District News
September, 2024
Dear Everett Public Schools community,
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026. As we begin the year together, Everett Public Schools remains focused on planning for the future while continuing to support students and families today.
I want to remind our community about two measures the district is asking voters to consider on the February 10 ballot. These measures are the School Construction Bond (Proposition 1) and the Education Levy (Proposition 2). Both are designed to address needs across our district and to ensure our schools are adequately serving students now and in the years ahead.
The School Construction Bond focuses on facilities and learning environments. If approved by voters, the bond will address overcrowding by building a new elementary school. It will replace Lowell Elementary School, which was originally built in 1951, allowing students and staff to learn and teach in a building designed for today’s educational needs. The bond will also update safety and security systems across the district and improve high school facilities to expand Career and Technical Education programs.
The Education Levy would continue funding for staffing, services, and programs that are not fully funded by the state. It helps fill the gap between what the state provides and the actual cost of running our schools, making up 15% of the district’s operating budget. This is not a new tax. The measure would renew the existing levy that is set to expire at the end of 2026.
Community members are invited to learn more and ask questions at our upcoming Let’s Connect events. These sessions will be held on January 20 at Cascade High School Cafeteria, January 21 at Everett High School Cafeteria, and January 28 at Heatherwood Middle School Cafeteria. Each event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Ballots will be mailed on January 22. Please remember to vote by February 10.
As we move through winter, changing weather conditions may also be approaching. Everett Public Schools is prepared to respond if winter weather occurs. When weather impacts the school day, families deserve clear and timely communication. Please visit our weather impact chart to stay informed about how weather conditions may affect school schedules.
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we begin 2026 together.
Be safe and be well,
Dr. Ian B. Saltzman
Superintendent
Prop. 1 School Construction Bond & Prop. 2 Education Levy Renewal
Together, these measures explain how the district plans to address long-term facility needs while continuing the programs, staff, and services students rely on every day.
The School Construction Bond focuses on buildings and learning spaces — including reducing the use of portable classrooms, replacing aging schools, and making safety improvements. The Education Levy focuses on learning inside those buildings by helping fund staff, programs, and daily operations that are not fully covered by state funding.
Both measures were developed through a public process that included staff, families, students, and community members. In the coming weeks, Everett Public Schools will continue to share clear, factual information so that families can understand what is proposed, how decisions were made, and where to find more details.
To learn more about the School Construction Bond and Education Levy, visit the district’s bond and levy information page at https://www.everettsd.org/Bond-Levy-2026
We also have three more opportunities for our community to learn more about the bond and levies through Let’s Connect events.
January 20: Cascade High School cafeteria, 6-7:30 p.m.
January 21: Everett High School cafeteria, 6-7:30 p.m.
January 28: Heatherwood Middle School cafeteria, 6-7:30 p.m.
We hope you join us! Please VOTE by February 10!
Temperance & Good Citizenship Day is observed on January 16. Social studies teachers coordinate a voter registration event on that day in each history or social studies class high school seniors attend. Students eighteen or older will be allowed to go online to register to vote during class. Paper registration will also be made available in the classroom.
Registering to vote is easy. Visit the Snohomish County webpage for details on the three ways you can register to vote, update your registration, or scan the QR code. Students who are 16 and 17 years old can now pre-register to vote.
Each January, we celebrate School Board Recognition Month, honoring the dedication and hard work of our school board members in supporting public education. School boards ensure all students receive quality education and opportunities for success.
This year, the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) once again recognized our board for outstanding governance and commitment to student outcomes. For the ninth time, they have been honored for exemplary practices in professional development, addressing opportunity gaps, and upholding Washington School Board Standards.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our board members for their dedication to our students, staff, and community. Their leadership and commitment make a difference in the lives of all learners in Everett Public Schools.
Learn more about the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors on our school board webpage, where you can meet our board members and explore their work. Past meetings are also available on the district’s YouTube channel, showcasing the decisions that drive student success.
When weather impacts the school day, Everett Public Schools is committed to providing families with clear and timely information.
Decisions to close school or start school 2 hours late are announced by 5:30 a.m. through ParentSquare via phone call, text message, and email.
School Schedule Decisions
For the safety of students and staff, the district will either:
- Close schools for the entire day, or
- Delay the start of school by two hours
What’s Affected During Closures or Delays
The district’s Weather Impact Chart explains how closures or delays affect programs such as transportation, meals, athletics, and before- and after-school activities. The chart also includes information on where families can find additional details for each program.
How Families Receive Updates
In addition to ParentSquare notifications, families and staff should check the following sources for updates during inclement weather:
- District website
- District social media channels
- Local television and radio stations
If there is no announcement about school schedules, schools will be open and start on time.
Additional Information
Families can find:
- District and school hours on the district website
- Secondary school bell schedules on individual school webpages
Thank you for your partnership as we prioritize student safety during inclement weather.
School drop-off and pick-up locations may change in an emergency situation. If your child rides a bus to school, please familiarize yourself with the snow route information on the district Transportation Department’s webpage under the “Snow Routes” icon.
Join the Student Nutrition and Physical Health (SNAPH) Advisory Council to help shape student health in our district. Members meet twice a year to review wellness policies, track progress, and offer feedback on programs that impact students. Your perspective also strengthens partnerships with families, schools, and local organizations supporting evidence-based strategies and responsible use of resources.
Apply today! Applications are due Jan. 9 at 5 p.m.
Registration for the Everett Public Schools High School and Middle School Summer Academy begins on Monday, March 9.
High School Summer Academy includes district-facilitated credit recovery courses and credit advancement opportunities. In addition, career exploration, mentorship, and internships are available through Everett Career Link.
The Middle School Summer Academy focuses on exciting and engaging math and English Language Arts content for current 5th through 7th-grade students. Academic lessons include math problem-solving and foundational skills, as well as literature through close reading and novel studies, to help students build the skills needed for the next year.
High School and Middle School Summer Academy classes are located at Eisenhower Middle School and will be held from July 6 to 24, 2026. In-person summer programming is free to in-district students. Transportation and meals are provided.
In addition to in-person programming, online classes for high school students are hosted through High School Online Summer Academy. Online courses are scheduled from June 22 to July 30, 2026. Tuition is $350 per class for in-district students and $450 per class for out-of-district students. Scholarships are available based on need.
For more information or to register for classes, please visit the website.
New and returning leaders join the Everett Public Schools Board
At last night’s school board meeting, the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors officially welcomed three elected board members who were sworn in to begin their new terms: Director Jen Hirman, Director Anna Marie Jackson Laurence, and Director Shaina Langley.
