This FAQ cites contract language and will be updated as needed. 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. Three, Clyde Hill (the receiving school) had an open and inviting meeting, and that was encouraging from the start. It made everyone feel better. "I did tell my daughter," she says. As a part of this announcement, it was included that Ardmore would not be amongst the schools that are to be consolidated. Our independent, nonprofit newsroom produces award-winning stories, podcasts and events. KUOW is the Puget Sound regions #1 radio station for news. Sheri Y: I only know what I read and saw on the news. Fortunately, the principal helped calm our community and assured us that even if we were selected to close, we could make it work. Sam Houston State University. Sherrie M: Watching the recent outbursts on TV, I wondered how much the post-COVID-19 environment has augmented the angry response. The open house at Sherwood Forest Elementary School is from 6 to 7 p.m. 2023 Cox Media Group. The updated recommendations are now as follows: My original recommendation to consolidate schools was first presented to the Board of Directors on February 9, 2023. 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. It can be found by navigating to the Meetings tab and selecting the March 9, meeting agenda. Bellevue College provides the support you need to be successful. Bellevue College has been instrumental in providing assistance by offering writing and reading labs to help with my English. However, during her live broadcast, she became an unintended victim of a street robbery, ironically highlighting the issue of crime in the city. On Wednesday, March 8, Interim Superintendent Jarvis shared the following announcement with the BSD community regarding updated recommendations to consolidate schools in the 2023-2024 school year. BELLEVUE, Wash. The last chance for the public to comment on the Bellevue School District's elementary school closure plan is Thursday evening. In 1952, Clyde Hill Elementary was opened, making it the oldest elementary school. What would you say to anyone experiencing this today? A departmental FAQ has been jointly crafted by BEA and BSD. Public schools are publicly funded, right? Bellevue University. On September 23, 2021, our BEA Representative Council voted to sign the Eastside Pathways Equity Pledge as a Partner Organization. He primarily produces segments about politics, arts and transportation. In this article, we delve into the implications of ChatGPT's dominance, from reduced online traffic to potential monetization challenges for the web. The Bellevue School District is also committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Jarvis said there is a surplus approaching 3,000 seats in Bellevue elementary schools, which translates to at least 100 empty classrooms. 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. Excellent job of putting it together. A direct message was sent to community members at the impacted schools with dates and times for their open houses. The district said it chose those schools because they have seen significant enrollment decline. A final recommendation is set to be made to the school board on Feb. 9. By KIRO 7 News Staff and Bridget Chavez, KIRO 7 News March 13, 2023 at 4:48 pm PDT. March 9, 2023 at 10:38 am Updated March 9, 2023 at 8:47 pm. After several listening sessions with community members, the Bellevue district is expected to reveal a potential plan at a school board meeting tomorrow, Feb. 9. Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox each morning, for free. The final recommendation to the Board will be presented on February 9th, 2023. The school board will . Despite an increase in housing development, these new units have not resulted in a corresponding increase in enrollment. Watch these videos to learn more. These measures are set to be outlined in the upcoming budget request to Congress, which is scheduled for release on Thursday. They are Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Wilburton and Woodridge elementary schools. He has directed House committees to investigate whether federal funds are being used for politically motivated prosecutions, potentially subverting democracy. This 2-minute video explains. The district recognizes that these changes may cause concern for students, staff, and families but is focused on ensuring that students are supported, and the educational process continues. The Bellevue Education Association is a professional association and union that serves as an advocate for its members and empowers the individuals it represents. Wilburton would move to Clyde Hill and Enatai elementaries. Sherrie M: While it seems more emotional now on the heels of COVID-19. Report harassment, intimidation or bullying with Vector Alert or at your school. Bellevue Digital Discovery is the newest BSD school, officially launching in 2022, as the need grew to provide an online learning option for students. As talks continue, lets sort through the basics parents and students may want to know. Members of the Bellevue School Board will be briefed Thursday on proposals aimed at helping the district deal with its declining enrollment numbers. The district cited. 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. This K-6 school located in the west Bellevue area was also known for serving neuro-diverse and special needs students. Forecasts predict that this trend will continue over the next decade. Parents are grappling with what deVita is saying. 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. 4. 