Eatonville School District wraps up school year

As we close out another inspiring school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. The strength of our Eatonville School District lies in the people who make up this vibrant community—our students, families, staff, volunteers, and partners. Together, we’ve accomplished great things, and today I’m honored to reflect on just a few of the highlights that define this incredible year.

Reliable Transportation—A New Standard

Fifteen months. Zero canceled bus routes.

Thanks to the unwavering leadership of Transportation Director Bonnie McNicol and her incredible team, we’ve maintained consistent, reliable transportation—something not many districts can say post-pandemic. Their dedication keeps our students safe and on time. Next time you see one of our drivers, give them a well-deserved thank you!

Your Voice. Your Vote. Real Results.

Thanks to voter-approved levies in February 2023, we’ve seen tangible improvements:

Academic excellence: Our students are wrapping up Smarter Balanced Assessments, and we’re confident results will reflect the hard work and strong instruction they’ve received.

Track & Field progress: Final approvals are nearly in hand, and we’re ready to break ground on our long-overdue track and synthetic field upgrade.

Stadium updates: Through creative partnerships and outside funding, we’re replacing our 1937 stadium—without additional cost to taxpayers. This includes energy-efficient lighting, a new scoreboard, and renovated restrooms.

A Groundbreaking Moment in Every Sense

In one of the year’s most unforgettable moments, we held a ceremonial groundbreaking for our new Community Use Track, Synthetic Field, and Stadium. I was honored to deliver the following words at the event:

“We’re breaking ground on a vision—a vision for every person from birth to 99…excuse me, Betty…from birth to 100 and beyond! This project marks a new era for Eatonville — an era of accessibility, excellence, and community pride. Together, we are literally and figuratively building the future.”

From skydiver Rosie Thun soaring overhead to 100-year-old alum Betty Laffaw standing proud beside us, it was a day that beautifully celebrated our past, present, and future.

Strategic Plan—Guided by You

This year marked the full implementation of our community-driven Strategic Plan, co-authored by over 1,500 students, parents, staff, and residents. This plan guides every decision — big and small — and focuses on ensuring every student achieves success. Thank you to the staff who bring this vision to life daily and to the families and volunteers who partner with us in support of student learning.

Supporting Families: Childcare at Our Schools

After hearing from families, we partnered with Champions to provide on-site childcare at our elementary schools. This optional service, designed around your needs, will continue in the upcoming school year. It’s one more way we’re listening — and responding.

Tutoring and Academic Support

Thanks to community partnerships, we launched free tutoring programs at every school, available before, during, and after school. These efforts are already helping students reach new academic heights—and we’re excited to continue this support next year.

Building Lasting Partnerships

From local businesses to regional leaders and Washington State agencies, Eatonville is attracting support like never before. These partnerships have brought:

• Academic programs

• Infrastructure improvements

• Future-ready initiatives like responsible AI integration

• Expanded extracurricular opportunities

Together, we are preparing students not just for graduation—but for a thriving future.

Engaged Voices, Informed Decisions

Through regular community forums, you’ve helped shape policies on transportation, facility upgrades, AI in education, school funding, and more. Your insights and presence matter. Thank you for standing up, speaking out, and staying involved.

Looking Ahead

The future is bright in Eatonville. With your continued involvement and our shared commitment to excellence, we’re not just moving forward — we’re setting the pace for what a community-centered, student-focused district can accomplish.

We will continue to create schools where every student is known, valued, and supported. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, every child deserves — and will receive — our very best.

Thank You, Eatonville

Thank you for your passion, your participation, and your belief in the power of public education. Let’s carry the energy of this year into a well-deserved summer — and return in the fall ready to aim even higher.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and restful summer break.

We are Eatonville Strong!

With gratitude,

Superintendent Brower Eatonville School District