Our schools are places where diversity is celebrated, and every student's unique background and abilities are recognized as strengths. We are dedicated to providing access to quality education for all students, regardless of race, creed, gender, socioeconomic status, immigration status, or abilities. We strive to ensure that our schools are safe havens for learning and growth.

Addressing Financial Realities with a Student-Centered Focus

While KSD is fiscally stable, we recognize the ongoing fiscal challenges that we face along with many other school districts in our region and across the nation. With thoughtful planning, transparency, and collaboration, we are confident in our ability to navigate these challenges and emerge even stronger—united in our focus on student success. Through OneKSD—our shared commitment to unity, collaboration, and putting students first—we are taking proactive steps and will implement strategic budget balancing solutions to protect the classroom experience while ensuring the district’s financial health.

Hope and Promise for the Future

Even though financial challenges and uncertainty in our nation are real, so is our resilience and determination. We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping our students safe while continuing to focus on long-term fiscal stability. We are OneClass, OneTeam, and OneCommunity united as OneKSD in our shared purpose to equip our students to be future-ready global citizens.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we celebrate the strength of our differences and shared commitment to empowering and uplifting one another.

In partnership,   

Israel Vela, Superintendent

Special Olympics Washington named Martin Sortun Elementary as a National Special Olympics Unified Champion School® and presented the staff and students with a banner in recognition of their efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students of all abilities. Martin Sortun is the first elementary school in Washington State to receive this prestigious honor. With help from Ray Roberts, a former Seahawks player, KW students and mascot, Marla Taylor-MS PE teacher, school and district administrators, along with Cool Bird from the Thunderbirds, the banner was unveiled to much fanfare. Congratulations to Martin Sortun for leading the way in this important endeavor and showcasing the values of what #OneCommunity means in our district.

Superintendent Vela recently visited Ms. Esparza's fourth-grade class at Scenic Hill Elementary, captivating students with his inspiring life story. As the son of migrant workers, he spent his childhood following the harvest from Texas to Washington each year. Despite the hardships, Superintendent Vela remained determined to pursue his passion for education, ultimately becoming a teacher and later rising to the role of superintendent. During his visit, he shared powerful lessons of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Ms. Esparza's students were deeply moved by his story and left feeling inspired to embrace their own dreams with determination. "I want to say thank you to Superintendent Vela for taking the time to visit," Ms. Esparza said. "I knew our kids needed to be motivated and inspired by someone, and that his story would resonate with them."

Congratulations to Neeraj Agnahotri, who has been named a 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year by the Washington Industrial Technology Education Association (WITEA). Known for her student-centered approach and innovative teaching, Ms. Agnahotri seamlessly integrates robotics, coding, and engineering into her STEM curriculum, creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for all students. She is especially recognized for fostering an inclusive classroom, ensuring that students of all backgrounds and abilities thrive. Her leadership and dedication continue to inspire students and strengthen the CTE community.

Elementary educators are continuing to grow their expertise through Studio Professional Development (PD), an engaging and collaborative learning experience designed to enhance instructional practices. In the second round of Studio PD, teachers have the opportunity to tailor their learning by selecting from three impactful sessions:

• Building Teacher Knowledge: Deepens understanding of the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum and its connection to the Science of Reading, equipping teachers with research-based strategies to support literacy development.

• Student Work Analysis & Next Steps: Guides teams in analyzing student assessment data to make informed instructional decisions and tailor learning experiences to student needs.

• Collaborative Lesson Planning: Empowers teachers to design CKLA lessons with intentional engagement strategies, ensuring dynamic and effective instruction.

The response from educators has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the valuable insights, practical strategies, and collaborative discussions that are enhancing their teaching. By investing in meaningful professional development, KSD continues to support teachers in delivering high-quality, engaging learning experiences for every student.

The Communities in Schools Breakfast was a wonderful experience for everyone who had the privilege of attending. Powerful and moving student stories of determination and hope highlighted the life-changing impact of student support programs.

Communities in Schools (CIS) is a community-based organization dedicated to working alongside schools, students, and families. Their mission aligns with KSD's priority initiatives, focusing on providing comprehensive support to students who are most at risk of dropping out. This year, there are 17 site coordinators, 2 navigators, and numerous volunteers who partner with our schools in providing support to students. This collaboration is about nurturing the whole child, removing barriers to learning, and empowering students.

Our School Board and Superintendent recently held a joint meeting with the Covington City Council in their City Hall where amazing KSD student artwork was on display. These creative pieces reflect the incredible talent and perspective of KSD students. The display serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring safe and thriving learning environments for all students through strengthening and supporting local city partnerships.

Covington Elementary came alive with the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors at its annual Festival of Cultures, a heartwarming celebration of the diverse backgrounds that make up the school community. Families and students gathered for an unforgettable evening filled with cultural performances, interactive displays, games, arts and crafts, and a delicious potluck showcasing flavors from around the world.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of the Kent Schools Foundation and Covington PTA. Thank you to the Kent-Meridian Vietnamese Student Association who captivated the audience with their Fan and Lion Dance performances. A shout out to the students from the Kentwood Honor Society for organizing the games and arts and crafts. Thank you to students, families, volunteers, and staff for their work to organize this event, and to Fahm Ros for leading this work.

At the Kent School District, we are committed to preparing students to be global citizens and building strong, inclusive partnerships with families and the community. Events like the Festival of Cultures embody this mission, providing a space where everyone can come together to learn, celebrate, and connect.