UPDATE, 12/11/25: New School Board Deliberates on Electric Busses

 

(l-r) Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen, President Lisa Guthrie, VP Eric Laliberte, Angela Meekhof, Aspen Richter, Lindsey Yocum (government affaires) and two student representatives, Hoe and Reddy.  

BIO's HERE.

My wife and I went to the swearing in ceremony for Aspen Richter and Angela and stayed for their business meeting.  Sustainability was their focus and priority.  There was much talk about electric buses; and including them as part of their 136 bus fleet.  Grant money for four e-buses was awarded to serve four schools with low-income students. They are operating.  Apparently, no further grant money for e-buses will be available for LWSD;  ~ $300,000- $400,000/ bus was quoted.  There was no discussion of funding e-busses with the Capital Technology levy.  Though, in 2001 LWSD passed a transportation levy.  

LEVY UPDATE:

Every four years the Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities levies are up for renewal.  The board took formal action to approve a Lid-lift of these 2026 levies at their meeting on October 6, 2025. These replacement levies will be placed on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by these two "replacement" levies.  The school board is proposing a special "excess" increase (that will be baked in for years) in the 2026 levy ask owing to: 

• loss of federal funding 5%. (total funding is currently $1.3M)
• new sales tax on services
• salary step increase
• increased compensation
• 8% inflation growth 

EP&O tax increases of $180/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.97/$1,000 property value)   

Capital Technology and Facilities tax increase of $45/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.44/$1,000 property value.)  

REF:  final pages of  the "Levy Renewals" slide deck

LWPTSA October News

 

A Word From Council Co-Presidents

Hello from Legislative Assembly!

When this newsletter hits your inbox, we will have concluded our time at the Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly. We are pleased to report that we have a large number of LWPTSA members representing their communities at Legislative Assembly this year. Although it can seem like a less than thrilling way to spend a weekend, it is actually a fantastic opportunity to network, to learn more about how to advocate, and to have some fun (ask our DEIB Chair Morgan about winning a raffle). We look forward to sharing a more detailed report with you in next week's newsletter.

This past week the LWPTSA Council hosted a School Board Candidate Forum. Thank you to those who attended and/or submitted questions for our candidates. It was a fantastic evening, and we all thoroughly enjoyed meeting our four candidates and hearing their thoughts and ideas on a variety of key district topics and issues. Please remember to have a plan to vote on or before November 5. Your voice matters! Seriously!

At our Council board meeting last week, we voted as a board to endorse and financially support the local levies. We will now bring that to our Council general membership meeting next month on 11/6 to vote on the endorsement as a general body.

Finally, please take a look at Brooke’s October Safety Spotlight!

Sincerely,
Colleen McCloskey & Brooke Gialopsos (she/her)
LWPTSA Council Co-Presidents

This Week Kirkland City Council Candidate Forum Coming Up Scholarship Program Assessments Due 11/1 Donate to Equity Fund by 11/1  11/6: Council Membership Meeting

LWSD Board of Directors To Propose Levy Increases

TAX INCREASES

Every four years the Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities levies are up for renewal.  The board will take formal action on the 2026 levies at their meeting on October 6, 2025. Once approved by the board, these replacement levies would be placed on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by these two "replacement" levies.  The school board is proposing a special "excess" increase in the 2026 levy ask owing to: 

• loss of federal funding (currently 5%)
• new sales tax on services
• salary step increase
• increased compensation
• 8% inflation growth 

EP&O tax increases of $180/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.97/$1,000 property value)  and a Capital Technology and Facilities tax increase of $45/year ($.44/$1,000 property value.)  I suggest you read the "Levy Renewals" slide deck document for a readable, comprehensive report. Some tax increases may be higher or lower than quoted here.

EP&O Levy Program Funding (% of total program funds:) 

• 25% Special Education* $22.0 Million 
•  20% Counselors $3.0 Million
• 46% 6.5 Million Health and Mental Health Services
• 93% Safety Services $7.0 Million 
• 80% Professional Learning $18.8 Million 
• 90% Athletic & Extracurricular Activities $9.4 Million  
• 100% Additional Course Offerings $5.0 Million 
• 30% Early Learning $0.8 Million 

Capital Technology & Facilities excess levy will finance:  

• Application and modernization for technology systems.  Education and operations instruction.
• Acquire and install computers, implement, train, and manage. 
• Modernize and expand facilities through construction, renovation, and improvements.  Improve technology and training.  

On October 6, the  Board will make their final decision on the 2026 excess levy tax increases.  To comment email them at boardmembers@lwsd.org or phone 425-936-1257 ... before Oct. 6.  

