Mount Vernon Schools

On December 13, School Board Directors Charlie Guildner and LuAnne Burkhart, School Board Student Representatives Ben Drake and Jeff Levine, Mount Vernon Education Association President John Sadzewicz, Public School Employees of Mount Vernon Co-President Cody Stiles, and I traveled to Olympia for individual meetings with each of the six legislators representing the 10th and 40th Legislative Districts.  Our talking points are summarized in our letter to lawmakers, available at http://bit.ly/s4fY3M.  The good news is that their “early action” budget, which cuts approximately $500 million of the $2 billion deficit, does not significantly impact K-12 education.  The Legislature returns the week of January 9 for the regular 60-day session, during which they will finish the job.  We plan to continue communicating regularly with lawmakers to ensure they understand the harmful impacts of any additional cuts to K-12 education.

Congratulations to our students and their talented, energetic, and dedicated music teachers for a wonderful round of winter concerts these past several weeks.  Our reputation as a district with strong choir and instrumental programs is growing, thanks to their efforts!

Congratulations also to our ESL Instructional Specialists, School Home Liaisons, and Don Hanson (Director of Categorical Programs) for a very successful ELL Math Night on Thursday.

It’s the season of giving, and staff and students in schools and departments across the district have once again been engaged in working with local agencies to collect and distribute food, clothing, toys and, in some cases, money to families in need.  Their extraordinary generosity is making a big difference in the lives of needy children and families and models the generosity of spirit that is an essential part of a strong community. 

On a related note, the District's United Way employee campaign raised a total of $28,901—a 19.1% increase over 2011!  These dollars will benefit the community safety net comprosed of 30 human service agencies, on which many of our students and families rely (http://www.unitedwayskagit.org/). 

My best to each of you  for a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday season.

Carl Bruner, Superintendent