Foundations: September 2023

September 2023

Welcome to Foundations, an e-newsletter focused on keeping our community updated on how their tax dollars are supporting student learning and achievement, while keeping our school buildings modernized and maintained.

Voter approved funding allows us to provide the quality education our community expects for our children, which goes beyond the minimum funded by the state.

We'll highlight past, present, and future construction projects in the district and explain how they're being funded. We'll also talk directly to our Capital Planning and Technology teams involved in facilitating the projects that positively impact our students, as well as the people that witness the effectiveness of their efforts on a daily basis. We will also highlight programs and staff positions funded by our community. Follow along in the spirit of learning every month for a new edition.

Let's dive in!

KSD Board Approves Levy Resolutions

On July 26, 2023, at a special board meeting, the Kent School District Board of Directors approved two levy resolutions to be on the November 7, 2023 ballot.

The Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy provides nearly 15% of total operating resources and crucial funding for activities, athletics, and enrichment programs not fully funded by the state. It funds $40,000,000 over what the state provides.

Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy

The EP&O Levy is specifically designed to provide funding that ensures educational programs and operations in our schools receive adequate resources. The levy would fund a range of essential needs including special education, advanced learning programs, and multilingual education.

Extracurricular activities are an integral part of a well-rounded education. The Replacement EP&O Levy would provide funding for student athletics, music, and art. This funding would help sustain and enhance these programs, ensuring that students have opportunities to explore their interests and talents outside the classroom.

Capital Projects & Technology Levy

The Capital Projects and Technology Levy is designed to prioritize health and safety in our schools. It would provide funding to modernize safety systems, including intrusion alarms at every school. By modernizing these systems, the district aims to improve the security and well-being of students and staff, allowing them to focus on their education.

In addition to safety system modernization and the continuation of the district's technology 1:1 program (this means student laptops/tablets), this levy will contribute to the improvement of cybersecurity and technology infrastructure, ensuring a seamless and reliable learning experience. The district recognizes the importance of technology in today's educational landscape, where digital literacy and skills play a crucial role in preparing students for future success. By investing in technology infrastructure and support, the levy aims to empower students and teachers with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Stay Informed

Bonds vs. Levies: What's the Difference?

Growing Education: What's the Difference Between a Levy and a Bond?

Bonds and levies are the seeds of funding that support district operations, programs, and staff. However, it's important to note there are differences between the two in how they can be used in terms of time and scope, as well as how they're funded. Here's a fun and educational short video from our KSD team of some key differences between the two.

Project Highlight:

Kentridge Boiler Replacement

The Kentridge High School boiler replacement project is one of the projects completed with funding from the 2018 Levy. These projects are determined from input by the Environmental Services, Maintenance, Facilities, and Capital Projects teams, with the help from third party consultants. Our schools and facilities are evaluated for life expectancy, general maintenance, condition, and overall function.

Our Capital Projects team also identified the water heaters at Kentridge were at the end of their lifecycle as well as the satellite boilers around the school. They were able to incorporate the replacement of these units at the same time as the main boiler replacement and within the approved budget. One fun fact is that one water heater was still in operation from 1968, which is unheard of.

There were challenges while removing the main boilers at Kentridge. It was found that gravel was set in the base at some point in the past to comply with changing standards. The team was able to pick up the gravel and use where needed throughout the district. This saved the district from paying for the removal of the gravel and provided gravel for other projects and areas as well.

This project went into design in February 2022 and is scheduled to be completed with controls and functional testing by mid-September 2023. The Kentridge boiler replacement project supports student success by providing a comfortable learning environment and it is essential for day-to-day operations.

The boiler project demolition with the repurposed gravel.

Moving closer to completion. Thanks to Brett Scribner, our assistant director of capital projects, for providing photos and valuable information about this project.

Technology as a Tool

Tejveer Deol

Here at Foundations, we want to highlight our amazing staff across the district. Every employee group is impacted by local funding on a daily basis. Highlighting our hard-working staff and getting to know them is a priority.

Tejveer Deol is a KSD graduate and a returning intern for our IT department. In addition to being the main tech at Canyon Ridge Middle School, he works with his team every summer to reimage all laptops and supports the continued success of our student 1:1 laptop program.

How long have you worked in IT for the Kent School District, and what has the experience working with students been like so far?

I have worked in IT for the Kent School District for about a year now. Working as a summer intern two years ago, and a full-time intern now, it has been a great experience working with students. I enjoy successfully preparing all students for their futures and love the equity and diverse environment here at KSD. This year I have the opportunity to contribute to the launch of the new middle school called Canyon Ridge. I am responsible for the tech room and am the main tech at the school.

When in your life did you realize you wanted to work with technology in a professional capacity?

I realized I wanted to work with technology during COVID after building my own personal computer (PC). My interest in technology came from watching YouTube videos about PC components and how they work, to coding videos and data analytics. Technology will only continue to grow and having the opportunity to work within this capacity brings lots of learning and new challenges that I enjoy taking on.

Can you explain KSD's 1:1 student laptop program?

Every student that is enrolled in the district will receive a device. KSD values equity and diversity, and everyone here has a seat at the table.

How big of an undertaking is this program for your department? In other words, what all goes into facilitating this program for students?

Each summer, the entire team is actively working to get devices ready and up to date; going from school to school each week and ensuring each student is prepared for the start of school year.

In your opinion, how does access to technology, including the student 1:1 laptop/tablet program, affect or impact student learning in schools?

I think it gives students an opportunity to grow and stay connected with educational platforms.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am looking forward to all the exciting upcoming projects. Furthermore, getting to help launch and support the technology set for our new middle school Canyon Ridge.

Our technology support teams were hard at work all summer reimaging and updating devices for teachers, staff, and students. They have reimaged over 30,000 devices across the district. A huge thank you to them for all their hard work!

All instructional computers are paid for with funds from technology levies that have been approved by voters since 2006.