Puget Sound Schools face closures and deficits in WA

Parents packed the Olympia School District School Board meeting to voice their concerns regarding a proposal that would close and consolidate three elementary schools. Fox 13's Shira Masazawa joins us now to walk us through what's behind that proposal and reaction from parents. Shira, I can only imagine that some parents are pretty frustrated. Yeah, you named it, Erin. You know, we are here at Madison Elementary and this is just one of the schools that are part of that proposal. And last night, emotions ran high as parents told the school board that they were against these closures. Some now even rethinking if they'll stay in the district. Now those were just two of the dozens of parents who testified during the public comment portion of the school board meeting last night. The proposal would close McKinney Elementary along with Madison and L.P. Brown Elementary schools. The superintendent for the Olympia School District says the closures are necessary as enrollment within the school district has been down. And the district is reportedly facing financial challenges. During last night's meeting, the board shared that the highest enrollment in recent years was back in 2019. But Olympia isn't the only school district dealing with this. Districts across our region are facing declining enrollment and budget deficits. And right now, North Shore, Seattle, and Bellingham school districts are all considering those possible school closures. Now, as for the Olympia school district, they're expected to have that final vote on the proposal on November 12th. In Olympia, Shira Masazawa, Fox 13 News. Thank you, Shira, for that update.