Reported by Yoder, 9/18/25

Source:  LWSD "Levy Renewals" document

Aspen Richter Wins LWSD Director #4

Aspen Richter

Aspen Richter is running for Position #4 of the LWSD Board of Directors and has broad support from the community.  I first met Aspen at a "Move Redmond" luncheon; she always has her notebook with her to record salient points.  She likes to "move around" on her e-bike; and avoid guzzling cars!   

Environmental sustainablity at LWSD is a big thing for Aspen.  Below, are some personal notes of her accomplishments:  

Lake Washington PTSA Council Sustainability Chair, 2023-2025.

While Chair, I focused on bringing both district employees and sustainability chairs from the various school PTSAs together to exchange information and strengthen our sustainability efforts. 

I also collaborated with Matt Gillingham (Deputy Superintendent of Operations & Legal Affairs) to hold a linkage session for the board's draft sustainability policy with PTSA chairs, parents, students, and teachers.  I'm looking forward to what 2025-2026 brings for our environmental efforts in LWSD!

I am on the LWSD advisory committees for:

1) Sustainability

2) Facilities: I joined because of the financial and environmental impact of our buildings, and because I had children at two of the schools slated for rebuild from the proceeds of the 2024 levy.

3) Levy: A temporary committee in the spring and summer of 2025, because levies are how we fund facility improvements such as solar panels, switching to electric boilers, and installation of ground-source heat pumps to reduce our environmental impact. The levy committee is one I take very seriously, because the purpose of levy funds---funding our schools---is incredibly important and also because I am aware the end result is very real for property owners in LWSD.

School District To Host Inaugural Wellness Fair

Please join us! Lake Washington School District to host Inaugural Wellness Fair.

Saturday, June 14 community event will celebrate wellbeing

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) invites staff, families, and the broader community to its inaugural Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the L.E. Scarr Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052).

This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the LWSD Workforce Mental Health Workgroup and celebrates wellness in all forms—mind, body, and spirit.

Attendees will enjoy a rich lineup of wellness experiences—like yoga, sound baths, Zumba, art therapy, and a build-your-own succulent bar. Interactive booths, a curated wellness book nook by Brick & Mortar Books, and expert-led panels round out the day’s offerings.

Families can enjoy face painting and interactive wellness games all set to the sounds of LWSD student ensembles performing live throughout the day. Meet adoptable dogs from The Haus of Dogs and discover the healing joy of pet companionship. There will also be a Q&A session with a professional dog trainer, Joshua from Heel and Heal K-9, offering insights on pet care, training tips, and the benefits of pet companionship.

Local food trucks, including Nacho Rio, will be on site serving up delicious bites.

“Our aim is to create a space that restores, uplifts, and connects,” said Dr. Joy Ross, Co-Chair of the Workforce Mental Health Workgroup. “Whether it’s mindfulness or movement, adoptable dogs or rich conversations that support our mental health journeys, this event is about embracing the fullness of wellbeing and reminding ourselves that joy, healing, and wholeness are within reach.”

We look forward to celebrating wellness with you!

####

About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District  is a high-performing, fast-growing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the second largest district in the state of Washington, with over 30,500 students in 55 schools.

Lake Washington School District Budget Earns Award

 

Eight is great! Lake Washington School District Budget Earns Meritorious Budget Award

Award reflects District’s goal of fiscal responsibility

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD’s) 2024-25 Budget has earned the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) Meritorious Budget Award (MBA). This award promotes and recognizes excellence in budget development, communication, and presentation in school districts. LWSD has received this award eight years in a row. LWSD is the only district in the state of Washington to receive this award.

LWSD Data Reveals Alarming Mental Health Challenges Facing Their Senior Students

Recent data from the 2023 LWSD Healthy Youth Survey reveals the alarming mental health challenges facing high school seniors: 25% report symptoms of depression, 12% have contemplated suicide, and 26% feel they have no adult to confide in. Additionally, 13% have experienced unwanted sexual contact, and 11% identify as “problem” or “heavy” drinkers. These figures underscore an urgent need for expanded access to mental health care.

“The statistics are alarming, but they also highlight the incredible need for a service like Care Solace,” remarked Katy Philips, LWSF Executive Director. “We are grateful for the opportunity to make mental health care more accessible and to work alongside LWSD and the City of Redmond to support our community’s well-being.”

Care Solace connects individuals with a large network of verified mental health providers, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and more. The service offers 24/7/365 multilingual support in over 200 languages and is available at no cost to all LWSD students, families, and staff, regardless of insurance status.

