Schools Superintendent Raj Manhas wants volunteers to join a committee studying the district's debt.

The move comes now that the district has decided not to close 10 schools as a way to save money.

The advisory committee will have between 12 and 15 members with a wide variety of backgrounds.

To apply for a spot on the committee, submit your name, address, phone number, e-mail address (if any) and a brief description of your background and why you're interested in sitting on the committee to the district's public-affairs department.

To apply by mail:

• Seattle Public Schools
• Public Affairs Dept. M/S 32-170
• P.O. Box 34165
• Seattle, WA 98124-1165.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. June 17.