Seattle Schools: A clear direction

Monday, February 13, 2006

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD

Education is never easy. After a new report, Seattle has a clearer idea just how much work it will take to educate all its children.

Success requires every agency and everyone, from the state government to students, parents and teachers, according to the Community Advisory Committee for Investing in Educational Excellence. But a great deal depends on leadership.

The committee, appointed by Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Raj Manhas, provided a great service with a road map for both the investments and the cuts needed to make improvements possible. The committee's co-chairs, Trish Dziko and John Warner, say the key will be implementing the plan as a whole. We can't just expect halfhearted efforts in the easier areas to make a difference.

It is important to keep in mind the report's sweeping view. Washington and especially Seattle are stuck in a circle where we have good school-improvement strategies, but they require more money. And legislators are leery of spending more until they see big improvements.

The report's emphasis on leadership can help break the stalemate. The Seattle School Board, the superintendent and the schools might change the dynamic if they aggressively implement savings ideas in areas such as transportation, school closures and bilingual education. From the very start, the schools must find more money goes to effective programs while implementing efficiencies.

The blue-ribbon group of business and community leaders gave Seattle an impressive vote of confidence in its ability to educate all students equitably. "We want to be known as the district that closes the achievement gap and delivers academic excellence for all," the final report declared. That's a goal worthy of hard work by leaders, schools and the community.

Soundoff (Read 5 comments)
Tell us what's on your mind.


Are you willing to pay more in taxes to improve schools?
17.6% Yes	39.4% Yes, but I need more confidence it will be spent well
28.5% No	14.5% No, not until schools eliminate sports and most of their administration
0.0% Other or not sure
Total Votes: 165