Showing posts with label LWSD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LWSD. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

UPDATED: King County Lowers Assessed Values / LWSD Planning $621.4 M Levy

 Good news is the King County Assessor is lowering assessed values in 2024 by ~20%.  Bad news is there could be a rush by local governments and agencies to float Bond and Levy measures this year.  

Case in point:  EvergreenHealth is planning a Bond measure to increase much needed beds. 

LWSD is planning a 2024 $621.4 million levy measure for school construction needs. These needs include both adding new student space and replacing aging facilities. This levy provides funding to build critical classroom space across our district and addresses aging schools:

Elementary Schools: Rebuild and expand Alcott Elementary and Smith Elementary, Add a new elementary school in Lake Washington area. Middle School: Rebuild or expand Kamiakin Middle School.  High School:  Build a fifth comprehensive high school.  Other:  Refurbish Juanita fieldhouse/pool, Add space for early learning. High School: Build a fifth comprehensive high school.  Other:  Refurbish Juanita fieldhouse/pool.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Dr. Holmen Remains Superintendent at LWSD


Peoria Unified School District interviews:  For Dr. Holmen scroll to 27.10 m for Dr. Kenneth Sommers advance to 40.44 m 

Announcement on the Peoria Unified School District website:  

"On November 29, the Peoria Unified Governing Board voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Kenneth Christopher Sommers to serve as the district's next superintendent, pending the result of successful contract negotiations and  background check.  The Board is expected to official approve him as superintendent at a future meeting."  

Though Dr. Holmen didn't get what he wanted we are most fortunate to have him and his expertise on board during these challenging times.  -- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/30/2023

Monday, November 27, 2023

Emotions fly at LWSD Board Meeting


The Board members of the Lake Washington School District held a very emotional public meeting on November 20th in their chambers.  

  • Superintendent Holmen gave Board member Siri Bliesner high praise, gratitude and recognition for her 11 years of community service on the Board.  
  • During Public Comment over eight parents gave very emotional talks about the Israelis - Palestinian tension at LWSD and in their families.  
It's definitely worth a listen:  https://lwsd.new.swagit.com/videos/281596

Jon Holmen is interviewing for a new job as superintendent in an Arizona district.  His recognition speech for Siri was extremely well done and I hope they were listening.  

-- Bob Yoder, 11/27/2023


Sunday, November 26, 2023

Superintendent Jon Holmen Finalist for Superintendent in Arizona School District



Jon Holmen, Superintendent of LWSD is a finalist in selecting a new superintendent at Peoria Unified in Arizona.  The Peoria School Board will announce their decision on November 29th.  

Arizona ranks 50th out of 50 states for school funding.  Ah ha, so Jon's experience with Bonds and Levies makes him quite attractive.  

Jon's interview begins at 27m.  He is analytical, systematic with focus on stakeholders.  John Carman of Texas interview begins at 16:45m.  He's low key.  Ken Somers from Colorado is expressive, likeable, somewhat wordy with leadership qualities. Though, he may not have the school funding experience Peoria Unified is looking for.  

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/26 

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Rumble in Redmond Robot Competition


Builders from all over North America brought their robots to Redmond Middle School for an all-out robot clash where innovation and excitement collided. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the Robot Combat League National Championship in May 2024, allowing passionate builders to compete at the highest level of robot combat. 

Competitors unleashed their custom-built remote-controlled armed with hammers, flippers, or blades, delivering stylish and crushing blows to their opponents. Builders invest days, weeks, or even months perfecting their designs for competitions. 

The National Championship was held in Seattle last year.  Three bots from Redmond's league qualified for the tournament.  The Nationals will be held in Seattle again next year.  

Special thanks to OneRedmond for sponsoring this event.  They're hoping for more of them in the years to come.   

-- Post and video by Bob Yoder, 10/23/2023 

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

UPDATED OPINION: Teacher Diversity at LW School District Deserves Study

*Redmond Middle School Certified Teachers (71)  
click image to enlarge

Redmond Middle School - Teacher Demographics (self-reported)
68.8% female / 31.3% male
White:  89.1%
Asian: 6.3%
Hispanic/Latino 1.6%
Two or more races 1.6%

Opportunities for diversity and inclusion are when a teacher retires, quits and moves, is  terminated and enrollment increases.  I'm sure the District is doing the best they can. 

https://washingtonstatereportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ReportCard/ViewSchoolOrDistrict/101528

*Image may include nurses, counselors and some classified staff

Zakiya Cita is the new LWSD Director of Human Resources Talent Acquisition. 
425-936-1421, zcita@lwsd.org.  

