Welcome to the second year of Foundations, an e-newsletter focused on keeping our community updated on current and past levy and bond initiatives supported by voter-approved funds. When we come together with a shared commitment as OneCommunity to educate and support our students, we continue to build on a foundation that extends beyond the classroom and strengthens the entire community--united into OneKSD.

There is a gap between what the state funds and the education Kent School District provides to students. Local levy funds make up the difference. Levy dollars support student enrichment programs not fully funded by the state, such as special education, athletics, arts, and music to name a few.

We are committed to fostering transparency and accountability in every aspect of our work, ensuring trust and open communication. Follow along very month for a new edition.

Collaboration to Improve Inclusive Education

Kent School District and Kent Education Association (KEA) have completed a joint effort to update the Inclusive Education (IE) Program Guide, a key commitment outlined in the 2024–27 collective bargaining agreement. The guide offers clearer descriptions of IE programs and is designed to help IEP teams make informed decisions about student support and placement.

The revised guide will be shared with staff by the start of the 2025–26 school year and incorporated into IE’s internal Practice Guide. Both KSD and KEA look forward to building on this collaborative momentum to support all learners our district.

Pack the Track for Inclusion

The stands at French Field came alive as KSD Athletics and Kentwood High School Student Leadership teamed up to host the first-ever “Pack the Track for Inclusion” event! Unified Track & Field athletes from all four KSD comprehensive high schools took center stage, cheered on by an electric crowd of students, staff, and families who showed up in full force to celebrate inclusion and athletic excellence.

This high-energy event featured more than just outstanding competition—it was a full celebration with food trucks, fan gear, senior shout-outs, and community spirit. Athletes competed for postseason qualifying marks and the honor of becoming the Kent All-City Inclusionary Champions.

"Pack the Track for Inclusion” wasn’t just an event—it was a powerful reminder of the unity, pride, and support that defines OneKSD.

KSD, Unified Champion Schools & Kent Reporter Celebrate 2024-25 Athletes of the Year

KSD Athletics is excited to partner with The Kent Reporter and Special Olympics of Washington to honor the KSD Athletes of the Year. Sixteen student athletes from across KSD have been chosen by their schools to represent the best of KSD.

Online voting for the “Athlete of the Year” is Wednesday, May 21 through Wednesday, May 28. Visit Kent Reporter Sports to cast your vote and learn more about the athletes.

On Tuesday, June 10, a community awards celebration will be held in the Kent-Meridian East-Wing Auditorium at 6:00 P.M.

Technology Operations & Support Services Update

Members of the Technology team are hard at work unboxing, laser etching, imaging, and inventorying new teacher and paraeducator devices to ensure each one is secure, fully configured, and ready for use when staff return before the start of the next school year. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to providing reliable, modern tools that support teaching and learning. We’re grateful to our community for supporting the Technology Levy and making this investment in our educators and students possible. Looking ahead, additional levy-funded projects will focus on refreshing student devices and document camera as well as replacing classroom displays. Please check Replacement Capital Projects & Technology Levy regarding technology levy-funded projects.

Technology Support Fun Facts

Capital Projects Update

The Kent School District Capital Projects team is dedicated to delivering exceptional services that benefit all stakeholders by creating safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environments for students, staff, and community members. Below are the highlights from a recent presentation to the school board, delivered by Assistant Director of Capital Projects Brett Scribner.

Curtains Up at Cedar Heights and Kent-Meridian

The Kent School District recently completed stage curtain upgrades thanks to funding from the 2018 Levy.

Cedar Heights received new primary and secondary curtains and valance, giving the stage a fresh new look. Kent-Meridian’s upgrade included new primary curtains, valance, and a sleek motorized opener, elevating performances to the next level. These improvements support student creativity and the arts—ensuring our stages are ready to shine for years to come!

Transportation

Rolling With Gratitude: National School Bus Driver’s Day

In April, Kent School District celebrated National School Bus Driver’s Day with heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated drivers who safely transport thousands of students each day. In partnership with the Transportation Department, the HR team designed a colorful banner to thank our drivers, while Director of Transportation Justin Dennison provided sweet treats in the form of cookies.

This thoughtful gesture recognized the essential role bus drivers play in our OneKSD community—ensuring every student starts and ends their school day with care and safety.