This summer, the Kent School District Board of Directors approved two levy resolutions for the November 7, 2023, election ballot. I thank the Board of Directors for their commitment to supporting all students by approving these levy resolutions.

The Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy provides nearly 15% of total operating resources and currently accounts for $74,000,000 in annual funding, including over $40,000,000 in salary costs not funded by the state. The EP&O Levy provides funding for activities, athletics, and enrichment programs and 30% of our total Special Education costs.

The Capital Projects and Technology Levy would provide the majority of funding over the next four years for health and safety, repairs and improvements, program expansion, and technology education, including the continuation of 1:1 learning technology (laptops/tablets) for students. It would also provide funding to upgrade intrusion alarm systems at every school across the district.

For more information about the levies, visit KSDLevy.org. Mark your calendar for October 10 or 26 to attend a levy information meeting. Visit King County Elections for more information on how to return your ballot and remember to vote by November 7, 2023.

Lake Youngs Elementary fifth-grade scientists engaged in building a marble run to learn about building a scientific experiment. They also learned teaming skills and practiced communication skills.

Sawyer Woods Elementary fifth-grade students had an exciting science class. They were tasked with trying to save Fred the gummy worm from a tank of water. Students worked in groups and used regular classroom supplies to craft a submersible that would keep Fred nice and dry in the tank. Students had to collaborate, use resources creatively, and think strategically. 

Meeker Middle School in core math 6, students demonstrated their learning when the teacher gave an informal assessment on integers by playing Bingo.

EMIKO CRAIG SCHOLARSHIP

The Emiko Craig Scholarship was established as a result of a bequest gift to the Kent School District. While the funds are held by the district, the scholarship program is overseen by the Kent Schools Foundation. The Foundation’s overall mission is to foster collaboration among families, educators, businesses, and the wider community to provide innovative and supportive learning opportunities for students.

In an expanded role, the Kent Schools Foundation have taken the responsibility of evaluating and awarding the Emiko Craig Scholarship. Emiko Craig was a long-time Kent resident who set aside funding for a scholarship program in her will. Emiko enjoyed attending the district’s high school plays and her legacy is dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of the arts. I am pleased to announce the four 2023 Emiko Craig Scholarship recipients. Congratulations to these exceptional students on their remarkable achievement.

• Nkiruka Anamelechi (Kent-Meridian)
• Jenna Fischer (Kentlake)
• Samuel Johnson (Kentridge)
• Breanna Newburn (Kentridge)

All building leaders engaged in the first Levels meeting of the school year. This monthly meeting brings together all building leaders to focus on instructional leadership. This month, after receiving timely updates from Teaching and Learning, leaders broke into groups by strand and worked through a protocol where they shared elements from their draft School Improvement Plans. The goal was to find areas of vertical alignment within each strand in order to continue to build a cohesive K-12 system.

New Language Arts Curriculum

As you may know, our school board adopted a new language arts curriculum this past year. We are in the process of rolling out this new curriculum. It has been reported that overall, enthusiasm is high and teachers are eager to dig into the resources. As of September 20, over 500 teachers have completed the nine-hour introductory class. Thank you to our amazing teachers for their enthusiasm in learning new curriculum.