The "Salmon in the Classroom" project, recently eliminated due to city and state budget cuts, may return to Seattle Schools, thanks to Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin.
Conlin announced that he has directed Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to fund $10,000 to continue the program in Seattle Schools. "Salmon in the Schools" has been in operation for 20 years, with an average of 495 Washington State schools participating each year, and is a staple in hands-on, environmental learning for schoolchildren.
Every year, approximately 40,000 Washington State students learn about the salmon live-cycle through the "Salmon in the Classroom" project.
Eliminating the program will save $110,000 for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year and a total of $442,000 over the next two years. Under Conlin's plan, SPU will spend $10,000 to help nearly 50 Seattle schools maintain the program.
Still, with such a reduction in funding, the program needs help. Volunteers will be needed to help train participants to retain the program.
Click here to read Susan Gilmore's article in "The Seattle Times" published Sunday, 2/13/11.
Susan Gilmore, Seattle Times staff reporter, can be reached at:
206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com
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