Superintendent Shuldiner Marks 100 Days at Seattle Public Schools

SEATTLE — When Ben Shuldiner took office as Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools (SPS) on Feb. 1, he made a simple commitment: show up, listen, and get to work. One hundred days later, he’s done exactly that. 

In his first 100 days, Superintendent Shuldiner visited all 106 schools, held eight community meetings across all seven School Board director districts, and launched a bold vision for the district. He has also taken early action on some of SPS’s most pressing challenges, including expanding access to advanced math, adopting a districtwide cell phone policy, and taking important steps toward financial sustainability through a line-by-line review of school and central office budgets that identified tens of millions of dollars in ongoing savings.  

” Participants shared overwhelmingly positive survey feedback about their experience at the meeting.”

From student safety to financial sustainability, Shuldiner has shown up consistently for students, families, and communities across Seattle. 

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the Seattle Public Schools community. My first 100 days have been an incredible time of learning, listening, and acting,” Shuldiner said. “I look forward to working with the entire city, from students to families, from educators to community members. 100 days in, I am more convinced than ever that we will reach our goal of being the best urban school district in America.” 

Key Accomplishments in the First 100 Days 

• Visited all 106 schools. Superintendent Shuldiner visited every campus in the district, spending time observing instruction in classrooms at each one — plus dozens of additional visits for school events, performances, and special occasions.  
  
  “I have had teachers tell me I was the first or second superintendent in decades to walk into their classroom,” Shuldiner said. “That tells me something important about how connected the central office has been to schools, and what we need to change.” 
  
• Held eight community meetings. Shuldiner convened meetings in all seven School Board director districts plus a citywide virtual session, bringing thousands of families, students, and educators into direct conversation about the future of SPS. A detailed report of feedback that was shared at the meetings can be found on this website. Participants shared overwhelmingly positive about their experience at the meeting.

• Established a clear vision for SPS. Shuldiner set a defining goal for the district: to become the best urban public school system in America. He introduced the Top Five in Five framework — with three academic goals and three organizational goals — to benchmark SPS against peer districts and hold the district accountable to results for every student. 

• Expanded access to advanced mathematics. This summer, 555 students from 57 elementary schools will be invited to the 2026 Advanced Summer Math Program — an increase of 350 students over last year. For the first time, eligibility is based on readiness, not which school a child attends. Twenty-five percent of invited students do not hold a Highly Capable designation. 

• Adopted a districtwide cell phone policy. SPS adopted a clear, grade-span appropriate cell phone policy applying to all 106 schools. Students in grades K–8 keep phones stored away for the full school day. High school students may not use phones during instructional time. The policy creates learning environments that support focus and community. 

• Took important steps toward financial sustainability. Shuldiner will present a balanced budget for 2026-27 to the School Board in July — the product of a line-by-line review of both school and central office budgets that identified millions in ongoing savings. He has worked—and will continue to work—side by side with school and leaders and the community on additional revenue generation and cost savings measures. He also established a goal to rebuild the district’s financial reserves and has begun conversations about a new school staffing model designed to allocate resources more equitably and transparently across all schools.   

• Launched the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board. Shuldiner created a Student Advisory Board that meets on Saturdays, bringing together high school students from across Seattle to engage directly with the superintendent and weigh in on district priorities. 

• Stood with Rainier Beach after community violence. On his first day in office, Superintendent Shuldiner was confronted with tragedy, the loss of two Rainier Beach High School students to community violence. He went to the neighborhood to be with students, families, and community members, and quickly pulled together school and city partners to step up support. In the days that followed, the district worked with Metro, Seattle Police, and community partners to improve safety along the Rainier corridor, where many students travel between schools each day. That included securing a commitment for enhanced law enforcement resources and adding more adult support before and after school. 
  
  “This cannot be about hopes and prayers,” he said. “This has to be about mourning today and acting tomorrow.” Student safety has remained a priority throughout his first 100 days. 
  
• Showed up across the city. Shuldiner has attended dozens of community events across Seattle — sporting events and state championships, student performances, PTA meetings, community celebrations, and gatherings with parent and community groups. 

