SOUTH WHIDBEY: SWSD Navigator Newsletter (Nov. 14, 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
As we move into the holiday season, I’m reminded of the strength and care that define South Whidbey. Our students and staff have given us so much to celebrate already this year. Whether it be the smiles on the students’ faces during their fall festivities, the accomplishments of the band and athletic teams, or the simple colors in the trees and the sky, there is much to be grateful for. Weekly classroom visits continue to reveal curiosity, connection, and meaningful academic growth.
We have also welcomed new families as our enrollment continues to grow. We’re among the 25% of districts in our region gaining enrollment this year. I want to extend my appreciation to the staff across all three buildings who made space, quite literally, for new students and supported their transition with such warmth. I also want to thank the students and families who joined or changed mid-year for your efforts in making a successful transition into our schools and classrooms. A highlight over the last couple of weeks is meeting staff individually and in small groups, and I’m grateful for their collaboration and commitment.
Since the beginning of the year, staff have participated in professional development in social emotional learning, deepening their mathematical instruction practices, and we have launched Speak Up At School training to address hate, bias, and strengthen belonging, safety, and inclusion. In September, our School Board participated in this training. Throughout October, staff at all three buildings continued their professional development. Next week, our middle and high school students selected as advisor leaders will learn about how they will help shape the student rollout. Their voices are essential as we work to address incidents of bigotry and hate-based language and actions, concerns that schools across the nation are facing. This is never acceptable in our classrooms, on our campuses, or in our community.
Our committees and councils, including the Climate Action Committee, Equity Committee, Instructional Council, and the developing Special Education Advisory Council (more information to come), continue to move important work forward. Check my October Board Report for links to their agendas. I’m pleased that our School Board will be signing two-year contracts with our labor partners this Wednesday.
I’m aware of conversations and planned activities circulating through outside organizations. While this group is not affiliated with the district, many of the issues being raised are ones we are already engaged in thoughtfully and proactively. I encourage students, staff, families, and community members who want to lead change to partner directly with school leaders, Associated Student Body (ASB), student clubs, and our district committees. These are places where collaboration, accountability, and follow-through turn ideas into action. Real change happens when we work together through established channels and commit to sustained effort.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the students, families, and staff who consistently show up, contribute ideas, and help shape solutions. Their presence and partnership make a difference.
Thank you for your care for our schools and for the trust you place in us. I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and look forward to the work ahead.
With appreciation,
Becky
Board Corner
Our last board meeting was a long, dense, important one: the presentation of our School Improvement Plans. These plans take the goals that the board provides for the superintendent, and translates them into plans of action appropriate for each building. The details are important, so if you want to know more, take a look at the SWSD YouTube page for the video of the meeting. We also formalized the approval of several policies regarding the board itself and removed one policy related to a program that the district hasn’t offered in years.
Our next meeting will be the only one in November, because we go to the annual Washington State School Director’s Association (WSSDA) conference in November. This means that it will be both a workshop and a business meeting. The board will receive a presentation on special education in the district, and we will discuss any policies that come through from WSSDA by then.
On Wednesday, November 19, 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:
- November 20-22 WSSDA Annual Conference, Seattle
- December 10 Workshop/Business Meeting
— Brook WIlleford, Board Chair
Operations Update
 | Construction is progressing slowly but steadily. This is a complex project with challenges at both sites while students are present. Thank you for your flexibility and continued patience over the next couple of years. |