I met Ms. Cita at a WorkSource Fair, Redmond Library.

Opinion:  Bob Yoder, 10/24/2023

Monday, October 23, 2023

Redmond MS Student Named Finalist In National Science Competition

 

Advait Badrish

Redmond Middle School eighth grader Advait Badrish is on his way to Washington D.C. as a finalist in the 2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. This is the nation’s premier STEM research competition for middle school students. Advait was nominated by the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair for his project titled "HeartNN: A High-Accuracy Neural Network for Cardiac Auscultation." Out of nearly 1,500 entries submitted for the national competition, there are now 30 finalists competing for more than $100,000 in prizes. All finalists will receive a $500 cash award. There is also prize money dedicated to some of the finalists’ schools. 

According to the competition’s website, the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, a program of the Society for Science, seeks to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future. The finalists in this year’s event will travel to Washington, D.C. from October 28 – November 2 to participate in the Finals Week of the competition. Each student will be judged on both their science research projects as well as their demonstration of collaboration and critical thinking skills during team challenges, emphasizing the importance and value of teamwork in STEM fields. 

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Redmond Middle School Teacher Diversity

(click image to enlarge)

 Photos of teachers (not volunteers) hanging in the Redmond Middle School lobby. My guess is the school district tries hard to diversify their staff and executives.

We saw this composite while leaving the Rumble-In-Redmond Robot Combat Competition event.  

-- Photo and opinion by Bob Yoder, 10/21/2023

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Lake Washington Schools Foundation: An Introduction


Discover the heart and soul of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation in this video.


Did you know that Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) and Lake Washington School District (LWSD) are two distinctly different organizations?


LWSF is a non-profit organization that works in close partnership with the school district to support the students in our community. We provide direct services through our programs and also fund district initiatives. We are able to do this work only through receiving donations from supporters who share our belief that every student should have the ability to achieve their full potential.


-- posted by Bob Yoder, 10/12/2023



Friday, September 29, 2023

Lake Washington School District Capital Projects, Sign Up For Updates

Juanita High School 2021 construction, Internet 

Sign up
for updates on Lake Washington School District capital projects and the "Connection" newsletter: 
 

  • Redmond Middle School - Building updates
  • Rockwell Elementary - Rebuild & remodel updates
  • Eastside High School - Additional Capacity updates
  • Kirkland Middle School - Addition updates
  • Finn Hill Middle School - Addition updates
  • Westside Area - Additional Capacity updates
  • Connection Newsletter
  • School Board updates
"Connections" is not exclusive to parents:  feel free to forward it on to others who might want to subscribe, such as a grandparent or interested neighbor.

Read how and where the District's capital projects are funded  District taxpayers passed bond/levy measures in:  1998, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2022.

-- Source:  LWSD website

Saturday, September 23, 2023

School Board Director No. 5 Contenders - BIO and Priorities

 

Lake Washington School District #414, School Board Director Position No. 5 
Contenders

JANEL SCHERMERHORN
District School Board Director No. 5

LINDSEY YOCUM
District School Board Director No. 5


Lisa Guthrie, School Board Director No. 2 Unopposed - BIO and Priorities

Lake Washington School District #414, Director District #2


LISA GUTHRIE
School Board Director District No. 2

Laliberete, Markert Contend for School Board Director 1

  November 7th General Election

Lake Washington School District #414, Director District No. 1
Contenders


ERIC LALIBERTE
School Board Director No.1
Priorities and BIO



ANDY MARKERT
School Board Director No. 1
Priorities and BIO


Saturday, September 16, 2023

UPADATED, 9/21: "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Candidate Endorsement Policy

                                                                                     


Please know, "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" is NOT endorsing candidates this election cycle, rather presenting the facts without bias, to the best of it's ability.  

EvergreenHealth Public Hospital District No. 2
Position 6 Candidate Websites

Jeffrey Cashman, At Large (currently appointed, not elected)
Amber Wise, At Large

Redmond Council Candidate Websites: 

                                              Position #1                                                 

Position #7

Position #5

Position #3

City of Redmond Mayor Websites:


LWSD School Board Director Websites:

Director District No. 1

Director District No. 2

Director District No. 5

-- Bob Yoder, Editor, Reporter of Redmond Blog

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

School Board Acknowledges and Commits to Native Students

 

Land acknowledgement and commitment to native students and families:

"The board of directors of Lake Washington School District acknowledges that our district is on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have reserved treaty rights on this land, including the Duwamish (dxʷdəwʔabš) and the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe (sdukʷalbixʷ). We thank these caretakers of this land who have lived here since time immemorial. We commit to continue collaborating with our native community, to teach the indigenous history of this land and these local tribes to all children of the district. We also commit to provide the best possible education for all children of native descent who attend our schools."


