Committee also suggests academic improvements

The primary aim of the superintendent's advisory committee was to find ways to balance the budget, but it also came up with a long list of suggested academic improvements.

That came as a surprise to some, who expected the report would be confined to cost-cutting measures designed to improve Seattle Public Schools' financial situation. But the committee argued that to provide a complete picture, it needed to identify academic priorities and make sure those were funded.

The suggested changes come with a hefty price tag: up to an additional $2.7 million each year to improve academic rigor in high schools and $3.8 million in one-time costs to improve the curriculum in all schools, according to preliminary estimates.

The committee also recommends that schools performing at or above expectations can enjoy something called "earned autonomy" — allowing principals a freer hand in how they run their schools. Underperforming schools would be more closely monitored by the district's central office.

The one-time cost for this and related changes is estimated at $500,000, money the district could absorb in its day-to-day operations, according to the committee.

"There was not a concern about adding costs," said committee member Marguerite Roza, an assistant professor at the University of Washington. "Everyone had a sense that the district's finances need to be rebuilt from the ground up, and not just by cutting things arbitrarily."

Among other key recommendations:

• Making sure all high-school students have access to six class periods each day. The state currently funds five periods a day, although many school districts ensure students have access to six or even seven periods a day. In Seattle Public Schools, the number of periods offered can vary. District officials estimate that about 92 percent of Seattle's 12,000 high-school students take six periods.

• Enacting a course-load requirement for high-school graduation that puts students on a better track to get into college or the workforce. Expanding Advanced Placement, honors and International Baccalaureate offerings.

• Trying to ensure all students meet or exceed grade-level requirements for reading, writing, math and science. Developing a consistent curriculum for all core subjects among schools.

• Making clear that science is a key part of the district's offerings. Rapidly finish implementing a high-quality science program, with a focus on middle- and high-school science.

• Providing access for all elementary- and middle-school students to the instrumental music program and other arts programs.

At a Tuesday presentation by two committee members, some stakeholders questioned whether the committee went beyond its mandate by listing an academic plan. Others were impressed by the report's broad scope.

"It's big. It's the full enchilada. They're putting everything on the table," said Mary Slater, a parent and PTA member at Loyal Heights Elementary School. "I don't know if it's all going to be politically palatable or viable."

Committee co-chair Trish Dziko said Wednesday the district didn't appear to have a clear academic plan linked to finances, and that the committee wanted to show where improvements could be made in the future.

Nick Perry: 206-515-5639 or nperry@seattletimes.com