As we been reporting, Seattle Public Schools is working on a new student assignment plan which will reconfigure the boundaries of Ballard schools. The biggest change will likely impact Ballard High, which also serves the neighborhood of Magnolia. “It is possible that the lines will be drawn so high school students will not be assigned to their closest high school, so, for example, some Ballard students could be assigned to Ingraham,” explains Anne Forester with the Loyal Heights PTA. “We want to ensure that students have the opportunity to attend their local high school.”
So Forester and the Loyal Heights PTA Legislative Committee have created an online petition that urges the school board to take into consideration the community aspects of Ballard students attending Ballard High School, from parent involvement to transportation to the strong connection with the Ballard neighborhood. As of this writing, 149 people have signed it.
So far, no maps have been proposed, and Seattle Public Schools is actively gathering feedback from the public on the factors that should be considered in drawing the maps. This Thursday evening, Ballard High School will host a community forum on the topic, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the library. All staff, families and community members are welcome.
