Robert Cruickshank

Issue 40 – Making Sense of the Deal that Averted a Strike

The first day of school took place as planned on Wednesday. Here’s how it happened and what we know about the Tentative Agreement.

Issue 39 – SPS Plays Hardball in Hopes of Forcing Acceptance of Controversial Special Education Changes

In a rather stunning development, Seattle Public Schools has reportedly “walked away” from the bargaining table with the Seattle Education Association just four days before the first day of school. That's according to SEA, and SPS has not commented. If the district does not return to the table,

Issue 38 – Is a Strike Looming for Seattle Public Schools?

Negotiations are coming down to the deadline between SPS and SEA. But there’s still time left for both sides to settle.

Issue 37 – SEA and SPS Start Bargaining New Contract

With just over a month until school starts, bargaining is going slowly, with major issues still unresolved.

Issue 36 -- Free School Meals, Central Office Restructure, and Lincoln's Athletic Field

Universal free school meals are coming to SPS this fall, the Superintendent makes administrative changes, and NIMBYs attack the Lincoln HS athletic field proposal.

Issue 34 – Athletic Fields, Principal Assignments, and Fiscal Oversight

Lincoln gets its athletic field, the Times gets the Anitra Jones letter, and the board gets into debate over contract approval.

Issue 33 – Governor and State Superintendent Propose Statewide Smartphone Ban in K-12 Public Schools

Bob Ferguson comes to Robert Eagle Staff MS to announce a policy that’s notably stricter than what SPS announced a few weeks ago.

Issue 31 -- Will Ben Shuldiner Revive School Closures?

The Superintendent revives closure worries, takes on the state’s levy cap, and gets a letter from SEA sharing concerns about Anitra Jones.

Issue 30 -- Superintendent Shuldiner Previews Major SPS Budget Changes

Ben Shuldiner puts everyone on notice for big cuts in hopes of averting state fiscal oversight -- and major changes to how SPS spends money.

Issue 29 -- SPS Rolls Out Districtwide Cellphone Policy

Phones will be away for the day in K-8 and during class in high school. Not everyone is happy about that last part.

Issue 28 -- April 22, 2026 School Board Meeting Recap

The first school board meeting in over a month saw a new K-5 ELA curriculum, new options for middle school advanced math, and an enrollment update.

Issue 26 – SPS Leaders Rally Around Controversial Principal

Adams Elementary School families sought reassurance about their new principal. Instead, she denied past allegations. And then the Superintendent criticized the school community itself.