It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that programs be placed in support of district-wide academic goals that address systemic needs and support quality education for all students. School Board Policy F21.00 delegates to the Superintendent the authority to make all program placement decisions. It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that programs be developed, replicated, and placed in support of district-wide academic goals that address systemic needs and support quality education for all students. This process addresses the development of new programs, the replication of existing programs, as well as the closing and/or relocation of existing programs throughout the district. (Reference: School Board Policy, Program Development and Placement, C56.00)

In making program placement decisions, the Superintendent should endeavor to:

1. Place programs in support of district-wide academic goals
2. Place programs equitably across the district,
3. Place programs where students reside,
4. Consider input from stakeholders in the decision making process,
5. Utilize physical space effectively to assure that space needs are met across the district,
6. Ensure that fiscal resources are taken into consideration, and
7. Fully analyze the impact of any decision before it is made by using data, research and best practice.

Description of the Process

A cross-departmental committee, overseen by the Chief Academic Officer, reviews and analyzes program requests and proposals. The committee is guided in its work by the aforementioned principles and makes recommendations to the Superintendent about these requests and proposals. Anyone, including principals, managers, teachers, students and parents can make a program placement request, in the manner set forth in these administrative procedures.

Requests must be submitted by completing the request forms in the fall of the year prior to implementation. The information provided in the form assists the Superintendent and senior management in making decisions about the requests. The final list of recommendations is prepared in December for the Superintendent’s approval. All changes are incorporated in the Enrollment Guides that are distributed to families in January/February.

This process is to be used for requests that have an impact on one or more of the following: school or District enrollment/capacity; the change in use or modification of a facility; the assignment plan; transportation; labor relations; or other issues that may have a District-wide impact.