Community Connections is a weekly email with news, events, and highlights from the Stanwood-Camano School District that is sent every Friday afternoon during the school year. Click here to receive future issues. Ed. Note: We excerpt those portions of Community Connections pertinent to the activities of the school board. For the full contents of the current edition of the newsletter, click this link.

Hello community members!

Throughout March, more than 500 people participated in our 2025 Community Survey — thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback.

One of the most common themes that came through was about student behavior: how it’s being addressed and whether schools are following through with consequences.

We hear you.

Student behavior and school climate are top priorities for our district. We know it can be frustrating when it feels like disruptions go unaddressed or consequences aren’t visible. I want to offer some context:

• We’re committed to adapting and improving: Our schools are continuously working to meet every student’s needs, provide training in effective classroom management and student support, and ensure compliance with laws. This work isn’t static — it’s ongoing, and we’re committed to making sure all students and staff feel safe and supported.
  
• Discipline laws have changed: In Washington state, school districts are required to use restorative practices and limit suspensions or exclusions — especially for younger students. For example, schools may no longer take away recess as a form of discipline, per RCW 28A.230.295. Recent school discipline laws like this are intended to keep students engaged in learning, but they also mean schools must find new ways to address behavior.
  
• Discipline actions are confidential: Even when schools do take action, federal law prohibits us from sharing specific discipline details. So while consequences that align with state and federal laws may be happening, families and staff might not see them — leading to the perception that a situation hasn’t been handled.
  

Thank you again to everyone who participated in the survey. We will touch upon other outcomes from the survey — such as growth, funding, and communication — in future messages. Your voices are helping us shape the future of our schools.

Please enjoy a safe, restful, and well-deserved Spring Break. 

— Ryan Ovenell, interim superintendent

See the latest district news

Budget Update: Let’s look at what’s next

While we wait for the state Legislature to finalize the amount of money allocated to school districts, we are working on a Reduced Educational Program plan just in case reductions are needed to balance the budget.

Our most current School Board meeting agenda

March 18, 2025, Regular Board Meeting

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On the Ballot in 2025

STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT (NO. 401)

Directors. Two of the five director positions are scheduled to be on the ballot. Position 1: Albert Schreiber. Candidates for Position 1 must live in director district 1; see the map at this link. Position 2: Charlotte Murry. Candidates for Position 2 must live in director district 2; see the map at this link.