District News
September, 2024
Dear Everett Public Schools community,
As we enter the last month of 2025, I want to express my sincere gratitude for our students, staff, and families. Your dedication and partnership continue to strengthen Everett Public Schools. This year has been filled with learning, growth, and accomplishments. I am thankful for the care and commitment each of you brings to our community.
I want to recognize our distinguished school board for earning the 2025 Washington State School Directors Association Board of Distinction honor. This award reflects the board’s commitment to working together to support ongoing professional learning, closing opportunity gaps, and alignment with Washington School Board Standards. Throughout 2025, the board prioritized multilingual learners, expanded dual language programs, and adopted a new English Language Development curriculum. Their efforts, guided by the district’s strategic plan, support equitable opportunities for every student and help create learning environments where all students feel inspired to achieve and thrive.
As we look to the new year, Everett Public Schools will be asking voters to consider two measures on the February 10, 2026, ballot. The School Construction Bond would address overcrowding by building a new elementary school. It would also replace Lowell Elementary School, update safety and security systems, and improve high school facilities to expand Career and Technical Education and other vocational programs.
The Education Levy, which is a renewal levy and not a new tax, will continue funding staff, services, and programs for students that are not covered by the state. The Education Levy helps fill the gap between what the state funds and actual operating costs, and it makes up 15% of the district budget.
You can learn more about these measures at our upcoming Let's Connect events. They will take place on January 20 at the Cascade High School cafeteria, January 21 at the Everett High School cafeteria, and January 28 at the Heatherwood Middle School cafeteria. All events run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. I hope to see you at one of these important events.
As we end this year, I hope you are feeling proud of all you have accomplished in 2025. I wish you a joyful holiday season and a fantastic start to 2026. Thank you for all you do to support our students and our schools.
Be safe and be well,
Dr. Ian B. Saltzman
Superintendent
Watch our new Parent University video
Have you wondered what school construction bonds and education levies fund, and how they impact your student’s daily learning experience? Our latest Parent University video breaks it all down in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
In just a few minutes, you’ll learn:
- The difference between a school bond and a levy
- How the 2026 School Construction Bond would address overcrowding, aging buildings, safety upgrades, and long-term maintenance
- What the renewal Education Levy continues to support for students and classrooms
- Major projects planned across the district, including new classroom spaces, a rebuilt Lowell Elementary, upgrades at Everett High School and Cascade High School, and districtwide safety improvements
- Opportunities to learn more at upcoming Let’s Connect community events in January
Watch now to stay informed, and remember to vote by February 10, 2026.
As the winter holidays approach, we know families love to spend time together. However, even a few missed school days can add up, and lost learning time can affect your child's progress. This is true for students of all ages, from kindergarten to high school.
The best gift you can give this season is consistent school attendance. Every day matters, not just for learning but also for building connections with teachers and classmates.
If your child is absent, please email the school using their attendance email address, which you can find on the school website. If email is not possible, and even if you leave a message with the school attendance line, please send a written note to the school office within 30 days after your student returns.
If you or someone you know could use support, these programs and services are here to help:
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 in the center of the page.
Winter Break is from December 22 to January 2, with classes resuming on Monday, January 5.
Join the Natural Leaders upcoming Holiday Potluck on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Resource Center for the annual holiday potluck community night. It’s going to be an evening of community, joy, and celebration.
Due to limited space, please register today at https://forms.office.com/r/x7crPWKYC2.
The community is invited to the Wintertide Festival at the Carl Gibson Center, a free event offering music, activities, and family-friendly fun.
When: Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Carl Gibson Center | 3025 Lombard Ave, Everett, WA 98201
Local live music, crafts and activities, an espresso stand hosted by Everett Public Schools GOAL students, and more!
Musical Performances
9 a.m.: Eisenhower Middle School Impressions Jazz Ensemble
10 a.m.: North Middle School Choir
11 a.m.: Heatherwood Middle School Select Choir
12 p.m.: Ethel McNeal
12:30 p.m.: Jackson High School Jazz Combo
Bring an instrument to donate to public school students and get a chance to win a prize!
Everett Public Schools Board Earns 2025 Board of Distinction Honor
Everett Public Schools is proud to announce that the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors has been awarded the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) “Board of Distinction” designation for 2025. This marks the tenth time the board has earned this prestigious honor, having previously been recognized in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2014, the board was additionally named WSSDA Board of the Year.
Everett Public Schools Celebrates AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
Every year, a group of students chooses the harder path; one filled with original research, big questions, and college-level work. This year, that path led 48 Everett Public Schools graduates to earn the AP Capstone Diploma™ and 38 more to earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential to academic and career success.
