https://www.facebook.com/939293738200042/posts/1247810500681696 Stanwood-Camano School District this to its Facebook page on April 2, 2025 10:22 am. Our future healthcare heroes have been in action during the past few days! Last week, Stanwood High School Health Sciences students attended the ECHO Tour at Everett Community College, where they connected with healthcare professionals...
Training
https://www.facebook.com/921959416612385/posts/1093498982791760 The South Whidbey School District posted this to its Facebook page on April 2, 2025 8:29 am. Thank You Mukilteo Coffee Roasters for Training the Trainers! Thank you to Beth Smith from Mukilteo Coffee Roasters who took the time to train our life skills teachers Luke Hodson, Michael Swenson,...
https://www.facebook.com/370005795153357/posts/1059625322858064 Camano Island Fire and Rescue District posted this to his Facebook page on March 30, 2025 7:00 pm. We’re looking for a strong, visionary leader to serve as our next Assistant Chief. In this role, you’ll lead daily operations, help maintain emergency readiness, and oversee training. If you’re an...
https://www.facebook.com/939293738200042/videos/1698031374485660 Stanwood-Camano School District this to its Facebook page on March 22, 2025 12:00 pm. For 35 years, Tom Wilfong has been a fixture in Stanwood High School’s hallways, classrooms, gyms, and athletic fields. This spring, the longtime assistant principal and former athletic director is retiring, closing a remarkable chapter...
https://www.facebook.com/939293738200042/posts/1235607725235307 Stanwood-Camano School District this to its Facebook page on March 20, 2025 5:50 pm. Our fire cadets are learning new skills every day! They are part of one of the classes in our robust Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. We’re proud to partner with Camano Island Fire and...
https://www.facebook.com/370005795153357/videos/1187236042751377 Camano Island Fire and Rescue District posted this to his Facebook page on March 19, 2025 6:00 pm. Using a chainsaw – properly, with supervision – is one of the more complicated skills our high school cadets learn during the year. Learning how to handle the saw, make correct...
Dear neighbors,
Washington’s ferry system plays a vital role in our daily lives and especially in our district. With 19 million riders served in 2024 alone, it’s the largest ferry system in the U.S. Restoring and maintaining reliable service is crucial, especially after decades of underinvestment and disruptions.
As Co-Chair of the Ferry Caucus and a ferry rider, here’s an update about the Legislature’s plans to maintain and improve our current fleet.
A few weeks ago, I sat with my good friend and colleague, Rep. Alex Ramel, from the 40th District, for a brief discussion about Washington State Ferries. We both represent communities that need efficient, reliable ferry service for work, healthcare, and education. I hope you enjoy our conversation!
Latest Ferry News:
Governor Bob Ferguson has announced a plan to restore Washington State Ferries (WSF) to full domestic service by this summer. This plan includes delaying the hybrid-electric conversion of two of our largest ferries to keep 18 vessels operating, the highest number since 2019. This decision prioritizes improved service, especially for critical ferry routes like Coupeville-Port Townsend, which has been on one-boat service since 2023.
Photo Credit: Whidbey News Times
While the conversion of these ferries is delayed, the procurement process for up to five new electric ferries is moving forward. Washington State Ferries will open bids for these new vessels in early April, with contracts expected to be signed by late May. This is part of a long-term strategy to modernize our fleet, reduce emissions, and improve service reliability.
Legislative Support for Ferries
A reliable ferry system requires a strong workforce. Washington State Ferries continues to prioritize recruitment, retention, and training to address crew shortages and improve service. Legislation we are working on this year to support ferries and workers includes:
HB 1054: Ensures counties can make repairs quickly and put ferries back in service.
HB 1167: Prepare students for maritime careers.
HB 1264: Helps fully staff the ferry system through competitive wages.
HB 1511: Streamlines collective bargaining negotiations for ferry workers.
HB 1616: Protects ferry personnel from rider abuse.
Looking Ahead
To learn more about ferries and other community priorities that I’m advocating for in Olympia, please consider joining Sen. Muzzall and I this weekend for a town hall at the Oak Harbor Library. I hope to see you there!
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your state representative.
Sincerely,
https://www.facebook.com/904039064863222/posts/1072290548038072 State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on March 10, 2025 9:46 pm. As a parent and an educator, I know the importance of dual credit programs in our state. That’s why I’m excited to share my bill, House Bill 1273, just passed out...