By offering a centralized hub for connecting individuals to mental health care providers, Care Solace ensures timely, confidential access to services while relieving school staff of the challenging task of referring students to appropriate care. The platform’s database of over 560,000 providers enables efficient connections and ensures that students, especially those from historically underserved communities, receive the right support.

-- Lake Washington Schools Foundation

Lake Washington Students Make Gains On Assessments

 Lake Washington students continue to make gains on state assessments

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students continue to score well above the state average in all areas tested by the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA).

“Lake Washington School District is pleased to share the results of our state assessments with our community,” said Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “We continue to work as an organization to accelerate and support our students’ academic and social growth. Student learning was impacted during the pandemic and we can see recovery in our standardized academic progress. Lake Washington staff strive each day to ensure academic excellence for every student.”

In English Language Arts, the percentage of LWSD students meeting the standard ranged from 74.3 percent in eighth grade to a high of 81.8 percent in 10th grade. At the state level, the percentage of eighth and 10th grade students meeting the standard in English Language Arts was 47.1, and 60.1 respectively.  (See the chart below for scores for each grade level.)

National Indigenous Peoples Day For Eastside Youth

A Proclamation On Indigenous Peoples' Day, by Joseph R. Biden,

October 7th, 2022

Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, assimilated, and banned from worshiping or performing many sacred ceremonies.  Yet today, they remain some of our greatest environmental stewards.  They maintain strong religious beliefs that still feed the soul of our Nation.  And they have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group.  Native peoples challenge us to confront our past and do better, and their contributions to scholarship, law, the arts, public service, and more continue to guide us forward.

                       "Am I Enough?" celebration at Lake Washington High

 Am I enough to be seen as an indigenous person?  Watch a short video HERE of students celebrating "Am I Enough." 

Mary Wilber, Program Coordinator of the Eastside Native American Indian Association organizes events for our Salish Sea indigenous youth.  She invites indigenous students from three school districts to her Monday evening classes at Lake Washignton High.  

Pam and I celebrated with the Eastside Native American families at Lake Washington High and in a Pow Wow at Juanita High.  Both ceremonies touched our hearts.  School Board members Siri Bliesner and Mark Stuart participated in the Lake Washington festivities.

Posted by Yoder

10/13/24

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Early Learning Center

In 2016, Lake Washington School District received a bond approval to begin renovating the original schoolhouse to be the district’s first early learning center. It technically opened in September of 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to celebrate its opening. Instead, a crowd gathered on February 1, 2023 to mark the delayed opening with a presentation, ribbon cutting and a community open house.

Fun fact: Redmond Coucilmember Osman Sulahuddin is in this video. He always wears clean white sneakers😃. Osman is the youngest member on Council and he represents our youth exceptionally well.

posted by Yoder

10/12/2024

2024 State of the City

Some of the leaders and staff I saw in this video:

  

John Oftebro, President of Redmond Historical Society

Arnie Tomac, retired Council President and co-founder of Redmond Town Center (RTC)

Pat Vache', OneRedmond Foundation Board Treasurer, retired Council President, co-founder of RTC, and Founder of Redmond Kiwanis Club.

Vanessa Kritzer, OneRedmond Board, Council President (and a future Mayor?😇)

Mary Nelson Morrow, OneRedmond Board President, OneRedmond Foundation Board.

Tom Markl, OneRedmond Board, CEO Nelson Legacy Group

Laureen Hamilton, Redmond Parks and Recreation Director

A retired city planning commission chair and LWSD facilities advisor 

Malisa Files, CEO, City of Redmond

Brian Coats, Police Captain

Police Chief Darrrell Lowe

Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard

Siri Bliesner, retired LWSD Board President, Centro Cultural Mexicano Board Vice Chair.

Aspen Richter, LWSD Levy Committee, Facilities Advisory Committee, PTSA Sustainability Chair

This was a Hybrid meeting...

-- Bob Yoder, 6/3/2024

Enrollment Declining At Lake Washington School District

Fewer students in elementary leads to an eventual decline in secondary schools.

The School Board is proposing a $676.9 million, 6-year construction levy this year. If passed, 2 elementary schools and 2 middle schools will be rebuilt and enlarged.

"WHY IS ENROLLMENT DECLINING in our schools even with so much construction going on in the district?  

