Seattle school board’s controversial meeting agenda expected to draw big turnout
May 16, 2012, 7:14 AM | Updated: 7:30 am
Under the current proposal, Memorial Stadium would be torn down and a new facility built. (Image courtesy Wikimedia: Joe Mabel)
(Image courtesy Wikimedia: Joe Mabel)
A big turnout is expected Wednesday night as the Seattle School Board takes on several controversial issues, including stadium advertising, cost-cutting and school start times.
Some parents, still angry about a now-abandoned plan to drastically alter the school schedule will get to comment on a more modest plan to adjust start times at some elementary schools, saving transportation costs.
The Seattle Schools banned advertising on school property several years ago but a new proposal would allow limited ads at sports fields and on stadium scoreboards, not in school buildings. One estimate is that the district could realize $20,000 a year by installing ads on a new scoreboard at Memorial Stadium.
The school board will also explore ways to save $20 million before next school year.
The board also will formally confirm Jose Banda as the next superintendent on Wednesday. The former Anaheim City School District leader is expected to fly in to Seattle for the board meeting.
