Superintendent's All-staff Messages

We in Highline pride ourselves on our rich diversity and the fact that our students, staff and families represent so many cultures from around the world. This also means that when tragedies happen in other countries, the impact is felt here locally.

We are at that time in our fiscal year when we have to estimate our staffing needs for the upcoming school year based on enrollment projections. Each year, the School Board must pass a resolution authorizing reductions in force (RIF) so that we are prepared, should we need to reduce positions. Many years, we do not need to act on that resolution because we don’t need to cut positions. 

Read this message from Superintendent Enfield has we head into Spring Break. She reminds us to take a moment for ourselves to relax and rejuvenate as we have endured many changes and challenges this year. 

In recent weeks, we have seen reports of escalating hate crimes against people of Asian descent in our state and across the nation. Yesterday’s shooting in Atlanta that killed eight people--six of them Asian women--is another disturbing reminder of the increasing number of acts targeting Asian Americans and immigrants.

In a year full of challenges, one of the biggest challenges has been preparing to bring students back to school for in-person learning. 

As we head into the long holiday weekend I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued dedication and optimism. I continue to be inspired by the work you are all doing to ensure that our students, staff and families are supported during these challenging times.

As I continue to hear your concerns about our plans to return elementary students to schools, I want to acknowledge the fear and anxiety many are feeling. 

Since announcing the March 1 start date for phasing in in-person learning, we have heard a number of staff express concerns about returning to buildings. I want to acknowledge those concerns and the anxiety you are feeling. I understand your hesitancy to return to buildings when infection rates are high. 

The events unfolding in our nation’s capital are leaving us all reeling. Personally, I am feeling sad, angry, disgusted and deeply concerned for how students are experiencing this as well. As educators, we must not only make sense of this for ourselves, but also for them. I know this is difficult and ask that you take care of yourselves and those around you and reach out for support if you need it.