In 2025, Snohomish County schools and colleges navigated a dynamic year of expansion, adaptation, and advocacy. The following are the highlights of our education coverage in 2025.
VIPs tour Snohomish County STEM’s ECHO Tour at Edmonds College
On December 16, 2025, approximately 120 high school students from Edmonds Woodway, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Meadowdale High Schools participated in Snohomish County STEM’s ECHO Tour at Edmonds College’s Hazel Miller Hall. A dozen VIPs from Boeing, county government, economic alliances, and education partners toured nine hands-on healthcare stations run by professionals from Optum, IRG Therapy, Edmonds College Nursing/Pharmacy, and others. Activities included CPR, stethoscope use, handwashing demos, and dental techniques to spark interest in healthcare careers. The program, piloted in 2024 with ARPA funding, addresses local workforce shortages; a prior 2025 Everett tour engaged 273 students with 97% reporting increased interest. Future expansions include a two-day North County event in March 2026.
Parents, school board members, and educators sue state over bill that modified Parents’ Bill of Rights
On October 23, 2025, school board directors and parents filed a lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court challenging House Bill 1296 (signed May 2025 by Gov. Bob Ferguson), which altered the Parents’ Bill of Rights. Plaintiffs from districts including Lynden, Darrington, and others claim violations of religious freedom, parental authority, FERPA, and the state constitution’s single-subject rule. Key changes include restricting parental access to school medical records and extending record request response time from 10 to 45 days. Defendants include the Legislature, Governor Ferguson, OSPI, and Superintendent Chris Reykdal. Let’s Go Washington (behind Initiative 2081) is gathering signatures for a 2026 repeal initiative.
Jack-in-the-Bot becomes first Mill Creek high school robotics team to secure World Champ title
Team 2910 Jack-in-the-Bot from Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek won the FIRST Robotics Competition Global Championship in Houston (April 16–19, 2025) with robot ‘Spectre’ in an ocean cleanup challenge. This marked the first World title for any Mill Creek high school team among 3,700 global entrants. The victory followed strong prior performances (2018 finalists, 2022 third place) and highlighted smooth execution, collaboration, and STEM education. Mentor Andrea Riseden-Perry noted benefits including college scholarships and regional pride. The team qualifies via Pacific Northwest events; other local teams also compete actively.
Edmonds College offers two new pathways for careers in robotics and AI
Edmonds College introduced two new programs: a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (ROBAI) and an eight-week Robotics in Manufacturing certificate. The hybrid, part-time BAS (starting fall cohorts) builds on AAS-T degrees, covering robotic design, AI, machine learning, and collaborative systems for careers in manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. The 100% federally funded certificate (at Everett’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center, starting October 13) requires no prior experience and teaches maintenance and automation. Both emphasize hands-on training and industry partnerships to meet tech workforce demand.
Port of Everett, Maritime Institute & Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center to launch first High School Maritime Program in Snohomish County
The first high school maritime program in Snohomish and Island counties launched in September 2025 as a partnership between the Port of Everett, Maritime Institute, and Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center. The year-long Maritime Vessel Operations pilot began September 8 with 10 students, offering USCG-approved training in vessel operations, seamanship, engine maintenance, and credentials (TWIC, MMC, STCW-95) through classroom, hands-on, and waterfront instruction. Led by instructor Brian Hennessy, the program addresses workforce needs in Washington’s trade economy (60%+ of Snohomish jobs trade-related) and plans future growth with internships.
CAP at Edmonds College gives workers an upper hand in the job market, at no cost
The Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program (CAP) at Edmonds College offers an eight-week, tuition-free 300-hour training at the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center in Everett. Launched in 2021 with partners including Sound Transit and the City of Lynnwood, it prepares participants for trades like electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and iron work, including OSHA-10 certification, forklift operation, and union tours. Graduates receive starter tools, boots, hard hats, gas cards, and work clothes through partnerships. Since inception, 112 students enrolled, 106 graduated (93% rate), with 50% BIPOC and 17% women; 23% secured apprenticeships and higher wages. Funded by grants from Jobs for the Future and WSDOT, the program has a waitlist and holds weekly open houses.
YMCA opens new Early Learning Center in Marysville addressing the County’s childcare needs
The YMCA of Snohomish County opened a new Early Learning Center in Marysville on August 5, 2025, with operations starting in September. The facility serves up to 68 children (ages 1–5), with 40% from low-income families receiving subsidies. It includes four age-specific classrooms, playground, kitchen, and specialized staff (lead/assistant teachers, food specialist, family support, mental health specialists). Built over 10 months by WestRock Construction in a repurposed space, it was funded by donors (Larry and Linda Jubie), Tulalip Tribes, state Department of Commerce, Senator Patty Murray, and Snohomish County ARPA funds. The YMCA plans one new center annually to combat childcare shortages (80% of county residents in “child care deserts”). Ribbon-cutting attendees included Sen. June Robinson and Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring.
