SEATTLE – Parents, children and teachers rallied outside Sacajawea Elementary School before class Wednesday against Seattle Public Schools’ plan to connect a Budget deficit of 94 million dollars of closing four schools.

Students held handmade signs reading “rebuild our schools” and “save our schools.”

“It’s a little heartbreaking, obviously it was a huge place, an influence for our family, for our kids — my older kids are sad about it and it just feels like a mistake,” said Sacajawea parent Joshua Newman. “It’s the wrong decision and it’s not really going to affect the cost and there are other ways to save money that don’t destroy communities.”

Newman has four children, and his oldest son started kindergarten in 2012. His two youngest are still in school now.

He and other parents and teachers say closing those schools won’t solve budget problems. They asked for more support from the legislature, and it seems they got their attention.

Washington State Senator Javier Valdez and State Representative Jerry Pollet were among those who showed up. Valdez told FOX 13 Seattle that closing public schools is not the answer, but bringing in more progressive revenue is.

This rally comes as Seattle Public Schools is facing a $94 million budget crisis.

To shore up some of his finances, the district decided to close four elementary schools: North Beach, Sacajawea, Stevens and Sanislo. Students who go there will be moved to schools up to two miles away.

North Beach will go to Viewlands, Sacajawea to John Rogers, Stevens to Montlake and Sanislo to Highland Park.

The current four-school consolidation plan is significantly smaller than the district’s original plan announced over the summer close and consolidate up to 21 schools.

In addition to the closings, SPS is also considering a reduction in staffing at the central office, changing school bell times and a push for renewed taxes and legislation in Olympia.

They blame their shortage on declining enrollment and people turning to private school and homeschooling. They say they are working to increase their enrollment, which would bring them more money from the state.

SPS says they will hold engagement sessions in affected schools and on November 14, they expect to hold a district-wide information session.

The plan to close those schools is not yet final and will be voted on by the school board in January.

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