Local

Seattle Culinary Academy saved from chopping block for now

SEATTLE — A day after a loud Seattle Culinary Academy student-teacher rally, KIRO 7 has been told that the school has been saved from the budget chopping block, at least for now.

On Wednesday, the entire student body of the academy held a protest around Seattle Central College, making their voices heard to keep the program going.

KIRO 7 was told the 81-year-old academy, which has trained some highly decorated chefs, was in danger of closing due to big shortfalls in the school’s budget.

KIRO 7′s Gary Horcher was told the chancellor and the board of trustees were flooded with numerous petitions, emails and letters from lawmakers, which caused them to recognize there would likely be a new commitment from the state and donors to keep the school open. In so doing, a stay of execution was established, resulting in the academy staying open through the fall quarter.

The budgets of several technical training programs, including wood construction, maritime and apparel design, would likely have been eliminated by next year.

More public and private funding are being sought for the programs.