by Carol Magallanes, B.F. Day Elementary School Parent
posted 7 October 2013
The Seattle Public Schools is in the process of defining new boundaries. If adopted, the current proposal will greatly impact B.F. Day Elementary School, and neighboring schools. A summary of the situation follows, along with an F.A.Q. about the changes in boundaries and how it will affect current and future B.F. Day families. Last, but not least, find information on ways you can help lessen the blow these boundary changes will have on our school, our families and our kids.
Fewer Resources?
This year, enrollment at B.F. Day is 337. If the current boundaries remain intact, projected enrollment for our in school in 2017 is 574. (The official capacity for the building is well over 700.) However, and this is the perplexing bit, under the proposed new boundaries our enrollment would only be 287. By 2022, this disparity in the numbers grows.
So, where are these 274 children going instead? Children who are living in the current B.F. Day boundaries will be assigned to neighboring schools. West Woodland for one will get our kids, and need to use portables to accommodate them.
These shrinking numbers would have serious repercussions on our school. The reality is that the larger schools get more money than smaller schools. Operating a school with 287 students means fewer programs, fewer resources, and fewer teachers. Equity in numbers means equity in programs.
For Progress
I am not an administrator, I am writing as a parent, and I don’t know that doubling our student body is the only option, but we must be allowed to grow, not shrink. We must progress, not cut back.
Parents in the B.F. Day community have always been, well, pretty quiet. Right now, I am asking you not just as a parent of a B.F. Day student, but as a neighbor, friend and citizen – please, do not remain quiet now.
This is OUR neighborhood school, and really, it works best when our neighborhood actually goes to our neighborhood school.
The Frequently Asked Questions
Do not remain silent. These are only drafted proposals, but you MUST act now, and you MUST be heard. The last parent meeting was last Tuesday. Please send an email to B.F. Day Principal Katie Pearl so she can fight for our school, and do it today! Also, call or email the staff of the Seattle School District – a list of contact information is provided at the end of this column.
And, review this short FAQ for more information on this important issue:
What is the Growth Boundaries Program?
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is working on creating new attendance area boundaries (Growth Boundaries) to accommodate enrollment growth and new construction. In order to address the potential increased capacity, SPS has proposed re-alignment of school attendance boundaries.
When Were These Proposed Changes Announced?
Information on school capacity, and boundaries, can be inconsistent and confusing. These draft boundaries were made public on September 17, and sent out to many parents by e-mail. The final recommended changes will be presented to the Seattle School Board on October 16th. THIS IS URGENT!
What Are The Proposed Boundaries For B.F. Day?
You can find proposed new boundaries for B.F. Day on-line. These new boundaries would send siblings of some current B.F. Day students, those living near Gas Works Park (and north) to Green Lake Elementary (30 blocks north) instead of B.F. Day.
How Will The New Growth Boundaries Affect B.F. Day Families?
Students currently enrolled at B.F. Day may remain at the school through fifth grade. Younger siblings, and families who don’t yet have children enrolled at the school, will be affected if they reside outside of the boundary lines.
But My Kiddos Are Already at B.F. Day. How Will This Impact Us?
The new attendance area being proposed for B.F. Day is significantly reduced in size and if implemented would result in fewer students and potentially 2 less teachers by 2017. Fewer teachers means less money for the school and reduced programs.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Please e-mail or call District personnel by October 10th when the Principals are meeting with the personnel to discuss this issue. Let them know it’s not acceptable to shrink boundaries of our growing school.
- Flip Herndon at ltherndon@seattleschools.org or 206/252-0644
Assistant Superintendent – Capital Facilities and Enrollment Planning - Joseph A Wolf at jawolf@seattleschools.org or 206/252-0551
K-12 Planning Coordinator - Sherry Carr at sherry.carr@seattleschools.org or 206/252-0040
School Board Member, District II - Tracy Libros at trlibros@seattleschools.org or 206/252-0511
Manager Enrollment & Planning
Please copy Principal Katie Pearl (kmpearl@seattleschools.org) on your emails. Also, please share this information, and the need for quick action, widely. It is important that the Seattle School District hear from our whole community – parents, residents, business owners and generally concerned citizens.
Also, consider attending District II Board Member Sherry Carr’s community meeting on Saturday, October 12, from 8:30a – 10a, at Bethany Community Church, Christian Education Room, at 8023 Green Lake Drive North.
Thank you for taking an interest in our school, and the future for our kids!
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.