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 […]
Activist groups resort to School Surety Bonds claims in attempt to end mask mandates
In an attempt to counter mask mandates at local school districts, some organizations across the nation have begun to employ a little-known approach – targeting the surety bonds of their public school officials. Two activist groups in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Bethalto, Ill., have resorted to this tactic. Public officials – including superintendents, treasurers, and others […]
State’s Education Superintendent calls on DOH to remove state mask mandate for students
Below is a statement by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal on his recommendation to the Department of Health and Governor to make masks a local health department decision for students in K–12 schools. OLYMPIA—February 9, 2022—Throughout the pandemic, the Department of Health and Governor Inslee have set essential health and safety requirements for our schools using […]
School District Bonds and Levies on February ballot
This February, voters will decide the fate of their local school districts as they vote on education bonds and levies that provide critical funding for their schools. Over a decade ago, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that the state was failing to fully fund education, therefore violating its constitutional duty. As a result, Washington State […]
Do Parents Have a Say over Education? Edmonds and Mukilteo respond
LYNNWOOD, Wash., December 2, 2021 – In November, the Lynnwood Times published an article entitled “Do Parents Have a Say over Education?” to discuss the controversial letter released by the National School Board Association (NSBA). Though the NSBA later removed and apologized for the letter, the effects of the letter included action by the Department […]
Do parents have a say over education?
While many concerned parents are storming school boards to debate Critical Race Theory (CRT), sex education, and mask mandates in their public schools, some have begun to ask a broader question: do parents have a say over education at all? Virginians say “yes” The recent Virginia gubernatorial race addressed this question. Democrat candidate Terry McAuliffe […]
Snohomish County Schools: A comparison across the County
LYNNWOOD, Wash., October 14, 2021 – Each school year, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) updates its K12 Report Card, which details the academic achievements, among other metrics, of Washington public school districts. The Lynnwood Times has compiled several metrics from the most recent OSPI Report Card and from the individual districts’ […]
ESD School Board Meetings and public comments
LYNNWOOD, Wash., September 13, 2021 — To decrease the public spread of COVID-19, the Snohomish Health District recommends public meetings be held remotely. Therefore, the Edmonds School District School Board will continue with virtual meetings until further notice. New digital agenda, minutes, video archive system The Edmonds School District will use a new digital system […]
