Reykdal speaks on ousting of former Marysville superintendent
OLYMPIA—In a written statement to a local newspaper on Saturday, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal admitted that a main goal of OSPI was to “remake” the leadership at Marysville School District. His statement comes days after former Superintendent Dr. Zac Robbins was outed from the district with a whopping $430K severance agreement. “The remaking of the […]
Ousted Marysville Superintendent to receive a staggering $430,000 severance package
MARYSVILLE—Ousted Marysville School District Superintendent Dr. Zachary Robbins, who was front-and-center in an ongoing district financial crisis will be receiving a posh severance package valued at least $428,950 plus benefits, according to records obtained by the Lynnwood Times. A full room of approximately 100 parents and staff cheered the Marysville School District Board of Directors’ unanimous decision on […]
Marysville School Board appoints Dave Burgess as new interim superintendent
MARYSVILLE—A full room of approximately 100 parents and staff cheered the Marysville School District Board of Directors’ decision to unanimously confirm Dr. David Burgess as interim superintendent and for severing ties with Superintendent Dr. Zachary Robbins, amidst the district’s ongoing financial crisis during Thursday night’s Special Board meeting. Dr. Robbins was not present at the […]
Northshore educator named Washington State’s 2025 Teacher of the Year
OLYMPIA—Northshore School District’s Kim Broomer of Ruby Bridges Elementary was announced the Washington State 2025 Teacher of the Year in Olympia on Saturday, September 28. She was one of eight finalists across the state considered for the prestigious award. Geancarla “Carla” Shanks Morales of Orcas Island Elementary within the Orcas Island School District was awarded […]
Washington State Superintendent appoints Special Administrator to Marysville schools
MARYSVILLE—State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced the appointment of Dr. Arthur Jarvis as the special administrator to oversee and carry out the financial conditions imposed on the Marysville School District through binding conditions by OSPI’s financial oversight committee. Reykdal wrote that the appointment of a special administrator is “an unprecedented step” but is necessary for the […]
Learning Loss: Four years after the pandemic, student proficiency down nationally
More than four years have passed since Bothell High School became the nation’s first school to shut down during the pandemic in February 2020. Their closure set a precedent, one which generated controversy across the nation. During the pandemic, some states ordered schools to be closed, others allowed districts to decide, and a few states […]
Fewer than half of Washington students are hitting grade level
On September 10, OSPI released its K-12 Report Card for the 2023-24 school year. Following national trends, fewer than half of Washington students met academic proficiency. Testing was over grades 3-8 and 10. In Washington state, only 50.3% of students met ELA standards, 39.7% met math standards, and 43.5% met science standards in their spring […]
OSPI publishes guidance for limiting cell phone use in class
OLYMPIA—Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal released OSPI guidance for schools to limit cell phone use in class as a way to promote better mental health and digital literacy in Washington schools. With cell phone use nearly universal for high school students and growing in elementary school, the majority of teachers are looking for comprehensive school […]
Reykdal reveals “lost confidence” in Letter to Marysville School District
MARYSVILLE—Washington state Superintendent Chris Reykdal reveals his lack of confidence in the Marysville School District to straighten its financial situation in his August 28 notice to the district and Superintendent Zachary Robbins. He also placed the school district under additional financial monitoring. “I have lost confidence that the district has the decision-making tools or current […]
Democratic candidates win big in State Executive races
OLYMPIA—Executive-level election results in Washington state are officially being tallied. Some races we can call early and others, we will have to wait as ballots are counted over the next several days. After the third day of results, Democratic candidates are leading all but one State Executive race. Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands has […]
