Explaining the Enrollment Enigma

In this episode of Rainy Day Recess, we take a closer look at the Seattle Public Schools April 23 school board meeting, with the major focus on the Enrollment Planning presentation given at the end of the 6-hour meeting. Here is the result of our attempts to decipher meaning. For excellent background, you’ll want to watch this video episode by Dawson Nichols - Waitlists in Seattle.

See our Show Notes

Key Concepts:

1. Stability vs. Choice
   The district says it supports both but also that it is a trade-off, especially when staffing is involved. More student movement (choice) can mean less predictability (stability) for schools, which affects staffing and budgets.
2. Assigned School Considerations
   A behind-the-scenes policy where your assigned school’s needs—like maintaining enrollment to avoid losing staff—can block your ability to transfer, even if you're high on the waitlist. Families rarely hear about this directly.
3. Phases of Enrollment
   The enrollment process happens in three key phases:
   • Initial Lottery Phase (February): Families apply by a set deadline. A lottery with tiebreakers (like sibling and geozone priority) determines assignments—but even early applicants may be blocked due to assigned school considerations (see above).
   • Late application phase (March–May): Families can still apply but are added to the end of the waitlist. Placement is much less likely unless unexpected space opens up.
   • Waitlist stays open phase (June–August): Waitlists remain open through August 31. Some families get last-minute assignments, but staffing is already locked in, so movement is limited—often creating confusion and anxiety.
4. Resources & Staffing
   While the district says "resources follow students," in practice, staffing levels appear to be determined by central staff before any student assignments are made, for the sake of stability. The goal seems to be to keep the same amount of staffing at attendance area schools from one year to the next.
5. Barriers for Students with Disabilities
   Students receiving special education services are placed on separate, tightly restricted waitlists. Because placements depend on program availability—not just school space—students with disabilities are effectively excluded from transferring to option schools.

--Jasmine Pulido & Christie Robertson

Support the show

Contact us at [e-mail].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.