(The Center Square) – The Spokane City Council is contemplating spending millions from its American Rescue Plan Act fund to relocate the House of Charity in downtown to another site several blocks away. Though supporters of the proposal see it as a way to decentralize the homeless population currently clustered around several charity programs, critics argue it won’t accomplish its objective. “If the point of moving the House of Charity was to get it outside
(The Center Square) – Seattle Public Schools is set to present an update on Wednesday to its “well-resourced schools” plan to address a $104 million budget deficit. According to the school district, Superintendent Brent Jones is not recommending any school closures or consolidations for the 2024-25 school year. However, the district also said that under-enrolled schools could be consolidated or closed in the future. Closing a school could save Seattle Public Schools between $750,000 to
(The Center Square) – Spokane City Council discussed what constitutes an “emergency” on Monday, attempting to change the criteria for immediately adopting an ordinance without mayoral approval. Councilmember Michael Cathcart submitted a measure defining the appropriate use of emergency ordinances in March; however, further action was deferred due to some back-and-forth between the council on whether a clarification was necessary. Cathcart defended his ordinance during Monday’s city council meeting, noting the importance of preserving the
(The Center Square) – One of Washington State University’s highest-paid employees is moving across the country to take on a new role as president of the University of New Hampshire. Elizabeth Chilton, WSU provost, executive vice president and Pullman chancellor, will assume her new role as UNH president on July 1. The announcement on Tuesday comes days after the university wrapped up the school year and celebrated graduation. “Dr. Chilton has shown tremendous leadership and
