Seattle schools see increased student and teacher absences for Super Bowl parade

Seattle Public Schools remained open during the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl celebration parade, declaring that attendance at the parade would not be considered an excused absence. Despite this, thousands of students and hundreds of teachers were reported absent. The district estimated that 12,697 students and 663 staff members did not attend school, although it is unclear how many were absent due to illness or other reasons. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner noted that many absences were with parental permission, emphasizing the district's commitment to keeping schools open for its 50,000 students. This decision contrasts with other cities like Philadelphia and Kansas City, which closed schools for their respective Super Bowl celebrations in previous years.