District News
September, 2024
Dear Everett Public Schools community,
As we move through the school year, I want to thank you for your continued support and share some important updates about what’s ahead. Everett Public Schools will ask voters to consider a School Construction Bond and Education Levy on the February 10, 2026 ballot. The bond would help reduce overcrowding and modernize schools, including building a new elementary school, replacing Lowell Elementary, improving Cascade and Everett High Schools, and adding districtwide safety upgrades.
The renewal of the Education Levy, not a new tax, would continue funding for staffing, safety, STEM, arts, and athletics, which make up about 15% of our district’s budget.
You’re invited to our Let’s Connect event on November 6, 6–7:30 p.m. at Cascade High School to learn more, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Middle school families can also attend IB Information Nights this fall to explore the International Baccalaureate Program at Cascade High School.
This fall, district and school leaders are taking part in Instructional Reviews to celebrate learning and support continued student growth. As we honor our veterans and approach Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for your partnership and all that you do to make Everett Public Schools such a caring and connected community. [Read entire November message here.]
Be safe and be well,
Dr. Ian B. Saltzman
Superintendent
Reminder: Today is Election Day – ballots must be submitted by 8 p.m.
Everett Public Schools is asking voters to consider two important measures on the February 10, 2026 ballot.
The School Construction Bond would address overcrowding and modernize our facilities for future generations. Key projects include:
- New elementary school in the southern region of the district
- Replacement of Lowell Elementary School, one of the district’s oldest facilities
- Cascade High School improvements - replacing the library, cafeteria, and performing arts building, and constructing a new CTE/STEM facility
- Everett High School vocational building renovation
- Districtwide safety and security upgrades
The renewal of the Education Levy would continue funding for staffing, services, and programs not covered by the state. The levy helps fill the gap between what the state provides and the actual cost of operating our schools.
- It is a renewal of an expiring local levy, not a new tax
- It makes up about 15% of the district’s budget
- It supports programs such as student safety, elementary STEM, the arts, and athletics
For more information, please visit our 2026 School Construction Bond and Education Levy website.
Please join us for our upcoming Let’s Connect event . District leaders will share details about the proposed projects, costs, and how these measures would support our students and schools.
When: Thursday, November 6
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cascade High School cafeteria
What to Know About Emergency Closures and Late Starts
Preparing for Winter Weather: What to Know About Emergency Closures and Late Starts
In the event of severe weather, power outages, or other emergencies, Everett Public Schools may adjust schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff. We aim to inform families and staff about any schedule changes by 5:30 a.m. using multiple communication methods. Make sure your contact information is up to date with your student’s school.
How we notify families and staff
- Text
- Voice message (if no text message is received)
- Push notification (if you have the ParentSquare app)
- District social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)
- District and school websites
- Local radio and TV news
Ways to access emergency schedule information
- FlashAlert.net: Subscribe for direct notifications or check for regional school information.
- Everett Public Schools website
- ParentSquare app: Calls to families begin at 5:30 a.m. (please keep your contact information up to date)
- Social media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)
If no announcement is made, schools will operate on a normal schedule. Emergency schedule decisions are made on a day-by-day basis unless otherwise communicated.
School programs impacted during delays or closures
- Program Impact Chart: Shows how school programs and activities are affected during emergencies.
- School Bus Snow Routes: Information on 2-hour delay and regular start snow routes for buses is available. Drop-off and pick-up locations may change in emergencies; familiarize yourself with snow route details.
Emergency early dismissal
In rare cases, emergency conditions may require an early dismissal. Families will be notified via the same methods listed above. Authorized individuals (listed on the school emergency form) may pick up students if needed. School staff will stay on site until all students are safely picked up.
Applications open for pro and con committees
Snohomish County Elections will include “for” and “against” statements in the local voters’ pamphlet. Community members who live within the district may apply to participate on these committees by November 12, 2025.
District residents interested in these committees should send their name, street address, email address, phone number, and a brief statement about why they are interested in serving. Also, please indicate whether you are interested in serving on the pro or the con committee, and for either the bond or the levy. Send your information to the district’s Communications Department email address at communications@everettsd.org by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The school board will approve committee appointments during their regular business meeting on November 18.
Appointments from the district are due to the Snohomish County Elections Office by December 12.
For more information about the measures, project details, and cost estimates, visit www.everettsd.org/Bond-Levy-2026.
Everett Public Schools is seeking family and community members to serve on the Technology Advisory Council for the 2025–26 school year.
The council helps guide the district's use of technology to enhance student learning and improve operational efficiency. Working within the district’s Strategic Plan, members collaborate with other advisory groups to advance short- and long-term goals for 21st-century teaching and learning.
Council members:
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Guide aligning instructional and operational technology initiatives
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Advise on funding priorities from capital, bond, and levy resources
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Analyze future resource needs to support sustainable growth
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Help update and oversee the district technology plan
Meeting Dates:
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October 30, 2025
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February 5, 2026
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April 30, 2026
Apply by November 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Interested in helping shape the future of technology in our schools? Apply here. You will be contacted shortly thereafter.
Cascade High School (CHS) is now a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The school is working toward authorization as an IB World School, joining more than 4,000 schools worldwide that share a common philosophy: a commitment to high-quality, challenging, and international education. This commitment is one that both CHS and Everett Public Schools believe is essential for our students.
The IB Diploma Program is a two-year course sequence during a student’s junior and senior years. CHS will provide guidance for students in grades 8-10 that will prepare them for the IB Diploma Program that begins their junior year of high school.
Families are invited to learn more about this exciting opportunity at upcoming IB Information Nights at all five of our middle schools.
- Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 6-7 p.m. at Gateway Middle School
- Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 6-7 p.m. at Evergreen Middle School
- Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6-7 p.m. at North Middle School
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 6-7 p.m. at Heatherwood Middle School
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at Eisenhower Middle School
The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee invites students to enter the 25th annual Prodigies for Peace Writing and Art Contest, part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration in January 2026. The contest encourages students to connect Dr. King’s legacy with issues in their lives and communities today.
Who can enter?
Writing: Grades 3–5, 6–8, 9–12 (grade-level prompts provided)
Art: K–12 (any medium; max size 11" x 14")
How to submit:
Email (preferred) by Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, to bethannlucas@hotmail.com
Mail-in entries accepted; postmark deadlines noted in the packet (varies by category).
Include the student's name, phone, school, teacher, and grade on entries.
Recognition & publication:
Winners (1st–3rd place in each category) will be honored at the MLK Community Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. The winning art will be displayed at the event, and all award winners will be submitted for publication in The Everett Herald and the Snohomish Tribune. They will also be invited to be recognized by the Everett School Board at the February 10, 2026, meeting.
Questions? Contact Beth Lucas at 425-876-2530 or bethannlucas@hotmail.com.
Community Health Center of Snohomish County and Everett Public Schools Celebrate the Opening of Two School-Based Health Centers
Community Health Center of Snohomish County (CHC), in partnership with Everett Public Schools, proudly celebrated the grand opening of two new School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) with ribbon-cutting ceremonies held this week at Cascade and Everett high schools.
Everett Public Schools sees highest 4-year, on-time graduation rate in district history at 96.3%
Investing in learning spaces and student support: Everett Public Schools announces 2026 bond and levy
The Everett Public Schools Board of Directors approved placing two measures on the February 10, 2026, special election ballot: a School Construction Bond and a renewal of the expiring Education Levy. The unanimous vote took place during the October 14, 2025, regular business meeting.
