New in the Blue: March/April 2023

Kent School District March/April 2023

2023 KSD Bond

The 2023 Bond funds will be used to make major repairs, replacements, and upgrades in our schools and facilities.

Health and Safety

Provide safety features such as secure entrances and additional cameras, and improve ventilation systems.

Facility Improvements

Extend the useful life of school buildings and systems with new flooring, roof replacements, LED lighting, and boiler system upgrades.

Outdoor Learning

Ensure students have access to ADA compliant outdoor learning environments including playgrounds and bleachers. Add secondary synthetic fields and rubberized tracks where needed.

Districtwide Program Growth

Create early leaning space in every elementary school and replace furniture districtwide to meet student learning needs.

Technology Infrastructure

Equip our buildings with necessary technology to support classroom teaching and replace emergency messaging intercoms.

2023 KSD Bond Cost Information

Overall local school tax rates are projected to drop by 8%.

Projections indicate a stable, lower overall school tax rate. Additional bonds cannot be sold if home values increase. The amount is capped at what voters approve.

Bond fund facility construction and renovations cannot be used for teacher salaries or classroom operations.

To help voters understand the impact of tax measures on their property tax rate, as well as their final tax bill, King County has developed some helpful resources. The Tax Transparency Tool calculates the estimated cost of property tax measures for each piece of property within the taxing district proposing the tax measure. The tool is now live and available for use.

Look for your ballot in the mail.

Remember to vote by April 25, 2023

March Highlights

Education Support Professionals Week

Our mission, successfully preparing all students for their futures, is made possible with the tremendous contributions of our education support professionals. This year's theme was "Classified Staff Shine," and all of KSD's classified staff do just that. These outstanding individuals are involved in every aspect of education and do phenomenal work. KSD thanks every education support professional for their dedication to students and commitment to excellence.

Great Job, Sawyer Woods Elementary Choir!

In celebration of Music in Our Schools Month this past March, we would like to highlight the Sawyer Woods Elementary Choir! They had the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at a Seattle Thunderbirds games last month and did a phenomenal job.

Middle School Nights

Incoming sixth and seventh grade students and families were able to visit their middle schools for the upcoming 23-24 school year. They enjoyed touring the school, meeting staff members, and receiving information about elective courses, sports, and clubs. Move Up Days for incoming middle school students will be happening in June.

KSD Dance & Cheer Showcase

Secondary dance and cheer teams were able to perform recently at Kentlake High School. It was an excellent opportunity for these teams to perform for their families, friends, and community. Tryouts will occur soon for the 23-24 school year, so contact your student's school for more information.

KSD Community News

Thank You Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks commit $57,000 in grant funding to launch girls flag football teams across six local school districts with KSD being one of them. All comprehensive high schools will be receiving an official NFL Flag Football equipment kit and uniforms courtesy of USA Football and Nike.

Be In The Know

Minecraft Inclusive Schools Challenge

We are letting our future students decide what changes will be made to their new school and make it a place they’ll be proud to call their own. All fifth and sixth graders are invited to join in. Using Minecraft, students will design a change or addition to their school and demonstrate how their innovation will make it a more inclusive space for all students.

Health Care for All Students

Hazel Health has partnered with KSD to provide access to quality health care services for all students, at no cost to families, this school year. Sign up today!

KSD Staff News

New Electronic Timesheets Available

Use Adobe Acrobat Sign to complete, sign, send and track most timesheets entirely online. Join Payroll for a virtual drop-in session on April 26 to ask questions or get help.

April Happenings

National Student Leadership Week

The 2023 theme is "Ready, Set, Lead." Student leaders have unwavering dedication and passion for making a difference within their schools, communities, and the world. During the week of April 24-28, KSD will highlight a few student leaders within our district.

Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month

April is a great time to increase the understanding and appreciation of mathematics and statistics. During the month, programs and classroom activities will be highlighted to increase the awareness of mathematics as a career.

National Occupational

Therapy Month

KSD celebrates this vital profession, and the meaningful differences occupational therapy makes in the lives of students. We thank our hardworking Occupational Therapists for making a difference.

National Autism Awareness Month

Diversity and inclusivity are two valued and celebrated characteristics of KSD. Each year during April, we participate in National Autism Awareness Month to help educate and bring more public awareness about neurodiversity. Join us as we share what autism is, learn the signs, and also how to practice inclusivity.