West Seattle High School Raises Alarm Over Potential Staff Cuts

New superintendent's visit prompts PTSA to sound the alarm on enrollment projections and budget allocations.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A softly blurred, atmospheric photograph of a high school building's exterior, with the edges of the frame fading into abstract pools of warm, muted color and light, conveying a sense of community concern and uncertainty.The West Seattle High School community rallies to advocate for adequate staffing and resources as the district considers potential cuts based on enrollment projections.Seattle Today

The West Seattle High School PTSA is raising concerns about potential staffing cuts at the school, citing issues with the district's enrollment projections. The PTSA is urging the new Seattle Public Schools superintendent to meet with the school's teachers' union representatives to discuss the matter before his scheduled visit to the school on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Staffing cuts at West Seattle High School could impact the academic success, equity, and emotional well-being of students, as the school may lose essential educators and programs like art, CTE classes, and student support services. The PTSA believes the district's enrollment projections are flawed and do not reflect the actual growth the school is experiencing.

The details

The PTSA sent a letter to the superintendent outlining their concerns, noting that West Seattle High School's enrollment continues to grow, with portable classrooms added to accommodate the increase. However, the district's current enrollment calculations indicate WSHS will lose teachers, classes, and support services in the 2026-2027 school year. The PTSA argues the district's projections ignore factors like a larger 8th grade class at the school's main feeder, a waitlist of 65 students, and an expected decrease of only 10 students overall.

  • The new Seattle Public Schools superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, is scheduled to visit West Seattle High School on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The PTSA is sending their letter to the superintendent ahead of his visit.

The players

Ben Shuldiner

The new superintendent of Seattle Public Schools.

West Seattle High School PTSA

The parent-teacher-student association of West Seattle High School, leading the campaign to address the potential staffing cuts.

Seattle Education Association (SEA)

The teachers' union representing educators at West Seattle High School, who have requested a meeting with the superintendent to discuss the enrollment projections and budget allocations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are members of the West Seattle High School PTSA and our broader community. Together, we ask you to meet with the West Seattle High School's SEA (Seattle Education Association) representatives regarding their request to discuss the projected enrollment calculations that will cause cuts in our school staffing and make it unfeasible for our school to implement a functioning Master Schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.”

— West Seattle High School PTSA

“The prospect that WSHS may lose art and CTE classes, our care coordinator and social worker, and that all subjects may be overenrolled due to SPS's enrollment projects is very frustrating. The enrollment estimates on which SPS is considering these steps seem to ignore the following.”

— West Seattle High School PTSA

What’s next

The West Seattle High School PTSA is urging the new superintendent to meet with the school's SEA representatives to discuss the enrollment projections and budget allocations before his scheduled visit on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Seattle Public Schools in accurately projecting enrollment and allocating resources to support the needs of growing schools like West Seattle High. The PTSA's advocacy aims to bring greater transparency to the district's budgeting process and ensure their school receives the staffing and programs necessary for student success.