• Reengaged labor partners. Shuldiner has worked to strengthen the district’s relationships with its labor partners through increased communication, transparency, and collaboration — recognizing that strong schools are built on strong partnerships. 

• Launched a collaborative district reorganization process. Shuldiner convened a broad, staff-inclusive reorganization meeting to begin restructuring the district to better serve students and families, reflecting his belief that lasting change works best when the people doing the work help shape it. 

• Started a weekly newsletter. Every Sunday, Shuldiner sends a newsletter directly to SPS families and staff — sharing what he is seeing in schools, what the district is working on, and what to expect in the weeks ahead. The newsletter consistently averages over 60,000 views. 

What’s Next: Closing Out the Year Strong 

The first 100 days set the foundation. Now Shuldiner is focused on finishing the school year with purpose and momentum. 

In the coming weeks, the Top Five in Five goals framework will go before the Board for formal introduction in May, and a vote is expected in June. The district will present its recommended 2026-27 budget at a public hearing on July 8, with a Board vote expected in August. 

This summer, 555 students will participate in the Highly Capable Summer Math Program, the first cohort of a broader effort to expand access to advanced coursework across SPS. A central office reorganization is also underway to direct more resources to schools and classrooms. The districtwide cell phone policy is already in full effect. 

“The first 100 days were about learning, listening, and beginning to act. What comes next is where that work shows up for kids,” Shuldiner said. 

What Seattle Public Schools’ Students, Staff, and Families Are Saying 

“During his first 100 days, Superintendent Ben Shuldiner has brought a thoughtful and collaborative approach to leading Seattle Public Schools through an important period of opportunity and transition. I’ve especially enjoyed joining him on visits to schools across the district, where he has taken the time to listen directly to students, educators, and families and see firsthand both the strengths of our schools and the challenges they face. As Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee, I value his willingness to engage directly with both the technical details and the broader community impact of our budget decisions as we work to ensure every dollar supports strong outcomes for students.” — Director Vivian Song 

“Superintendent Shuldiner’s leadership has been transformative for SPS. In a time when our district needed someone who could truly listen, he has created space for students and community members to be heard, followed up when answers were not immediate, and kept showing up. I have seen how he elevates student voice, even in difficult conversations. With his support, we strengthened student-led work like making the Superintendent Student Advisory Board more student-centered and accessible and launching the Project-Based Student Board to expand leadership opportunities. As I leave SPS, I’m hopeful his steady, student-centered leadership will keep moving us toward equity, opportunity, and excellence, with much more work ahead.” – Sabi Yoon, Ballard High School 12^th grade student and student board representative 

“When Superintendent Shuldiner visited Eckstein, he came in with genuine curiosity. He asked real questions, talked with my students, and found time to talk with me about Rachel Carson, someone who has shaped how I think about science education and what it means to stay connected to wonder. I was also at the Eckstein listening session last month, and I saw the same thing there: someone who wanted to hear from community, not just speak to it. Rachel Carson wrote that every child needs at least one adult who can rediscover with them the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in. In his first 100 days, Superintendent Shuldiner has shown that same spirit.” – Jessica Levine, teacher, Eckstein Middle School  

“Having Superintendent Shuldiner in our school building was quite refreshing. It was encouraging to see the leader of Seattle Public Schools interacting with students — the most important constituents in our community. Visiting over 100 schools is definitely an accomplished feat and I commend him on it. I look forward to the continued engagement in schools and positive changes that will be made with these visits. Wishing Superintendent Shuldiner much luck in the coming years.” — Quyen Pham, Parent and Friends of Thurgood Marshall Elementary Co-Chair 

“In reflecting on Superintendent Shuldiner’s first 100 days, what resonates with me is his follow-through. He didn’t just outline priorities, he showed up in meaningful ways. By visiting every school and actively participating in principal meetings, he created space for real dialogue and understanding. His willingness to be upfront about the district’s challenges, while also setting a clear course forward, has been notable. That kind of clarity and reliability matters to school leaders and helps establish trust. I’m feeling positive about where things are headed and value having a superintendent who is visibly committed to our students at Graham Hill and throughout the city.” – Treneicia Gardner, Principal, Graham Hill Elementary School

Download pictures from Superintendent Shuldiner’s first 100 days