SOUTH WHIDBEY: SWSD Navigator Newsletter (Apr. 3, 2025)
Prior to every Board Meeting or Workshop, the South Whidbey School District posts a SWSD Navigator Newsletter on ParentSquare providing notice of School Board Meetings, what is happening in the District and updates in the schools. Click here to receive future issues. Ed. Note: We excerpt those portions of the SWSD Navigator pertinent to the activities of the school board. For the full contents of the current edition of the newsletter, click this link.
HELP IS HERE! South Whidbey Student-Family-Community Resources
We know that supporting students means supporting families too. South Whidbey School District is committed to connecting families with helpful community resources and support services.
During these uncertain times, if your family is ever in need of assistance—whether it’s food, clothing, housing support, mental health resources, or other community services—please don’t hesitate to reach out to our community partners for help. The Readiness to Learn (RTL) Family Resource webpage linked here is updated regularly and a valuable source for support.
We know it can be a challenge to reach out and ask for assistance. However, caregivers usually feel supported and cared for after connecting with the RTL staff. Even if they can’t come to a complete solution, having a kind, helpful person in your corner really does make a difference. RTL is here to help connect you to local programs and partners who care.
Additionally, our district family support website (linked here) includes the link to RTL plus links to our South Whidbey community partners and other supportive information.
Please remember—reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
School Updates
Board Corner
At our last Business Meeting, Dr. Moccia presented a rollout plan for the climate action committee, and the board voted to approve the creation of the committee. That committee will be formed shortly to discuss the results of a district-wide environmental audit and create a long-term, sustainable, actionable policy and plan to guide the district through the ongoing climate emergency. We also approved overnight field trips for 4th and 6th graders and the purchase of a new flexible-use bus, maintenance on the turntable classrooms at the middle/high school, and the new playground equipment for the elementary school. The playground equipment should arrive in early August for installation before the start of school.
At our upcoming Board Workshop, we should be discussing the results of the CEE survey, which polls staff, students, and parents/guardians about their experience with the school district, and informs the board’s evaluation of the superintendent and goal setting for the next year.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 the South Whidbey School Board will have a Workshop at 6:30pm, via ZOOM WEBINAR and IN PERSON at the South Whidbey Elementary School Dr. Julie Hadden Community Board Room at 5380 Maxwelton Road, Langley.
Please click THIS LINK to join the webinar. Passcode: 234129 Webinar ID: 881 5979 3362
Future Meetings:
- April 23 Business Meeting
- May 14 Board Workshop
- May 28 Business Meeting
— Brook WIlleford, Board Chair
Operations Updates
The South Whidbey School District is about to receive our second electric school bus!
Last year, we added our first electric bus to the fleet. That bus carries 75 (maximum) passengers and has a range of approximately 100 miles. We have a Level 2 charger at our transportation center where we plug the bus in after each trip, ensuring a full range. The driver of that bus, and the students he transports, love the quiet, smooth ride. The bus was funded almost entirely by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus grant, which included the purchase of a charger.
In the coming weeks, we will be receiving our second electric bus. Like the first bus, this is a Type C bus that can transport up to 75 students. It also will have a range of about 100 miles. We recently had a second charger installed, which allows the buses to charge consecutively. Typically, it takes only a few hours to bring each bus back to a full charge following a trip. Another grant from the EPA paid for most of the bus and charger, while the remainder was supported through state transportation funding designated for bus purchases.
The South Whidbey School District is proud to be leading the way with our focus on sustainability, health and climate-friendly practices. Integrating electric buses is an important part of that work. We look forward to expanding this focus in our transportation system, our facilities, and in our relationships in the coming years.
On the Ballot in 2025
| SOUTH WHIDBEY SCHOOL DISTRICT (NO. 206) |
| Directors: Two of the five director positions are scheduled to be on the ballot. Position 2: Andrea Downs. Candidates for Position 2 must live in director district 2; see the map at this link. Position 5: Ann M. Johnson. Position 5 is an “at large” position; candidates may live anywhere in the district. |
