SEATTLE – Critics say Seattle Public Schools is skirting the law in its plan to cut down a grove of 63 old trees at Ingraham High School.

SkyKING

Critics accuse the school district of going around the rules in its plan to cut down 63 trees at Ingraham High School.

And it's not the first time the district has improperly cut down trees on school grounds.

"They're setting a terrible example for students saying if you can get around the law, do it any way you can," said Steve Zemke of the grassroots group Save the Trees.

How is it happening?

The district has withdrawn its pending application for building permits. With no pending permits, the district can legally remove the trees and be clear of legal challenges. Once the trees are cut, building applications will be resubmitted.

Although a state hearing examiner has approved the cutting, the school board has been urged not to cut the grove by the city council and the mayor.

"You'd think following the rules is what's taught in the classroom. It should be something the school district does as well," said Alex Fryar, spokesman for Mayor Greg Nickels.

Critics say the school district did something similar at Denny-Sealth. Last week, at the very moment an appeal hearing was going on, the trees in question were bulldozed. The district says that was a mistake.

In the Ingraham case, the district says it's following the law and they need to cut the trees for the best remodel of the school.

"There are strong educational reasons for this project. A new wing and portables that house special education students," said district spokesperson Peter Maier.

Critics are going to try and make a legal challenge, but they fear the district will remove the trees before that happens.

If the challenge doesn't work, they'll immediately start a recall campaign against all members of the Seattle School Board.