Seattle Schools forces parents to pay 'junk fees' to access school lunch Seattle Public Schools is passing on transaction fees to the families of students starting this year, but a new report from a federal watchdog agency found that electronic processing companies are charging inflated processing fees that add up to $100 million a year. Stephen Howie Play AudioListen 7 mins
Potential Seattle school closures revealed in new proposal Seattle families now know which elementary schools will likely be on the chopping block in 2025. Sami West
Seattle families brace for school closures. What can we learn from last time? Seattle's school year is just starting, and it's already expected to be a turbulent one, as students, families, and educators brace for likely school closures. What happened the last time Seattle closed schools — and what can we learn from it? Sami West Play AudioListen 5 mins
Districts need stricter cellphone policies, Washington schools chief says Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has issued new guidance to districts for stricter cellphone policies, as more schools across the state and nation are starting to crack down on smart devices. Sami West
Seattle Public Schools lays out new school closure timeline Seattle Public Schools families will now learn which 20 elementary schools are slated for closure in October — a month later than officials had most recently promised. Sami West
No resource officers, more counselors: How Seattle hopes to improve school safety Seattle Public Schools students may notice more security staff and mental health supports — but no return of school resource officers— when they return to classrooms next month. Sami West
Former coach charged with child rape has been attending Seattle school sporting events, judge finds A former Garfield High School coach charged with raping a student violated his electronic home monitoring conditions by attending numerous high school sporting events last winter, according to a judge's findings. Ann Dornfeld
Mental health pilot program at Seattle schools is working, but challenges remain Officials say they are seeing results from a pilot program that began last year to provide enhanced mental health services for students at a handful of Seattle schools. But they say the need for those services across the district remains high. Diana Opong
With school closures looming, Seattle Public Schools passes belt-tightening budget Seattle Public Schools' newly-passed budget closes a nearly $105 million budget gap — and tees up likely school closures in the fall of 2025. Sami West
How will Seattle Public Schools leaders decide which elementary schools should close? For months, Seattle Public Schools parents and community members have been asking district leaders to "show their work" to prove that shuttering 20 elementary schools is necessary. Sami West