Reflections on Possible School Closure, Ongoing Budget Challenges, and Opportunities for Input

Dear Shoreline Schools Staff, Families, and Students,

At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, the School Capacity Review and Closure Consideration (SCRCC) task force facilitators presented Highland Terrace as the recommended elementary school for possible closure starting with the 2025-26 school year. View the presentation slides or watch the recording.

This recommendation was the conclusion of a nine-month process of over 20 staff, family, and community members who gave their time to review data and learn about the schools, buildings, programs, and makeup of our district in an in-depth way to arrive at one school recommended for possible closure. More than 1,100 survey responses from families and staff were collected, analyzed and reviewed in their consideration process. I am deeply grateful for the significant gift of time, talent, and skill from the task force members and all who have engaged and will continue to engage in this very difficult process. The School Board will make a determination about whether or not to close Highland Terrace Elementary with a vote planned for the January 28, 2025, School Board meeting. Learn more about the SCRCC.

I want to acknowledge that the possibility of a school closure is deeply affecting our school district community. And the strain of our budget emergency is felt across all of our schools and departments. I feel it myself, hear it in your emails and our conversations, and still witness our staff providing the highest level of educational services to students every day.

It is no secret that the next few months of planning for spending reductions will bring challenges as we work to improve our financial outlook while continuing to serve our students in the best way possible. And if a school is closed, the savings will be significant but still not enough on its own to balance revenue with expenditures. Additional reductions will be needed. In my over three years now with Shoreline Schools, I have found that it is often during the most challenging times that our Shoreline and Lake Forest Park community shines through with its hallmark care and support of one another, and I have no doubt that this year will reveal the same.

To learn more and stay apprised, you may wish to attend or view the recordings of upcoming School Board meetings that will include information relevant to school closure and budgeting:

• October 29 Study Session - 6:00 pm - School Boundary Revisions (Zoom info below)
• November 12 Regular Meeting - 6:00 pm - Budget Update

Other opportunities for involvement and voice:

School Boundaries Committee
Shoreline School District is considering the adjustment of elementary school attendance boundaries in the event that Highland Terrace Elementary is closed beginning in the 2025-26 school year. This will allow us to notify families promptly and facilitate a smoother transition process for the upcoming school year.
Learn more and apply by October 25 to be a part of this committee.

School Closure Public Hearings
Hearing #1: December 4

• 5-7:00 pm
• Highland Terrace Elementary School

Hearing #2: January 16

• 6:30-8:30 pm
• Highland Terrace Elementary School

Community Budget Meetings

• Thursday, November 14, 6-7:00 pm Attend via Zoom
• Tuesday, December 3, 6-7:00 pm Attend via Zoom
• Wednesday, December 11, 5-6:00 pm Attend via Zoom

Guided by our Shoreline School District values of care and concern for each other, our students, and our community, we will face our challenges together, with grace, compassion, and a deep commitment to keeping our students at the heart of our work.

As always, I am filled with gratitude and feel so honored to live and work in our community. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you, our students, families, and community. 

Sincerely,