SOUTH WHIDBEY: SWSD Navigator Newsletter (July 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.
Letter from the Superintendent
Dear South Whidbey Schools’ Students, Staff, Families, and Community,
I hope this message finds you enjoying a restful and joyful summer. It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I introduce myself as the new Superintendent of South Whidbey School District. I am honored to join a community that is clearly dedicated to educational excellence, student success, and meaningful partnerships between families, staff, and schools.
With the additional twenty days prior to the start of my contract, I had the opportunity to meet with administration, school board directors, students, leaders and more in the district, and in the South Whidbey community. Bruce, my king charles spaniel, and I have moved into the district and are loving the trail walks.
Throughout my career in education as a teacher, principal, director of special education, executive director of student services, and assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, I have remained committed to ensuring that every student is seen, valued, and supported. I am passionate about building strong relationships, fostering innovation, and promoting equity so that all students can thrive. If you want to learn more about me, my bio is on the website linked here.
Over the next school year, I look forward to listening, learning, and asking questions. I want to hear your hopes for our students, your ideas for our schools, and your vision for the future of this district. Whether it’s in a classroom, at a community event, or over a cup of coffee (stay tuned for Coffee with Clifford dates), I hope to meet many of you in the coming weeks.
Together, we will build on the district’s proud history and work collaboratively to ensure a strong, vibrant future for all students. I am excited to partner with you in this important work and look forward to a great year ahead.
With appreciation and enthusiasm,
Board Corner
At our last meeting the board heard a presentation on the district’s Highly Capable Learners program; approved contracts with the teachers, principals, and coaches; approved the board’s goals for the superintendent for the coming year; authorized the superintendent to craft a Memorandum of Understanding with Island Roots Housing regarding use of the Bayview School property; took care of some more housekeeping items; said farewell and thank you to Dr. Moccia; and swore in Dr. Clifford as the district’s superintendent. Her first day was July First and were very excited to be working with her.
At our next meeting, we will have a presentation on the upcoming budget and discuss the board’s goals for itself in the year to come.
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 6:30pm, the South Whidbey School Board will have a workshop with a presentation on the 2025-2026 proposed budget 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:
- July 23: Public Hearing on the 25-26 Budget and Business Meeting
- August 27: Workshop and Business Meeting
— Brook WIlleford, Board Chair
Operations Updates
Construction Update
South Whidbey Schools’ summer bond construction work. Crews are busy at both campuses.
At the high school middle school campus, the north campus siding – envelope has been removed. The roof work has started. Reminder, this is an active construction site with work happening inside and outside the campus. Please stay away from the building and allow the construction workers to do their job safely.
The elementary school’s aged out playground (known as the Big Toy) and black top have been removed making way for a new inclusive playground. The school retention pond has been cleaned up of encroaching overgrown vegetation allowing natural water management and flow which is incredibly important for our school environment.
On the Ballot in November 2025
| SOUTH WHIDBEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 206 |
|---|
| Director, Position 2 Andrea Downs, the incumbent |
| Director, Position 5, At Large Ann Johnson, the incumbent Gwendy Gabelein |
