School Board Director Community Meetings
In response to COVID-19, Seattle Public Schools opened the 2020-21 school year in a remote learning model for most students, with exceptions for students receiving special education services in alignment with Individualized Education Programs.
The Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors knows that exploration of innovative in-person learning solutions are a high priority for families and students. Resolution No. 2020/21-4 approved by the SPS Board of Directors in August 2020, called for outdoor/community education pilots to begin in the 2020-21 school year to inform the work of a Community/Outdoor Education Task Force.
School Board Directors will be hosting community meetings to give an update on progress and address other topics of interest. These community meeting will be facilitated by the Seattle Council PTSA. Registration is required and translation supports will be provided. Please indicate language needs when you register.
If you have questions about the School Board community meetings, please contact Manuela Slye, President of the Seattle Council PTSA, president@scptsa.org.
Community Meeting Dates
District V, President Zachary DeWolf
Thurs., December 3, 2020 6:30 - 8 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting.
District IV, Director Eden Mack
Mon., December 7, 2020 6:30 - 8 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting.
District III, Vice-President Chandra Hampson
Wed., December 9, 2020 7:30 - 9 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting.
District I, Director Liza Rankin
Thurs., December 10, 2020 7:30 - 9 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting.
District II, Director Lisa Rivera-Smith
Sat., December 12, 2020 4 - 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting.
Directors Hampson and Rankin meeting with EL (English Learner) Families
Canceled: Mon., Dec 14, 2020 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
District VII, Director Brandon Hersey
Tues., December 15, 2020 5:30 - 7 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting.
Additional Background Information:
A number of schools and educators have already submitted proposals to implement outdoor education pilots for the 2020-21 school year. These proposals are currently under review by a cross-departmental team. Each pilot must be well planned beforehand and thoroughly evaluated after completion. Schools and educators are responsible for planning the logistics and instruction just as if class was conducted in school or remotely. All students within the class or school group must be given the opportunity to participate in the pilot. Similar to planning for a field trip or other offsite activity, space planning, safety, COVID-19 precautions, and other logistics will need to be considered.
The formation of a Community Schools and Outdoor Education Task Force was introduced at the November 18 School Board Meeting. The work of the Task Force will be centered in the Strategic Plan, Seattle Excellence, and in the principles of being an anti-racist organization with a specific focus on the interests of students furthest from educational justice. The Community Schools and Outdoor Education Task Force will convene through June 2021 and begin a process of collaboration with state and local government agencies to explore development of curriculum focused on outdoor-based activities, on applicable health and safety measures, and on the ability of Seattle Public Schools to use both district and public outdoor spaces for educational purposes.
Learn more about the proposed Task Force on the School Board Action Report.