Superintendent's Messages
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October 6, 2009
With the November 3 election behind us, I would like to share some results that impact our district.
Initiative 1033, which could have further eroded funding for public
education and other important state services was defeated. The
Northshore board - joined by many other school boards - unanimously
approved a resolution opposing Initiative 1033 at its October 13
meeting. The board felt strongly that the passage of the initiative
would have hurt state and district efforts to further student learning
and achievement.
Results from the school board elections confirm that three new
members will join the Northshore School District Board of Directors:
Todd Banks, Sandy Hayes, and Julia Lacey. They will be sworn in at the
November 24 board meeting and begin serving their four-year terms.
Todd, Sandy and Julia bring new energy and perspective to the board,
and I look forward to their contributions over the coming months and
years. All are parents of Northshore students and share a direct
interest in our continued success and improvement. Please join me in
welcoming Todd, Sandy, and Julia to their new roles!
Serving as a board member is the epitome of selfless public
service. Leaving that service this year are Gene Hawkridge, Cathy
Swanson, and Sue Buske. Gene and Cathy have each served for the past
eight years, and Sue for the past four. I appreciate their strength,
courage, and wisdom leading our district through the many challenges of
recent years. Their legacy of a strong district rightly recognized for
academic excellence, fiscal stability, and quality programs and staff
benefit and enrich us all, now and into the future. Please join me as
well in recognizing and thanking Gene, Cathy, and Sue for their years
of tireless and dedicated service to our district!
September 1, 2009
Dear Northshore families,
As a child, I always thought that summers seemed so long. As the days and weeks stretched into late August, I remember getting bored and anxiously awaiting the start of a new school year. As an adult, summers now seem to pass in a flash.
I hope you have had a chance this summer to enjoy special time with your children and help prepare them to start the school year successfully. District staff members have been working to ensure that we are ready to welcome your child back on September 2. From the completion of building construction to the organization of the classroom, everything is in its place for the big day.
As quickly as the 2009-10 school year will surely pass, I hope you will look back a year from now and celebrate some key accomplishments with us. First, a successful curriculum renewal in math with the implementation of newly adopted K-5 materials - replacing curriculum well over 10 years old and no longer aligned with state standards - and the successful pilot and implementation planning for new secondary math curricula.
Second, the successful passage of three critical ballot measures next February to support student learning; the Replacement Maintenance and Operations Levy, the Technology Levy and a Capital Improvement Bond to continue implementation of the district's capital facilities plan.
Third, the successful completion of several capital projects that will improve school environments and district efficiency: transition of Secondary Academy for Success to its new facility adjacent to Support Services; completion of Phase 1 of Kenmore Junior High and Woodinville High School remodels; completion of the new Transportation facility; and the completion of smaller projects at Bothell High School and Canyon Creek and Fernwood elementary schools.
A successful school system works in partnership with students, parents, staff and community members. I welcome your involvement as we work to provide a quality education for all Northshore students.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Larry Francois
E-mail Larry Francois
(425) 408-7701
Biographical Information
Jan Ott serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent.
