 January 23, 2023
Dear Northshore Students, Families, and Staff:
I would like to start by wishing our Asian and Pacific Islander community a happy Lunar New Year! In 2023, the Lunar New Year began on January 22 and is usually celebrated for multiple days. To learn more about this significant holiday celebrated by our Asian and Pacific Islander communities, you can view the History Channel's Lunar New Year explanation and resources.
With a heavy heart, it is also imperative to acknowledge the devastating mass shooting on Saturday in Monterey Park, California. What was supposed to be a joyous Lunar New Year celebration turned into a horrific, senseless tragedy. I send my condolences and support to the families of each victim, each survivor, all who have been impacted, including our own Asian and Pacific Islander students, families, staff and communities.
During times like these, it is important to reaffirm our collective commitments. Here in the Northshore School District we are continuing the important work of creating safe, caring, and inclusive environments within our school district community so that all students, families and staff feel welcomed, valued and supported. Hate and discrimination will not be tolerated in our District.
If you or your child ever has a concern about bullying, harassment, bias, or racism, you can report it using our SafeSchools alert system. There is an option to report anonymously.
In other news, on January 9 the Washington State Legislature convened its first of the year Biennial Session. This will be a critical session for public education across our state. Over the course of 105 days, our elected representatives will discuss and eventually adopt a 2023-25 Operating Budget, which includes funding for public education. Seventy-three percent of Northshore’s budget is paid for by the state based on student enrollment. Local taxes used for public education, referred to as levies, help make up the gap between what the state provides and what our students need.
Of great importance this legislative session, will be any recommended changes to the Special Education funding formula. Full funding of Special Education is a Legislative Priority of our School Board. Last school year, Northshore invested over $23.6 million of local levy dollars on special education services and supports for our students with disabilities. These are not “extras” but foundational supports students need to thrive and reach their full potential.
While the Legislature has provided incremental increased support for special education in the last few years, districts across our region and state are hopeful that measurable steps will be taken to provide the financial support necessary to deliver special education services to our students.
Superintendent Reykdal and OSPI have requested $971.9 million for special education. You can read more about Reykdal’s special education budget proposal on the OSPI legislative priorities webpage.
To learn more about educational priorities during this legislative session and how to get involved, visit the Northshore Council PTSA advocacy webpage. Additionally, the Council has a webpage dedicated to resources for Special Education which families and community members may find helpful. I will continue to keep you updated as funding proposals are made and make their way through the state’s budgeting process.
Last week, I wrapped up my Listen and Learn tour with a special engagement session for families representing the Indian subcontinent and Chinese and Korean speaking families. I also met with North Creek’s Black Student Union.
One of the many lessons I have learned during my Listen and Learn tour, is the importance of language access in making sure families are supported as partners in their children’s education. In response, we are launching ParentSquare. Northshore is a language-rich district with over 100 different languages and dialects spoken by our families and students. Communicating with families in their preferred language is one way we can demonstrate our commitment to inclusion, belonging, and strong family partnerships. More information about ParentSquare can be found below.
Thank you to all of the staff, families, and students who have shown up to share your thoughts and feedback directly with me at the Listen and Learn sessions. Your ideas and comments will be summarized in a final public report and presented at the District’s State of our Schools on February 8. Look for more information below about the State of our Schools event and how to watch the live steam.
In partnership,
Michael Tolley
Interim Superintendent
To read any of Interim Superintendent Tolley's messages to families, students, and staff, please click the button below.
Interim Superintendent's Blog |
