Robert Cruickshank

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.

Issue 25 – Notorious Principal Gets Assigned to Another SPS Elementary School

A community revolt ousted Anitra Jones from Rainier View Elementary in 2024. SPS just appointed her to be principal at Adams Elementary, raising questions about Superintendent Ben Shuldiner’s commitment to reform.

Issue 24 -- Seattle Parents Mobilize Against Harmful Digital Device Use In Class

The intentional tech movement argues it's not just the smartphones causing problems for student learning — it's also the internet-enabled iPads and laptops assigned to each student.

Issue 22 -- Board Debates Pros and Cons of a New K-5 ELA Curriculum

Directors raise concerns about the newness and digital components of the proposed materials, and the length of the contract.

Issue 21 -- What Happened with School Funding in the 2026 Legislative Session

The millionaires tax comes with lots of promises about more K-12 funding, but legislators made cuts to K-12 schools this year and set up more cuts in the future.

Issue 19 -- The School Board Begins Dismantling SOFG

SOFG is going away and committees are back -- but new controversy erupts over board fiscal thresholds.

Issue 16 -- Shuldiner Takes Command

"Your voice should lead to action," says the new Superintendent, who begins his job with high expectations – and immediate concerns about student safety.

Issue 12 – SPS Schools Shelter In Place Due To ICE Reports

Credible reports of ICE near SPS campuses triggered an immediate response.