Today marks the beginning of our annual Employee Giving Campaign, which benefits the United Way and the Highline Schools Foundation.
Superintendent's All-staff Messages
Dr. Susan Enfield communicates with staff periodically and those messages are archived here.
Today marks the beginning of our annual Employee Giving Campaign, which benefits the United Way and the Highline Schools Foundation.
As we reflect during this time of year on all we are grateful for, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude.
I am very proud to announce that our graduation rate has risen for the fifth consecutive year. Last night, the state certified our districtwide graduation rate for the Class of 2018 at 81.1 percent, up from 78.8 percent in 2017. This is remarkable progress given that our graduation rate was just over 62 percent in 2013.
Our promise is to know every student by name, strength and need. Our strategic plan is founded on equity so all students have an equal chance of success.
The best part of a new school year is seeing the energy and excitement in our classrooms. During my visits to schools this month I have seen amazing teaching and learning in every school across our district.
Whenever tragedy rocks any part of our community it affects us all. I know that last week’s shooting in Burien has many of us, myself included, concerned for the safety of our students, our community and ourselves. While our schools are not the source or the center of the conflict in our community, it is unsettling when young people who are or have been our students are involved.
Over the past three weeks, I have seen inspiring work across our schools. I would be the luckiest superintendent in the world if the rest of the year continued as smoothly as the first few weeks. Unfortunately, we have hit a bump in the road that will impact some of our staff, students and families.
Under a tentative agreement reached this week, Highline will raise educator salaries by 13% for the 2018-19 school year. This is the latest in a multi-year effort to raise teacher pay.
Equity, instruction, relationships and support are the foundation of our strategic plan, and we are committed to ensuring that Highline is an equitable school system for students, staff and families. Accomplishing this will require hard conversations, hard work and an openness to learn, which is why next Tuesday Highline will host its first-ever Equity Symposium.