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District proposes merging two Middle College sites, citing low Central enrollment and stronger North partnership
Summary
Superintendent Scholdner proposed consolidating the district’s two Bridal College (Middle College) sites into a single strengthened North Seattle College location because the Central site enrollment had fallen below ten students; staff said every affected rising ninth/tenth grader will be offered placement options and individualized transition support, and the item was introduced for board consideration in May.
Superintendent Scholdner presented an introduction item proposing to consolidate the district’s two Middle College (called Bridal College in the briefing) sites by moving the Central site program to the North Seattle College campus. Scholdner said the Central site currently enrolls fewer than 10 students, making the standalone program academically and operationally unsustainable, and that North Seattle College offers a more robust, longstanding partnership and facility for the model.
Kevin Weingkoop, principal of Middle College High School, told the board that the program has strong outcomes for students — many are low‑income, first‑generation and students of color who graduate with college credits — but that the Central site has suffered from repeated relocations and low awareness. Staff and the superintendent said they have contacted the small number of affected students and families, and pledged ‘‘white‑glove’’ individualized support: any rising ninth or tenth grader currently enrolled at the site would retain the right to enroll at any district high school they prefer if the location change occurs.
Board members raised access concerns for South Seattle families, transportation burdens and the need for better promotion of alternative and option programs. Directors asked whether the district could reopen a South site in the future if enrollment and a stable partner location were available; Scholdner said that is possible and that consolidating now would strengthen the program and free modest staffing funds that could be reinvested to expand outreach and supports.
Financial context presented by the superintendent indicated savings of roughly several FTEs if consolidation proceeds; staff said savings would be redeployed to support program promotion and student supports district‑wide. The item was presented as an introduction; Scholdner said it would come to the regular board meeting in May for further action.
What’s next: staff will return with the formal action report for the May regular meeting, including transition plans for affected students, outreach strategies and any transportation considerations.
