Dear Kent School District Community,

October has been a busy month in our classrooms and district as we observed many important events. One of these is Hispanic Heritage Month, where we proudly celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities, reinforcing our shared values of inclusion, respect, and unity.

October is also National Principals Month, a special time to recognize the incredible contributions our school principals make every day. As a former principal, I know first hand that principals work tirelessly to create safe, supportive, and dynamic learning environments where all students can thrive. Thank you to our principals for their unwavering dedication and leadership. Their work truly strengthens our district and inspires us all.

This month, Dr. Wade Barringer and I participated in the Puget Sound Educational Service District Superintendent Meeting, where several critical issues impacting school districts across the state were discussed. Key legislative priorities included the full funding of special education, securing adequate funding for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOCs), and transportation expenses. These issues are contributing to financial challenges in many districts throughout Washington.

While the State of Washington is constitutionally obligated to fully fund basic education, current state efforts have not kept pace with the actual costs schools are facing today. Kent School Board Director Tim Clark, in his role as the Legislative Representative, has been actively collaborating with the Washington State School Directors' Association to advocate for our district's legislative goals and to support broader solutions at the state level.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to creating a welcoming environment where every culture is celebrated and valued. Together, we are OneKSD—working side by side to support each other and honor the rich diversity that makes us stronger.

In partnership,   

Israel Vela, Superintendent

This is an open forum designed to foster meaningful dialogue between with our community, including students, families, staff, and community members. This question and answer session aims to provide a space for participants to ask questions, share feedback, and engage in conversations that promote transparency, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future of our schools. I hope to strengthen connections and ensure that all voices in our community are heard and valued. The next Chat is scheduled for November 19.

• November 19, 2024

• 5:00-6:00 p.m.

• Scenic Hill Elementary, Multipurpose Room

• 26025 Woodland Way S, Kent

There are three additional Community Connect: Chat with the Superintendent opportunities scheduled for the remainder of the school year. I hope to meet you at one of these events.

Language Access

We value the rich diversity of our community and actively encourage all families and community members to participate. If an interpreter is needed, please email Translations@kent.k12.wa.us two business days prior to the meeting.

Special Olympics of WA “Catalyst for Change” Award

The Special Olympics Washington honored Chris Kunzelman with the prestigious "Catalyst for Change" award. Chris, who works in the Kent School District's Athletics Department, serves as both the Grant Manager and Program Liaison for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools within the district. Additionally, Chris collaborates with the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA) to coordinate Track & Field programming.

This year, Chris played a pivotal role in advancing Unified Sports by helping to develop a pathway for integrated Unified High School Track & Field. This initiative allowed Unified athletes and partners to participate as fully integrated members of their high school’s varsity Track and Field teams, promoting inclusion and expanding opportunities for all students.

Kent All-City Golf Champions

For the second year, the four Kent comprehensive high schools met for an All-City match on the course at Riverbend. It was a beautiful day and a great opportunity for local golfers to meet and share some early season competition.

Congratulations to the Kentwood Ladies, who took home the All-City title with back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024. The Kentridge Men also came out strong with a top finish for the second year in a row.

Cedar Heights - Medical Detectives

Students from Cedar Heights Middle School's Medical Detectives program recently had the opportunity to visit Seattle Children's Hospital, where they participated in an investigative simulation. The scenario involved an outbreak of illness aboard a hospital boat, and the students were tasked with determining the source of contamination.

During their investigation, the students utilized gel electrophoresis, a laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments by size, to analyze the evidence. Their thorough analysis led them to conclude that pre-cut melons were the cause of the outbreak. This hands-on experience provided students with valuable insight into the practical application of scientific methods in real-world scenarios.

Kent School District Replacement Capital and Technology Levy is on the November 5 ballot. This is not a new tax but replaces the 2018 Capital and Technology Levy, which we deeply appreciate our voters for supporting. Please ensure your voter registration is up to date and cast your ballot to let your voice be heard.