As we close out the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we've been through—together.
This year brought more than its share of challenges. We faced a devastating fire that displaced two of our schools. We endured a ransomware attack that left us without internet or digital tools for six weeks. We grieved the loss of students. We’ve felt the weight of a shifting national climate—one where divisive and harmful rhetoric stands in direct opposition to our values in Highline.
Through it all, we remained united. We kept showing up for our students. We kept showing up for each other. Educators found creative ways to engage learners without technology. Families and staff rallied together in moments of uncertainty. Throughout all of this, our values didn’t waiver—they guided us. They led us. They kept us together.
Despite the challenges of this year, we experienced powerful moments of celebration. Just last week, we celebrated the graduation of more than 1,300 students. The Highline Schools Foundation awarded nearly $350,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors and more than $94,000 in educator grants. We launched a new safety response protocol to enhance school safety. While many districts across the state faced significant budget cuts, we maintained a stable budget to continue supporting our students and educators.
We also took bold steps to align our work across Highline by focusing on four key priorities:
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Ensuring students of all abilities and needs can learn and participate together in the same classrooms and school activities.
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Improving literacy, language, and analytical skills by integrating reading and writing across all subjects—not just in English Language Arts.
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Redesigning our middle and high school experience to better prepare students for future education and careers—connecting them with local employers and expanding access to programs in the trades, healthcare and college credits.
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Providing individualized support to all students—academic, behavioral and emotional—to help each student build their strengths and thrive.
This clear focus is creating alignment and momentum across our system in service of students, and they will remain our priorities as we move forward.
We are not alone in this work. According to our annual community poll, 80% of Highline residents believe that our strategic plan goals and priorities reflect their values. Even as the national climate shifts, 61% of our community believes we should stand firm in those values. This strong support is a powerful reminder that our community stands with us—and expects us to remain true to who we are. We are Highline.
Most importantly, this year we remained true to our promise—to know every student by name, strength and need, and to ensure they graduate prepared for the future they choose. This promise is our guiding vision in good times, challenging times, and especially in the most difficult moments.
I hope summer brings you rest, joy, and health. We look forward to welcoming you back in the fall, ready to keep moving forward—together.
Living the Promise,
Dr. Ivan Duran
Superintendent
Highline Public Schools