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. BELLEVUE, Wash. There's a new timeline at play in the Bellevue School District (BSD) following the staff's recommendations to close Ardmore, Wilburton and Eastgate elementary schools and. 260 | fax: 563.872.3216 There was no resistance because we trusted him. 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. Likewise, our children adjusted reasonably well to the consolidation and quickly formed new friendships. In addition, intentional outreach was conducted with families of students experiencing homelessness, receiving Multi-Lingual Learner services, attending preschool, and enrolled in special education services. Farah Jadran (KING5) 1/29/2023 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. BSDs long running and rich history includes several school closures and consolidations, which also come with stories of their impact on people and communities. We were also emotional about the possible closure of our neighborhood school and stressed over the implications for childcare with so many working parents. 0. Early on Saturday morning, President Trump made a post on Truth Social announcing that he is expected to be arrested on Tuesday, according to CNN Politics. Report harassment, intimidation or bullying with Vector Alert or at your school. It wasnt a consolidation but a total closure, and the kids moved to two new schools. Advising, tutoring, counseling, career planning, and other services help you reach new heights. The Bellevue School District announced this month that its planning to close three elementary schools because of declining enrollment. Downtown Bellevue Fitness Centers and Gyms, Australian Footwear Brand, Frankie4, to Open Permanent Location at Bell Square, Avenue Bellevue Shatters Real Estate Records with $14.35M Condo Sale, Free Electric Shuttle Program in Bellevue to Begin August 1st, The Collections Fashion Week Promises Runway Shows, Style Inspo & More, New Water Reservoir Ensures Bellevue Residents Water Supply & Fire Protection. 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. BSD Demographic and Enrollment Future Trends. Is WAs health hub model the 'secret sauce in treating fentanyl addiction? The last open house will be at Sherwood Forest Elementary School on Friday. Bellevues total enrollment has dropped by more than 9% over the past 3 years. Courage, accountability and collaboration are key leadership skills to reimagine our community and how we operate within it. The mood is tense. She was asked by the school principal to present the case to the closure committee to keep Lake Hills open. Your donation will support the Dr. Aramaki Innovation Fund, as well as mini-grants to educators throughout the district. A letter sent to families states that one proposal is to merge three of the seven schools with the largest declines in enrollment, which include Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge, and Wilburton elementary schools. Some people in blue Eastgate t-shirts cheer them on with signs. After the primary, the union the Snohomish School District. That being said, enrollment in private schools and home-schooling have both experienced an increase. According to initial reports by Bloomberg and confirmed by Axios, the Biden administration is preparing to propose a range of tax hikes for both wealthy individuals and large corporations. Recommendations for closing three elementary schools were made by Dr. Art Jarvis, the interim superintendent for the school district. After the District met once again, they decided to take Ardmore Elementary off of its list. In a video presentation, Deputy Superintendent Melissa deVita said the district has already tightened its belt, but its not enough. On a chilly evening in south Bellevue, parents are filing into the cafeteria for an open house at Eastgate Elementary. A letter sent to families says one plan. This process has come across as hasty, opaque, and disingenuous leaving many in our larger community feeling frustrated, angry, and distrustful, one parent said at an open house this week. These are the schools that had been recommended to be consolidated with other Bellevue schools. "They're looking at data, but are they also looking at what it means for the community? 2. The district is experiencing its lowest student population in more than a decade. Theres time to talk things over the earliest the Seattle district would consolidate any schools is 2024-25. District officials say the plan to consolidate is driven by enrollment, which is down nearly 10%. The Bellevue School District recently updated their proposed consolidation plan, which had previously included seven schools and was narrowed down to Ardmore, Eastgate and Wilburton Elementary. Best History Degree Options. The district has a staff of about 2,900 employees, including about 1,500 teachers. I wish there were more emphasis on the greater good. Sherrie Mill, was a parent at Lake Hills Elementary and shares her recollection of that time as PTSA president of Lake Hills which was one of the schools identified for possible closure and ultimately received Bellewood in the consolidation process. KIRO 7 News Seattle facebook feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle twitter feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle youtube feed(Opens a new window), Police say man is dead after shooting in Des Moines Safeway parking lot, Officials: 3 suitcases with human remains found; police release description of victim, WSP responds to road rage shooting that shuts down SR 16, Family tracks childs stolen championship BMX bike from Sea-Tac Airport to SoDo Dennys, SPD understaffing apparent during violent weekend. These milestones are just a few in the vibrant history of schools and buildings in Bellevue. Bellevue School District approves elementary consolidation plan . A final recommendation is set to be made to the school board on Feb. 9. Addressing internalized, interpersonal, institutional and structural inequality (particularly racial inequity) leads to more diversity and inclusion. BELLEVUE, Wash. The Bellevue School District (BSD) will host a consolidation study session Thursday as the district prepares to finalize its decision to close three elementary schools. Find Us . 