ANSWER:  "The district is tracking over 9,500 residential units opening within the next 10 years. The majority of the new construction is now multi-family housing (apartments, condominiums, townhomes) rather than single-family. Multi-family housing units do not generate as many students as single family homes do. Multi-family housing generates about seven students for every 100 units vs. a single-family development that generates about 60 students for every 100 homes. This housing growth is certainly offsetting what could be larger enrollment declines. The other reason for the decline is a decline in birth rates. Birth rates are down for Lake Washington area, King County, and across the country. This results in lower kindergarten enrollment and fewer students enrolling at the elementary level. Fewer students in elementary leads to an eventual decline in secondary, even though secondary school enrollment is currently not declining in the same way." 

Source:  LWSD Demographics, FAQ 

Posted by Bob Yoder, 6/3/2024

Redmond Police News Release, Arrest

 

Redmond High School Counselor Arrested for Having Inappropriate Relationship with a Student.

A Redmond High School counselor was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. 

Redmond detectives became aware of the relationship between Derik Detweiler, 35, of Kenmore, and the 17-year-old girl after she came forward on May 22 to Lake Washington School District staff. The school placed Detweiler on administrative leave and notified Redmond police. 

An immediate and thorough investigation developed sufficient evidence to secure a warrant for his arrest. Redmond detectives tracked Detweiler to Wyoming, and on May 30, local authorities took him into custody without incident. He will remain in custody in Wyoming pending extradition back to Washington.

LWSD Board Proposes $676.9 Million Construction Levy -- Passed in 2024

The 2024 levy passed 53% vs. 47%

LWSD proposes a six-year capital construction levy totaling $676.9 million in the November ballot. The annual tax will average $128 million. See the school board and staff's informative, colorful slide presentation here.

Dr. Jon Holmen, LWSD Superintendent says...

"Our community has an opportunity to set the stage for future generations, continuing to make Lake Washington a great place to live, raise a family and educate children,​” said  “Our students deserve educational environments that match the excellence we strive to attain with each of our students.”

Why does the district need a construction levy?

To continue to provide excellence in education for the students of our community, LWSD recommends placing this measure on the ballot. This levy will focus on aging facilities - to rebuild and enlarge the four remaining schools that have not received upgrades or rebuilds since the start of the 1998 modernization program. This levy would allow the district to ensure secure facilities with single entry points, interior hallways, and other features to ensure students continue to learn in a safe environment.

Levy will focus on replacing four aging schools and upgrading/modernizing the fieldhouse and community pool at Juanita High School.

UPDATED: The Peoples Right To Know

 

The City of Redmond's lack of good information on Silver Cloud-Redmond homeless housing and Plymouth Housing prompted this post.

Open Government:  The Peoples Right To Know

Redmond has three local governments:  The City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District and EvergreenHealth Public Hospital.  The public has a "right to know" information about their inner workings.  Public Record Request forms usually find the information you need.  When you don't get good information or it's a hassle finding it, you may feel like the bearded guy in the cartoon! 

Below, are helpful links to the Public Record Request forms for each government.  In my investigative reporting, I have some good experience with them and their Public Request Offices.  I've found the public records office of EvergreenHealth the most professional, the City of Redmond a close second with LWSD in the rear. 

LWSD Redirects Levy Funds To Create Space For High Schools

Permanent space will be created for 600 high school students on the east side of the district.

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has proposed redirecting levy funds from the 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy. 

LWSD will hold off construction in Sammamish and will redirect the funds to build 12 classroom additions each, at Eastlake High School and Redmond High School.

In addition, core space modifications will create room for students to move throughout the building, eat lunch and congregate. The additions and space modifications will be completed in the same timeline as before. 

-- Shannon Parthemer

   LWSD Communications Director

   Ms. Parthemer's press release, 3/17/2024,  Excerpted and edited.

Posted by Yoder, 3/27/2024

LWSD Plans $971 Million Construction Levy

We have good news the King County Assessor is lowering assessed values in 2024 by ~20%. This may give the Lake Washington School District more breathing room for their proposed $971 million levy measure slated for Fall, 2024.  

The LWSD construcion and funding plan

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.

###

A $705 million "Renewal of Construction" Levy is proposed in 2028.  It will fund school constructions needs for new student space, replacing ageing facilities, and reducing reliance on portables.  

This levy would provide funding to build critical classroom space across our district and addresses aging schools:

Elementary Schools: Rebuild and expand Rockwell Elementary, add two new elementary schools. 

Middle School: Rebuild or expand Evergreen Middle School

High School: Add additional high school capacity to Lake Washington area (TBD). Other: Add space for early learning in Juanita area.

Source:  lwsd.org

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

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

Superintendent Jon Holmen Finalist for Superintendent in Arizona School District

https://www.peoriaunified.org/superintendentsearch

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