Welcome to 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.

All-City Coaches Clinic

Over 100 coaches from across the Kent area came together for a powerful day of collaboration, professional growth, and shared purpose—embodying the spirit of OneKSD.

The clinic offered engaging, expert-led sessions on critical topics, including:

Supporting Athlete Mental Health: The Coach’s Role
Team Culture
Planning for Peak Performance
Coaching the Female Athlete
Team Captains and Student Voice
Unified Sports
Booster Clubs for the High School Coach

A highlight of the event was the keynote address from Robert Turbin, Seahawks Super Bowl Champion and Executive Director of Sports in Schools. Turbin shared personal reflections on the profound impact coaches had throughout his life and career, offering both inspiration and affirmation of the vital role coaches play in shaping student success.

2026 Special Olympics

Congratulations to Coach Honey Sychtysz, Coach Stewart Kunzelman, and the incredible Kentwood High School Unified Track & Field Team—who have been selected by Special Olympics Washington to represent our entire state as "Team Washington" at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games – National Championship!

This remarkable achievement is not only a testament to the hard work and heart of the Kentwood community—it also reflects the strength of our collective commitment to equity and opportunity across the district. They’re not just representing KW, they're representing all of us - OneTeam, OneKSD.

Technology Operations & Support Services Update

Connecting the Future: Phase 2 Network Cabling Upgrades

The Technology Team is committed to maintaining a robust and reliable network infrastructure supports the daily connectivity needs of students and staff. Our building network cabling plays a crucial role in providing seamless access to essential online services—including learning and management tools, instructional content, student information systems, clock and intercom systems, and more.

To address aging network cabling, we will be upgrading all secondary school buildings throughout the 2025-26 school year. These improvements will enhance network speed, reliability, and capacity to better support teaching, learning, and administrative operations.

Improvement

New fiber optic cabling between all wiring closets within each building
New Ethernet cabling to each wireless access point
New Ethernet cabling to each clock/intercom unit

Benefit

Establishes a faster, higher-capacity network backbone linking building sections and internet access
Increases wireless network capacity and coverage across learning and work areas
Provides necessary data connections for upcoming clock and intercom system upgrades

Ready, Set, Deploy!

Capital Projects Update

Storage Upgrades Completed at Carriage Crest and Springbrook Elementary

We have successfully completed the additional storage projects at Carriage Crest and Springbrook elementary schools.

These projects required thoughtful coordination to prepare each site, including clearing floor and wall spaces and accommodating existing infrastructure such as power and data outlets, fire alarm devices, and other building conduits.

With valuable support from custodial staff, necessary items were relocated to make way for installation. The custom millwork was measured, fabricated off-site, and then delivered and professionally installed.

These upgrades provide much-needed storage solutions for our schools—supporting more organized and efficient learning environments for staff and students.

Sunrise Elementary Flooring Upgrades

The Sunrise Flooring Project involved a complete replacement of all flooring throughout the entire building.

Transportation

School Bus Driver In-Service

District bus drivers hit the brakes on routine and hit the gas on professional growth during recent OSPI training sessions. Led by Tim Lash, Brian Wilder, Sheri Peterson, and Breanna Wilder, drivers explored how brain science can boost student support on the road.

From emergency readiness with Ivan Liu and Tim Lash to special education insights with Elizabeth Berninger, the sessions delivered real-world skills to keep students safe, supported, and on track.

Kent School District Equity Excellence Community

Kent School District Bonds and Levies

Foundations - September 2025