Kent School District

OneKSD: District News to the Board

October 3, 2025

Superintendent's Community

A Message from Superintendent Vela

Dear Kent School District Families and Staff,

As you may be aware, the federal government has entered a shutdown due to a lapse in funding. We want to assure you our schools remain open and operational, and teaching and learning will continue as scheduled.

What Families Can Do:

  • Continue supporting your children's daily attendance and engagement in school.

  • Stay informed - We will share updates if the situation changes or if any services are affected.

We understand uncertainty can be stressful, and we are committed to keeping you informed and supported. Thank you for your continued partnership to ensure our students continue their learning even though the federal government is experiencing a shutdown.

School Visits

In September, Superintendent Vela was invited to visit 5th grade classrooms at Kent Elementary. The email below was sent by the classroom teacher after the visit.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and speak with our students. Your presence in the classroom was more than just a guest appearance; it was a moment of true impact. Your story carries the kind of power that doesn't just inform but transforms. You gave our students more than information, you gave them perspective, connection, and inspiration. It was an honor to have you share your journey with them, and I truly believe your voice has the ability to change lives.

The students are so hyped about the nick name -'Izzy 2.0'- and I think that says it all. You didn't just speak to them; you connected with them. You made friends who can't wait to see you again..."

Vela

Board of Directors

Budget and Enrollment Update

As previously communicated, we continue to closely monitor student enrollment trends. Since the 2019-20 school year, Kent School District has experienced a notable decline in enrollment, mirroring a broader regional trend. Across the state, there are over 60,000 fewer students enrolled since the onset of the pandemic.

During the development of the 2025-26 budget, it was noted that enrollment projections were prepared prior to the election, and recent changes in immigration policy, as well as uncertainties surrounding federal funding, may influence future enrollment figures.

At the September 24, 2025, board meeting, Superintendent Vela reported that September enrollment was 23,202 students. Based on the five-year trend, it is anticipated that there will be a modest increase to approximately 23,320 students during the October enrollment count. However, this remains below the projected enrollment of 24,222 -- a shortfall of 902 students. Regionally, four out of six neighboring districts and 13 of 19 districts in King County are facing similar enrollment challenges following the September count.

Following a preliminary review of the October 1, 2025, enrollment data, the shortfall has been revised to approximately 792 students. This ongoing decline will have implications for staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation. KSD is currently assessing this funding gap and evaluating its implications.

An updated budget presentation will be shared at the October 15, 2025, board retreat providing further clarity on the financial outlook for the current school year and beyond.

Board of Directors

Upcoming Board Dates

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

October 8, 2025

  • 4:15 P.M. Light Dinner

  • 5:00 P.M. Work Session - POLICY

  • 6:00 P.M. Executive Session

  • 6:30 P.M. Board Meeting

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

October 22, 2025

  • 4:15 P.M. Light Dinner

  • 5:00 P.M. Work Session

  • 6:00 P.M. Executive Session

  • 6:30 P.M. Board Meeting

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

Board Retreat w/ Ms. Amy Cast

October 15, 2025

  • 4:15 P.M. Light Dinner

  • 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Retreat

REMINDER - SAVE THE DATE!

WSSDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE | Seattle, WA

Thursday, November 20, 2025 - Saturday, November 22, 2025

Policy

Policy Work Session: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.

Next week's policy work session agenda is packed! As time permits, the following policies will be discussed:

  • Policy 1620 The Board-Superintendent Relationship (Fifth Reading)

  • Policy 1750 Retired Member of Board (Retire)

    • After a discussion with Brian Smith, Director of Athletics, Activities, & Facility Use, and Lauren Paz, Business Services Analyst/Associated Student Body (ASB) Coordinator, it was determined that it would be against North Puget Sound League (NPSL) rules, as well as a violation of ASB regulations, to provide free lifetime athletic event passes to anyone. This necessitates the retirement of Policy 1750.

