The Highline School Board will hear public comment on a proposal to close Odyssey High School on Wednesday, October 23, at 5:00 p.m. at the school district central office (ERAC), 15675 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien.

Speakers will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Testimony is limited to three minutes per person. For disability accommodations to attend the public hearing, participants are asked to contact the school board office at least three working days in advance of the meeting. (206-631-3001)

Last month, Superintendent Susan Enfield recommended closure of Odyssey High School at the end of this school year because of low enrollment. Due to its low staff/student ratio and high overhead, operating costs for Odyssey are more than double that of the average costs at other high schools in Highline.

“I have been impressed with the good work happening at Odyssey. I want to make it clear that this is a financial decision, not one based on performance,” said Superintendent Enfield. “As tough as closing a school is for staff, students, and families, given our limited resources I believe this decision is in the best interests of our students as a whole.”

Seniors will graduate as scheduled in June. Staff will develop a transition plan for each of the 52 students impacted by the closure. Students can choose to return to their neighborhood schools or to apply to one of the option schools in Highline. The district anticipates placing all Odyssey teachers who have continuing contracts in other schools next fall and will work with support staff to place them in open positions.