Edmonds College student archeologists dig for Mukilteo’s untold history
Edmonds College’s third annual Archeology Field School (July 7–August 1, 2025) involved 26 students excavating Japanese Gulch in Mukilteo to uncover early 1900s artifacts from Japanese immigrant workers employed by the Mukilteo Lumber Company (later Crown Lumber). The site highlights contributions to the lumber boom despite discrimination. Students discovered bottles, nails, pottery, ceramics, stone fruit pits, and toothbrushes; artifacts will be processed and donated to the Burke Museum. Led by Dr. Alicia Valentino, the accessible program (no prerequisites) offers hands-on training in surveys, excavation, and lab work for anthropology credits and internships. Approved by Mukilteo officials, it emphasizes minimal environmental impact and high career placement (90–100%).
ESD receives $240,000 grant to expand family services
The Foundation for Edmonds School District received a $240,000 grant from the Whitehorse Foundation to expand the Whole Families, Whole Communities (WFWC) program. This renewed support sustains 2.5 Family Resource Advocate positions in elementary schools and launches an afterschool pilot at Alderwood Middle School, offering tutoring, mentoring, leadership, ELL classes, and counseling. WFWC connects families to resources addressing barriers to student success (housing, legal aid, food, mental health). Since August 2024, advocates have assisted over 1,100 families, including nearly 200 homeless students. The Edmonds School District serves 20,000+ students (33% free/reduced lunch eligible). The Whitehorse Foundation has backed WFWC since 2018.
Marysville-Pilchuck HS RAP program continues to be a model for student-labor pipelines
The Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) program at Marysville-Pilchuck High School hosted a spring showcase on April 29, 2025, demonstrating student skills in plumbing, welding, carpentry, and masonry. Started in 2018 by Snohomish County Councilman Nate Nehring, it grew from 25 students to 75 annually, offering credits, guaranteed union interviews, and apprenticeships. Funded by $1.5M biennial state allocations and grants, it serves nine districts with projects like sheds and tiny homes. Attendees included Rep. Sam Low and PUD Commissioners; Leonard Kelly received the 2025 RAP Champion Award. Students praised its community-building and career impact.
Everett Community College unanimously votes to close Early Learning Center
On June 26, 2025, Everett Community College’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted in a court-ordered special session to close its Early Learning Center (ELC) effective June 30, 2025. The decision followed a Superior Court ruling that the college violated the Open Public Meetings Act by initially deciding without public notice. The ELC served ~76 children with 22 staff but ran annual deficits of $200,000–$300,000 since 2021 (post-COVID funding expiration). Despite its Level 5 rating and NAEYC accreditation, the college cited financial unsustainability. Public backlash included protests and criticism from parents/staff. The closure impacts childcare in a “desert” area; the building may be leased for revenue.
Sno-Isle’s new Executive Director Eric Howard plans to use libraries to connect communities
Eric Howard was appointed Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries in November 2024, succeeding Lois Langer (retired March 2024). With 18 years of experience in Queens, NY, and California, Howard views libraries as vital “third spaces” for community connection. He plans outreach across Snohomish and Island Counties before the 2026 strategic plan, focusing on unmet needs. Initiatives include expanding literacy (Third Grade Readers program), supporting existing efforts (Library on Wheels, Reads Together, Tales with Tails, Veterans resources), and innovations like school-style parent communication and multilingual courses. Funding remains stable (primarily local); partnerships in Lynnwood enhance ties.
Cathi Davis named Washington State Principal of the Year
Cathi Davis, Principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary in Woodinville (Northshore School District), was named Washington State Principal of the Year for 2025. She has led the school since its 2019 founding (built via 2018 bond, 500 students) and previously co-led Kokanee Elementary. Davis excels in Multi-tiered System of Supports, fostering belonging, and professional learning communities. She holds a bachelor’s from Houghton College (2001) and master’s in educational leadership from UW. This marks the second state honor for Ruby Bridges (Teacher of the Year Kim Broomer, 2025). Davis speaks statewide/nationally.
Marysville School District takes action on school closures
Facing 15+ years of declining enrollment, the Marysville School District Board directed interim Superintendent Dr. Dave Burgess on January 22, 2025, to pursue reconfigurations and closures to save $2M for 2025–2026. Plans include K–6 elementary reconfiguration, closing Liberty Elementary, closing Marysville Middle School (repurposing for Liberty students), shifting Cedarcrest and Totem Middle to 7/8 grades, and maintaining 10th Street Middle as 6–8. Legacy High School relocates but continues. The process began May 2024 with community input; bi-weekly updates and a public hearing by March are planned to minimize disruption and improve academics.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