  • Policy 1760 Board Member Use of Electronic Communications (First Reading)

  • Policy 2320 Student Travel - Field Trips and Excursions (Third Reading)

  • Policy 6100 Revenues from Local, State, and Federal Sources (First Reading)

  • Policy 6101 Federal Cash and Financial Management (First Reading)

  • Current Policy 6102 Federal Impact Funds (Indian) (Retire)

  • New Policy 6102 District Fundraising Activities (First Reading)

  • Policy 6103 Applications for Competitive Grants and Foundation Funding (Retire)

  • Policy 6131 Charities (First Reading)

Links to board members' individual policy work folders will be sent out on Friday, October 3, 2025. Any suggested changes should be made by 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in order to be included in the work session documents. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hawley.

Technology & Partnerships Community

Technology Support Services

Software Review Committee Updates

The Kent School District's Software Review Committee has recently approved the following resources for supplemental use in schools:

  • Conjuguemos - A web-based tool that supports Secondary World Language students in developing language skills through grammar practice and interactive learning activities.

  • Knowt - An online platform designed to help Secondary World Language students study and retain information more effectively through customizable study tools.

  • ASB Classroom - A safe, ad-free, web-based resource supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. It provides students with a curated library of instructional and tutorial videos focused on video production and broadcasting.

  • Flocabulary - An engaging K-12 learning platform that uses music, videos, and interactive activities to teach academic content across a wide range of subjects, helping students build knowledge in a creative and memorable way.

These approved tools align with KSD's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and ensuring students have access to safe, high-quality resources that enhance learning.

tech

Technology Updates at Mill Creek Middle School

Thanks to the community's support of the recent Technology Levy, Mill Creek Middle School (MC) is benefiting from the new Promethean interactive displays in classrooms. These tools are an important part of creating engaging, modern learning environments for students.

This week, Technology team members such as Troy Ugaddan (pictured), spent time at MC updating the firmware on the new Promethean bezels and upgrading the operating systems on the Open Pluggable Specification - A1 Module (OPS-A2) devices that power the boards. These updates ensure the boards operate smoothly, remain secure, and provide teachers and students with the latest features.

Human Resources Community

Human Resources Team

training

All-Staff Meetings

AT a recent HR All-Staff meeting, the team engaged in a full and productive agenda centered on key HR topics and professional development. A highlight of the meeting was a presentation on equity led by new team member, Sabrina Baze, Assistant Director, Equity and Employment Support, who brought fresh insights and sparked thoughtful conversations. To close out the session, team members had the option to create OneKSD bracelets - a meaningful and creative way to reinforce shared values and a sense of unity. While the bracelets were a fun and memorable bonus, they served as a tangible reminder of the collaboration and purpose that define HRs work together and for KSD.

Employment Support

Recruiting Efforts

Recruiting efforts extend beyond career fairs, colleges, and universities. HR has attended several KSD Open House events since the beginning of the school year to distribute recruiting flyers and connect with the rich diversity within KSD.

New Employee Processing

For the 2025-26 school year, the HR team successfully onboarded a total of 681 employees between May and September 2025. The onboarding process includes completing I-9 employment verification, fingerprinting, for background checks, capturing photos for employee badges, and scheduling new employee orientations (NEO).

The Employment Support team facilitated the onboarding of:

  • 271 certificated staff

    • Of the 139 new hires, 2 completed their student teaching with KSD and 3 were formerly agency staff

    • 15 staff were re-hires

    • 3 staff were formerly classified staff

    • 7 staff members were either temporary or leave replacement staff who were hired into permanent positions

    • 89 were position/classification/location changes or additional hours

  • 306 classified staff

    • 160 new hires

    • 15 re-hired staff

    • 5 substitute staff to permanent positions

    • 43 temporary staff to permanent positions

    • 83 staff position changes or additional hours

  • 17 administrators

    • 10 new hires

    • 5 staff moved from an administrative position to a new administrative position

    • 2 staff changed classification

  • 87 coaches and temporary employees

    • 42 new hires

    • 43 re-hired staff

    • 1 substitute staff to permanent position

    • 1 staff additional hours

Human Resources Operations

2025-26 School Year Fall Involuntary Transfer (IVT) Process Update

The HR team has successfully completed the Fall IVT process for certificated teachers. In collaboration with school, district, and Kent Education Association (KEA) leadership to meet the September 15 deadline for balancing class sizes, staffing adjustments were made to address building and grade-level needs. As a result, five teachers were transferred to new school sites to support balanced class sizes across the district.

