Seattle Public Schools stands at a pivotal moment as it prepares to hire a new superintendent, making this leadership transition critical for changing the district’s current trajectory.
In recent years, SPS parents have had to face an unpopular mass school closure plan, years of budget deficits, and persistently inequitable student achievement.
The incoming superintendent must take decisive action to right the ship by thoroughly cleaning house and establishing a fundamentally new direction for our schools.
This leader needs to embrace a collaborative approach that genuinely treats families, educators, and students as true partners in the educational process rather than solely problems to be managed.
Most importantly, the new superintendent must categorically reject any proposals to close schools or eliminate programs. These shortsighted measures will not solve the district’s underlying budget crisis, or grow student enrollment.
Instead, a new leader must commit to supporting all schools and all students by ensuring access to high-quality instruction that is tailored to meet each student’s individual needs. This requires bringing bold, innovative solutions to the table that address systemic challenges while preserving educational equity and opportunity.
The district needs a strong leader with an outside perspective—specifically someone who has not been employed within SPS within the last ten years—who can bring fresh thinking, relevant experience, and objective analysis to the role.
This external viewpoint is essential for accurately assessing what is working within the system and should be preserved, while also identifying and eliminating practices, policies, or approaches that are hindering student success and district effectiveness.
Parents are ready to partner with a new leader to work together to bring the sweeping changes needed at Seattle Public Schools. We need to let the school board know we don’t want another insider. Let’s come together and build a great school district that meets the needs of every single child in our city.
Take action
Be sure to participate in the district survey asking for input on the superintendent search. The survey is open through Aug. 4.
Read more:
Seattle School Board seeks public input on next superintendent
