
bellevue elementary schools consolidate