Professional Development Operations

KAEOP Best Practices PD Launched

On September 23, 2025, the first of four scheduled session of the Kent Association of Educational Office Professionals (KAEOP) Best Practices professional development class was held. This newly developed series of PD was jointly created with the KAEOP PD Committee and the PD Operations team. The two goals of this series are:

  1. To increase relationships and community between members. Understanding that building relationships across the district improves each staff members ability to support each other and build cohesive practices between buildings.

  2. To offer an opportunity for experienced KAEOP members to share short tips that have helped them be successful in their roles.

This first day of training included breakout sessions facilitated by Toni Thomas, Office Manager at Canyon Ridge Middle School (CR), who led an overview of the cadence of planning (for office managers) at the start of the school year, and Joan Maxwell, Administrative Assistant IV (AAIV) for the Technology Support team, who reviewed best practices and resources for purchasing processes.

Each of the participants received resources from presenters and were asked to participate in a survey to inform content for future sessions.

training

Operations Community

Athletics & Activities

KSD High School Athletic Venues are Cashless

For the 3rd year, KSD Athletics and the North Puget Sound League (NPSL) are in partnership with GoFan for digital ticketing. All KSD high schools are cashless for the 2025-26 school year. Spectators can purchase online digital tickets through GoFan.com or by visiting the individual high school's athletic websites. Tickets can be purchased in person at the game site with a debit or credit card, or with Apple Pay.

Families who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch and who have completed the 2025-26 Family Income Survey can qualify for a "Family Activity Card" which will provide a household discount.

Athletic Punch cards for 10 ticket entries to any HOME athletic event throughout the 2025-26 school year can be purchased through the high school ASB Bookkeeper.

OSPI Student Athlete Participation Survey 2025-26

As part of Title IX compliance and athletic program evaluation, KSD will be administering the OSPI Student Athlete Participation Survey to gather student interest data. This survey helps ensure KSD is meeting the needs of all students and providing equitable athletic opportunities. The survey is a required component for Title IX compliance and is required by Washington State law.

This survey has directly influenced the athletic opportunities KSD provides. By li8stening to student voices, the Athletics & Activities team has been able to expand and adjust programs to better reflect student interests and ensure Title XI compliance.

Making Practice a Priority

Feedback and suggestions from KSDs Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) are incorporated into the ELEVATE programing for coaches. SALT has identified "Making Practice a Priority" as a foundation for student-athlete success. This topic is being incorporated into the 10-minute huddle to instill the importance of consistent attendance at practice and making practice matter to all athletes.

Capital Projects

Lake Youngs Playground Asphalt

KSD completed the Lake Youngs playground asphalt replacement project from the 2018 Levy. This work began in 2024 with grinding to base, repaving, and temporary paint markings. After one year of allowing the asphalt to cure, a seal coat was applied, and new striping was painted.

LY
CW

Crestwood Root Repair

KSD completed the Crestwood root repair project from the 2018 Levy. This work included selective grinding and overlays as well as curb and wheel stop replacement. This project significantly reduced tripping hazards in the parking lot and walkways.

Transportation

Bus Repairs

Mechanic, Ahmed Ahmed, is pictured here, replacing a leaking wheel seal on a school bus. Repairs and regular maintenance are critical to student safety and vehicle reliability. The Transportation Department proudly operates with a team of seven skilled diesel mechanics, who work diligently to maintain a fleet of 150 school buses. Their expertise keeps KSD busses running smoothly and safely every day.

Bus

Warehouse & Distribution Services

Out with the Old and In with the New

After the Technology team refreshed the Promethean Boards at Mill Creek Middle School (MC) the Warehouse and Distribution Team removed and is currently storing them for replacement needs throughout the district.

wh