Up to 21 Seattle schools could close under one district proposal

Seattle Public Schools unveiled two possible plans this week for closing at least 17 schools — part of a plan to shrink the district's looming budget gap .

Why it matters: Many students would have to shift schools next fall if the closures are approved.

The latest: The district released two proposals Wednesday that it will consider over the next two to three months.

• One of the proposed closure plans would close 21 schools, saving the district $31.5 million per year .
• The other proposed list of closures would save $25.5 million, closing 17 schools.
• Both plans would close a mixture of elementary schools and K-8 schools — not high schools or traditional middle schools serving grades 6-8.

Zoom in: A full list of the schools that would close under each plan — organized by neighborhood — can be found on the district's website .

• 16 schools are included on both proposed closure plans.

Catch up quick: School officials say the closures are needed to resolve a budget deficit fueled by declining student enrollment.

• The district adopted a budget in July that somewhat reduced its shortfall. But it is still projecting a $94 million gap for the 2025-26 school year.

What they're saying: The plans under consideration will help Seattle Public Schools "create a system of schools that are durable and healthy," district official Marni Campbell said in a news release .

The big picture: Nationwide, more than 5,000 public schools closed between 2017 and 2022, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics .

• With pandemic-era funding set to expire later this year, more districts may soon consider closing schools, warns the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities .

What's next: Seattle Public Schools plans to hold public hearings on the two closure proposals, with a final board vote expected before winter break starts in December.

• The closures are being aimed for the start of the 2025-26 school year.