SOUTH WHIDBEY: SWSD Navigator Newsletter (Dec. 4, 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.
Superintendent Salutations
Happy Holidays, South Whidbey!
As we move into this festive season, our campuses are bursting with joy and generosity. Poinsettias and wreaths have brightened our halls, spirit week plans are underway, and community giving is in full swing. Middle school students helped decorate Holiday House, our High School Honor Society is collecting warm clothing, Falcon basketball teams are gathering toys, SWEPTA organized a fireplace full of teacher wish-list mittens, and countless others have stepped forward to support families and spread cheer.
Holiday concerts, winter sports, and an overall sense of celebration fill our schools and I am deeply grateful to be part of it.
As I approach the end of my first six months here, I want to thank you for welcoming me so warmly and for partnering with me in this work. In November, I had the privilege of spending three full days with our School Board and student representatives at the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) conference in Seattle. Alongside Dr. Jo Moccia, we presented on the importance of leading a superintendent transition with intention. I also treasured the time spent listening to our students share what matters most to them. Their insight and honesty guide our direction.
A heartfelt thank you to all the organizations that uplift our schools every day: the South Whidbey Schools Foundation, Readiness to Learn, Whidbey Island Nourishes, Whidbey Watershed Stewards, SWEPTA, SWPTA, our Athletic and Performing Arts Boosters, and the many volunteers who show up for our students in big and small ways. Your support strengthens our programs and enriches student lives.
Looking ahead, we have much to be excited about. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday December 17, 2025 for the Special Education Advisory Council. Click Here to Sign Up. Bond construction continues, and we will share a detailed update from our architecture and construction teams during the January 14, 2026 School Board Workshop. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your patience and flexibility as we navigate temporary changes. This three-year process is already bringing visible progress and long-term benefits.
Finally, I want to echo a gentle reminder from our McKinney-Vento Liaison, Mary Michell: while the holidays bring joy to many, they can also be a time of stress or loneliness for others. Please extend kindness, compassion, and grace wherever you can and remember to care for yourselves as well.
Winter break is just around the corner. I hope each of you finds time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments of peace with the people you love.
Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a bright start to 2026.
With gratitude,
Dr. Becky
Board Corner
Fresh from an energizing visit to the Washington Stare [sic] School Director’s Association Annual Conference, the board will have its annual organizational meeting where we decide who will fill each role on the board for the next year. We will also discuss policy on evaluation and self-assessment, public records access, updating the boards goals for the superintendent, and other items. Most of those will wait until January for action due to requirements for multiple readings on policy updates, but as we only have a single meeting in December, we will also take action on a feasibility study for Energize Langley focused on the Community Center, a furniture purchase associated with the bond, the goal update, and a financial authorization to ease the approvals process for bond work.
Happy holidays to all, and keep warm.
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:30pm, the South Whidbey School Board will have a workshop/business meeting 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:
- January 14 Workshop
- January 28 Business Meeting
— Brook WIlleford, Board Chair
Operations Update
Construction Update at the January 14, 2026 Board Workshop
Integrus Architecture Firm and Absher Construction will present an update at the January 14, 2026 School Board Workshop.
The workshop will start at 6:30pm. See the agenda on Board Docs linked here.
In Person and via Zoom webinar.
Location: South Whidbey Elementary School – Julie Hadden Board Room, 5380 Maxwelton Road, Langley
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://southwhidbey.zoom.us/j/88159793362?pwd=ejAveFpwK3FiR1p2NUR5YlhOOXpwdz09
Passcode: 234129
Webinar ID: 881 5979 3362
