SAVE OUR VILLAGE

LET’S PROTECT OUR SCHOOLS

We are thrilled to share the news that K-8 schools are no longer on the closure list for this year! This is a significant reprieve for our community and a testament to the power of our voices. Thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke out—your commitment and passion made a difference!

However, this is not the end of our journey; it’s merely the beginning of the next phase. We must now focus on fully funding education for all schools across Seattle, not just for Blaine. It’s also important to note that Blaine is not included on the upcoming list of schools benefiting from the capital levy, underscoring the need for continued advocacy. Together, we will work towards improving Seattle Public Schools to ensure that every student has access to quality education and resources.

Armed with the insights and information we've gathered over the past few weeks, we can strategize thoughtfully and continue to advocate for our children’s future.

Stay tuned for more updates. We’ll come together to reflect on our progress and plan for the work ahead. We should all be proud of what we’ve accomplished so far!

Thank you for your continued support!

Other Organizations You May Be Interested In

How You Can Help

SPREAD THE WORD

  • Tell your friends and neighbors what’s being proposed in Magnolia and across the community. You can learn more about the proposals at Seattle Schools.

  • Download your Save Our Schools sign, pick up at our booth at Magnolia Farmer's Market on Saturday, or request a yard sign by emailing advocacy@blainepta.com.

  • Blaine K-8 has been working. Take a look at how K-8's benefit kids.

  • Facing Challenges
    Seattle Public Schools is addressing a significant $100 million annual deficit and declining enrollment. We recognize the necessity for sustainable funding, but we urge a reconsideration of the proposed closure of Catherine Blaine K-8, a school vital to our community and its partnerships.

    Academic Excellence
    Catherine Blaine K-8 consistently excels academically, ranking in the top 5% of schools in Washington in 2024 based on test scores. With 82% of students meeting reading proficiency and 72% in math, our K-8 model is not only successful but also highly sought after, as evidenced by our waiting list of over 70 students.

    Community Impact
    Located at the heart of Magnolia, Blaine K-8 serves as a hub for local businesses, contributing to the economic vitality of the area. The school community significantly supports over 250 businesses, many of which rely on school-related traffic for their revenue.

    Public-to-Public Partnerships
    Catherine Blaine has established vital partnerships with the Magnolia Community Center and Mounger Pool. These collaborations enhance educational offerings, provide childcare options, and facilitate recreational activities, directly benefiting our students and families. The ongoing renovation of the Magnolia Community Center, linked to Blaine, underscores the importance of keeping the school operational to maximize community resources.

    Library Collaboration
    The Magnolia Library, located just a block away, serves as an invaluable extension of Blaine’s educational resources. Students frequently visit for reading programs and research initiatives, fostering a culture of learning that enriches both academic and social development.

    Building Quality
    While concerns about the condition of the Blaine K-8 building are valid, closure is not the answer. Many Seattle schools have undergone successful renovations. With community fundraising efforts, we believe that Blaine can also be updated without disrupting student learning.

    Capacity Concerns
    Catherine Blaine plays a critical role in managing enrollment in the Magnolia area. Closing Blaine would push additional students into already crowded neighboring schools, leading to further capacity challenges. McClure Middle School, for example, is already strained, and adding more students would exacerbate existing issues.

    Conclusion
    We must prioritize Catherine Blaine K-8, not only for its proven academic success but also for its integral role in the Magnolia community. Let’s work together to ensure it remains a vibrant part of our neighborhood’s future.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

  • Below are templates and email addresses. Remember that thoughtful, brief, original letters are the most effective. You can check out a basic outline here.

  • Remember to include your address in your signature, even in email, to identify yourself as a constituent.

  • Request that Superintendent Jones 1) Remove Blaine from the closure list 2) Abandon mass closures, and 3) Continue to push the state legislature to fully, and authentically, fund schools.

JOIN UPCOMING EVENTS

  • SPS well-resourced schools community meeting (virtual - link at seattleschools.org)

  • SPS well-resourced schools community meeting for Central Region, which includes Magnolia

    (Kimball Elementary, 3200 23rd Ave S)

  • School Board Meeting where Superintendent Jones is expected to formally present proposals to the Board

  • Public hearings at each school identified in the proposals

  • School Board Meeting where the Board is expected to vote on the proposed plans
downloadable one-sheet

Try our own custom GPT ;
get started writing letters!

