Students who read with confidence can learn new ideas faster, participate more fully in class, and express themselves with greater ease. This year’s work across Highline centers on helping every student in every grade build strong reading, writing and language skills.  Here’s an update on how schools are helping students become stronger readers, writers and communicators this year. 

We are urging state lawmakers to take meaningful action on literacy, special education funding, transportation, operating costs and school facilities. With minimal progress in the 2025 session and a short session ahead, we are joining districts statewide in calling for targeted investments where they matter most. To maintain long-term stability amid rising costs and insufficient state funding, Highline will reduce its budget by about $8 million for 2026–27 so we can stay focused on students and learning.

Highline Public Schools stands with our Somali and Afghan students, families, staff, and all immigrant communities. Recent remarks from the federal administration have caused pain and fear in our community, and we want to say clearly: you are welcome, you are valued, and you belong in Highline.

Hear how Sylvester Middle School centers belonging and connection for every student. Principal Chad Kodama talks transitions, inclusion and the moments that inspire him.

During the December 3 board meeting, the Highline School Board elected its new officers for the coming year. Director Joe Van was selected to continue his service as board president, and Director Angelica Alvarez was elected to serve as board vice president. 

Four members of the Highline School Board reaffirmed their commitment to serve our students, staff, families and community after winning their November elections. Angelica Alvarez, Joe Van, Dr. Damarys Espinoza and Blaine Holien each took the oath of office during a brief ceremony this week.

Winter break is coming up, and we want to thank you for all you do to help your children show up, learn, and feel part of our school community. This time of year often includes family gatherings and travel, sometimes far from home. We honor that. We also ask that travel plans follow the school calendar when possible, so your child doesn't miss valuable learning time. 

At Highline, everything begins with one question: how do we fulfill our promise to know every student by name, strength and need, so that they graduate prepare for the future they choose?

This promise shapes how we make decisions, how we build relationships and how we show up in our schools. Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran leads with this approach, grounding our work in values that center students.  

We’ve been sharing regular updates on our work to reduce the 2026-27 budget by $8 million while maintaining long-term financial stability. This week, we are focusing on two factors that directly inform those decisions: our latest enrollment data and early insights from the Superintendent’s Advisory Leadership Team.