PASD Staff & Family Newsletter
Updates on our schools and community - December 2024
Dear PASD Families, Staff, and Community Members,
I hope this message finds you well as we approach the winter season. Reflecting on the past year, I am reminded of the incredible strength and resilience within our school community. Together, we’ve faced challenges and celebrated successes, always maintaining a focus on doing what’s best for students.
On November 5, 2024, we witnessed a remarkable display of community support with the approval of our EP&O Levy at 60.78% and our Capital Bond at 63.41%. Thank you for your trust and dedication. These approval rates are a testament to your commitment to creating a brighter future for the youth of Port Angeles.
As superintendent, one of my responsibilities is to monitor the factors that influence our district’s ability to serve our students and support our staff. In the ever-changing landscape of public education funding, it is crucial to remain attuned to both opportunities and challenges that may affect our school district’s financial health. This vigilance allows us to respond thoughtfully and proactively to developments as they arise.
Currently, I am closely monitoring several areas that could impact our district’s future funding, including:
Timber harvest revenues, which have historically been a vital source of funding for our community remain uncertain in the wake of recent scrutiny.
State funding for programs like Transitional Kindergarten continues to be inadequate, with the program’s sustainability subject to funding adjustments during the upcoming legislative session.
Enrollment levels remain below pre-pandemic projections, despite some recent improvements. With state funding tied to the number of students enrolled, fewer kids in Port Angeles schools means less money for our schools from the state.
Expiring federal relief funds (ESSER Funds) have provided necessary counseling, health, and social services supports to students. Despite ongoing student support needs, ESSER funding has ended.
Additionally, like many districts across the state, Port Angeles faces rising operational costs and persistent gaps in state funding for critical services like special education. While the full impact of these issues remains unclear at this time, I am committed to transparency and thoughtful planning as we work together to address them.
As we navigate this landscape together, I am grateful for your trust and partnership. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to supporting our students and advancing our shared vision for their success.
With Gratitude,
Martin Brewer
November was Native American Heritage Month, a celebration of the culture and traditions of Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. At PASD, we take pride in our partnership with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, which remained at the core of our celebrations.
On Thursday, November 10, the Board of Directors held the annual Board meeting with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Council to celebrate our 26th year of government-to-government partnership.
The Port Angeles School District and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe have shared a powerful partnership rooted in mutual respect, cultural preservation, and education. This relationship has blossomed into a unique opportunity for our students: Klallam language classes at both the middle and high school levels.
These classes serve as more than just a means of learning a language–they are a gateway to understanding and embracing the history, traditions, and perspectives of the Klallam people. By participating in this program, students gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant culture of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe while contributing to the preservation of a language that carries centuries of wisdom and storytelling.
This program’s inception marked a pivotal moment in fostering a connection between the district and the Tribe. Today, the Klallam language classes continue to inspire students and staff, showcasing the power of collaboration and shared purpose in education.
The Port Angeles School District remains committed to honoring this relationship and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn from and about the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. The ongoing success of the Klallam language classes is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our shared vision for cultural enrichment and academic excellence.
The Board and Tribal Council also heard from principals and Native American education advocates who are on the front lines, assisting and guiding Native American students so they can be successful in lifelong learning in an ever-changing world. They shared pivotal data and remarkable stories of their work throughout the district.
Our collaboration with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is a growing partnership, more than 26 years strong. This government-to-government relationship is unique and leads by example to other school districts by teaching the local Native American Indigenous Indian language and culture. We are deeply grateful to the Tribe for their time and willingness to strengthen our government-to-government relationship!