We're gearing up to oppose SPS's plans to close schools across Seattle, including Catharine Blaine K-8. Please consider donating to support these efforts.

Contact District Reps

Contact Your Representatives

Articles & Research

Quick Facts

  • Better Emotional Outcomes: K-8 schools provide a stable environment, reducing emotional stress and improving student well-being. (Data Footnote: Research shows K-8 models often yield better emotional and social outcomes for children compared to traditional middle school transitions.)

    Improved Educational Outcomes: K-8 schools often demonstrate superior academic performance and fewer instances of bullying. (Data Footnote: Studies indicate K-8 models support higher academic achievement and lower bullying rates.)

  • High Teacher Tenure and Achievement: Blaine boasts strong teacher retention and high academic performance. (Data Footnote: High teacher retention correlates with better student outcomes and overall school success.)

    Desirable School Model: Blaine has a waitlist of 72 students showing its model is effective and in demand. (Data Footnote: Waiting lists are indicators of high demand and successful school programs.)

  • Public-to-Public Partnerships: Blaine’s proximity to key community facilities enhances its value through significant public-to-public partnerships. The school’s integration with the Magnolia Community Center, Mounger Pool’s swim program, and the local library for field trips create vital community connections. These partnerships provide critical resources and programs that benefit students beyond traditional classroom settings. (Data Footnote: Effective public-to-public partnerships, such as those between schools and community centers or libraries, significantly enhance educational and extracurricular opportunities for students.)

    Public-to-Private Partnerships: Blaine also benefits from strong public-to-private partnerships, such as collaborations with local businesses and patronage of both students and families for those local businesses. These partnerships support a well-rounded educational experience and strengthen community ties. (Data Footnote: Public-to-private partnerships contribute to enriched educational experiences and community support for schools.)

  • Catharine Blaine sits in the heart of Magnolia's business district and community. It is attached to the community center and abuts Mounger pool, playfields, tennis courts, and a playgrounds and local businesses. It is hard to imagine a worse location for a shuttered building.

    Cost of Closure: Closing Blaine would lead to an empty building in the community center, potentially causing business decline and a significant gap in community services. (Data Footnote: Vacant public buildings can lead to decreased property values and local business deterioration.)

    Financial Waste: Recent renovations at Magnolia Community Center, linked to Blaine, would be wasted. (Data Footnote: Closing schools after significant recent investments results in financial losses.)

  • Crowding: Closing Blaine and reallocating students to Magnolia and Lawton Elementary will push those schools to 110% of their capacity. Research shows that large class sizes can negatively impact student achievement and overall educational quality. Adding more students to already overcrowded schools will exacerbate these issues, leading to increased strain on teachers and resources and potentially diminishing the learning experience for all students.

  • Increased Costs and Logistical Challenges: Magnolia currently faces a shortage of bus routes and drivers, which will significantly increase operational costs and complicate logistics if students are relocated to McClure. Recently, Blaine families were removed from bus routes due to overcrowding, and there were instances of students having to sit on the floor of buses because of the lack of available seating. (Data Footnote: Shortages in bus services and limited routes contribute to elevated operational costs and logistical difficulties.)

  • Previous Closures: Past closures led to reopening schools due to poor outcomes. (Data Footnote: Historical closures often result in re-opening schools when the anticipated benefits do not materialize.)

  • Impact on Local Businesses: Closing Blaine could negatively impact nearby businesses and local traffic. (Data Footnote: Schools play a critical role in community stability and local economic health.)

  • Academic and Emotional Disruption: Changing schools mid-cycle can impair academic performance and increase emotional stress. This disruption is particularly concerning given the additional challenges students faced during the pandemic.(Data Footnote: School transitions can negatively affect student performance and psychological well-being.)

  • Budget Shortfall Solutions: A targeted fundraising effort could mitigate immediate financial challenges and allow for more strategic decisions rather than broad closures. (Data Footnote: Fundraising can provide time for strategic property sales and more thoughtful decision-making.)

  • Impact on Enrollment: School closures may drive families to private schools, exacerbating enrollment declines and affecting public school funding. (Data Footnote: School closures often lead to increased private school enrollment, impacting public school budgets.)

  • Governance Issues: The presence of a non-elected School Board member raises concerns about fairness in decision-making. (Data Footnote: Non-elected board members can affect the perceived legitimacy and fairness of school decisions.)