- Read by Board member Eric Laliberte at recent School Board meeting

  

 Posted 5/16/2023

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Two School Board Directors To Leave District, Learn How To Run, April 19th Informational Session


Siri Bliesner, President of the School Board will not run for office November, 2023. She lives in Redmond within District #5.  Will she run for a City of Redmond Council member seat?  It's anyone's guess. 

Eric Laliberte, District #1 is running for re-election, though the seat is open to challengers.  Mr. Laliberte performed invaluable service while directing the Board during the pandemic.  District #1 encompasses Juanita and parts of Kirkland. 

Chris Carlson, a longtime board member will not run for office in November, 2023 as well. He represents District #2 which encompasses the Bridle Trails and Lake Sammamish areas. 

The School Board is holding an informational session on April 19th, 6-7 PM at LWSD Resource Center "to share information on what it means to be a Board Member." Board members must live in the District they would be representing. This "session" will be a good opportunity for prospective candidates to learn if they live in District #2, or #5.


Questions?  boardmembers@lwsd.org

Bob Yoder, opinion, 4/14/2023

Saturday, April 1, 2023

LWSD Proposes Repurposing Levy Funds To Enlarge Rockwell Elementary

Re-directing construction levy funds, will be placed on the Monday, April 3, 2023 agenda for board action at 7PM.  Email your comments to Boardmembers@LWSD.org

 


Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has proposed repurposing levy funds from the 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy. These funds would be used to rebuild (partially tear down) and enlarge Rockwell Elementary School. The funds were originally planned to be used to build a new elementary school on the Redmond Elementary campus.

 

Lake Washington School District values its partnership with our community,” said Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “To that end, our commitment to fiscal responsibility includes using our public resources in the most efficient and effective ways to accomplish our goals of excellence in education for each student.”  


The 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy was finalized in 2021. Since then enrollment in the Redmond-area elementary schools is lower than projected. The overall enrollment forecast is reduced. The current need for a new elementary school for 550 students has changed.


Watch this video from Dr. Holmen for additional information (4:16):


Direct link: https://youtu.be/BDpGZnSv0VI  [excellent video]


This proposal adds space for 252 additional students in permanent capacity, in an area that is still expected to grow. Permanent capacity at Rockwell Elementary would increase from 438 students to 690 students. This will also allow the district to address an aging facility now, at a lower cost, rather than waiting for a future measure to meet this need.


While the original resolutions allow funds to be used on any capital project, given the elimination of one project, and replacing it with another, this is being brought for board action.  Your comments can be emailed to the School Board at:  BoardMembers@lwsd.org

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Monday, November 7, 2022

L.W School District Board of Directors named "Board of Distinction"

 


30 school boards across the state recognized

 

Redmond, Wash. – For the second consecutive year, the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors has been named a “Board of Distinction” by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). Only 30 of that state’s 295 school boards received recognition as Boards of Distinction. LWSD is one of 13 recognized in the “Large School Districts (9,001+ students FTE)” category.


The annual Boards of Distinction program honors school boards that demonstrate effective use of the Washington School Board Standards. These standards promote research-based governance practices that lead to high levels of student and district achievement and help close gaps that impact student success.


“Governance of a large school system is complex,” stated Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “I am proud of the LWSD Board of Directors for their continued focus on students and issues of equity as they seek to create a more just educational system that aims at all students achieving excellence.” 


“The LWSD Board of Directors is honored to once again be recognized as a Board of Distinction,” stated Siri Bliesner, President, LWSD Board of Directors. “The Board is committed to supporting all of our students and to ensuring our students are at the center of our decisions and actions.”


-- Press release, 11/7/2022


Two Student Representatives (center in photo) were added to the Board in 2022 in order to provide student voices to Board conversations. High school students are encouraged to apply. Board members interview students and select one representative from the east side and another from the west side to serve on the Board. Most students will serve two-year terms. For the 2022-23 school year, the west side representative will only serve one year. A new west side representative will be selected in 2023., -website.