4 shot at illegal Capitol Hill street racing event, Parts of Seattle's encampment clearing rules are unconstitutional, judge rules, Rain returns to Seattle for the first time in over a month. The district had recommended consolidating . The district is expected to make its final recommendation to the school board on Feb. 9. The piece, penned by Times US editor David Charter, described DeSantis's presidential ambitions as "his worst-kept secret.". All of this is happening as award-winning teacher Kelly Aramaki was chosen as the districts next superintendent. Mar 17, 2023, 9:45 AM | Updated: 10:20 am (Photo from KIRO 7) BY L.B. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus. More details will be provided at the Regular School Board Meeting on March 9. "I gave her just enough information so that if something came up on the playground, she wouldn't be blindsided.". "The question really comes down to what is the priority in our school district?" Immigrant, Undocumented Students, and ICE Enforcement Resources, Bellevue School District Virtual Academy 2021-2022, School Consolidation Recommendation Updates: Planning for the Future, March 16 during a School Board Special Meeting, New Staff and Community Frequently Asked Questions, Planning for the Future Process Timeline, In-person at Wilburton Instructional Service Center, Rainier Room (12241 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005), 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. There is no right answer, only the best possible answer to this challenge we face together, acknowledging that the impacts will be felt deeply. The nomination of President Joe Biden's chosen candidate to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been met with criticism and concern. At the Bellevue Schools Foundation, we work to be a timely and supportive resource to ALL of Bellevue public school students and families. Drought emergency declared in 12 WA counties after early snowmelt, warm weather, Bellevue families rally against proposed plan to consolidate schools, Seattle may need to close schools to save money. The Bellevue School District (BSD) is considering plans to consolidate several elementary schools due to declining enrollment, according to NPR. 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. Instead, they suggest that other city agencies or non-profit organizations take over these responsibilities, enabling the officers to concentrate on more severe criminal activity, the Los Angeles Times reports. Kara is the editor-in-chief at Downtown Bellevue Network. A school closure would mean shutting everything down for instructional purposes (the building, facilities, teaching, etc). SUNY Empire State . We also felt confused about the criteria that were being used to make the decision. Are they purely looking at this from a numbers perspective?" Just where are all the Bellevue students going? Other students may be commuting out of the area to schools in Seattle or around the eastside. In December, we shared the Planning for Our Future presentation by Deputy Superintendent, Melissa deVita, that shared information on the potential impact of declining enrollment. Bellevue School District 405 School Board Meeting Reminder Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023 Time: 4:30 p.m. Public Comment for this meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Race is a human-invented social construct and a classification system used as a tool for oppression and violence. (BSD) 18 BELLEVUE, Wash. The Bellevue School District superintendent has made his recommendation for which elementary schools should be consolidated as the district struggles with. 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. Thank you for celebrating this new chapter with us! 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 cited. My complete recommendation, along with supporting documents will soon be available on BoardDocs for the community to review. He will take over in July. Wasnt that a bad financial decision by the district? According to the BSD Demographic and Enrollment Future Trends, factors such as decreasing birth rates, losses stemming from the recent outbreaks of disease, smaller elementary grade sizes, and rising housing costs are all contributing to the decline. The district has set up tables with informational handouts, and administrative staff circulate to answer questions. 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. 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. Fred: The kids knew and watched what us adults said and did. Sherrie M: I wish I had initially held more space in my mind about the possible rationale for closure. What it means for the kids? Some have accused the nominee of being a political crony with a questionable track record, as they are currently under investigation and lack the necessary qualifications for the important role.