Sami West
Online Editor/Reporter
About
Sami West joined KUOW’s web team as an Online Editor/Reporter in 2025.
Before that, she spent over two years covering education at KUOW, reporting extensively on mounting financial challenges in Seattle Public Schools and districts across Washington state. Her coverage also focused on growing concerns about violence in and around schools, teacher shortages, the youth mental health crisis, and the countless ways Covid continues to affect schools and families, among other topics.
Previously, she wrote about education for Chalkbeat in Memphis, Tennessee, and two newspapers in Wisconsin.
A Midwesterner at heart, Sami originally hails from Minnesota and holds degrees in journalism and English from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: she/her
Professional Affiliations: Education Writers Association
Stories
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'This is the worst.' Seattle parents, students react to school closure plans
Seattle Public Schools officials are trying to ease concerns about proposals to close four elementary schools. But it's a tough sell.
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Seattle School Board president faces recall effort over handling of school closures
As Seattle Public Schools faces continued public backlash over proposed school closures, a group of parents is attempting to recall board President Liza Rankin.
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What the election means for school funding in Washington state
As school districts across the state slash millions from their budgets and consider school closures, Washington voters signaled strong support for education funding in this week's election.
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With the country divided, Seattle area teacher encourages civil debate among high schoolers
In this politically-charged time, it can be tricky to have a friendly disagreement — even for young people. That's why, at Highline High School, one teacher is trying to give students a life lesson on civil discourse — something to use this election, and throughout their voting years.
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School closures, enrollment, and highly capable programs: SPS Superintendent sits down with Soundside
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Seattle Public Schools enrollment ticks up slightly as district moves ahead with closures
Seattle Public Schools' argument for closing schools largely hinges on a budget crisis fueled by declining enrollment. But this year's enrollment surpassed the district's prediction.
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4 Seattle schools up for closure revealed
Seattle Public Schools leaders have named four schools they plan to shutter next year as part of an effort to alleviate a $100 million budget shortfall.
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Seattle students want more mental health funding — and say in how it's spent
As the city crafts its next budget, a group of Seattle students is pushing for more mental health funding — and more say in how it’s spent.
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Seattle to close up to 5 schools, here's what happens next
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Timeline set for Seattle school closures. 5 possible schools yet to be named
The Seattle School Board on Wednesday officially solidified the proposal to move ahead with up to five school closures next year, and took the previous option of 21 closures off the table.