Superintendent Message: A Great Start to the School Year

What a great first few days of school. 

Before the first day, I set a goal of visiting all 34 of our schools and spending time with the people who make them special. This week, I had the opportunity to see those schools come alive as students returned to classrooms, reconnected with friends and teachers, and began a new year of learning. Next Tuesday, we’ll welcome some of our youngest learners as our kindergartners begin their first day of school.  

One thing has been clear throughout my visits: people care deeply about students. Our schools are filled with exceptional talent, and the relationships among our students, staff and families are one of our greatest strengths.  

As superintendent, I want those relationships to remain at the center of how we work. Puyallup is a large school district, serving thousands of students and families across 34 schools, but I don’t believe it has to feel like one. Staying connected, listening to one another and making sure families feel welcomed and informed matters to me. 

I’ve talked a lot since arriving in Puyallup about transparency, trust and relationships. Those aren’t just words to me. They are how I intend to lead and how I hope we will work together throughout the year. 

The beginning of school is exciting, but we also know it comes with adjustments. New routines, new teachers, new schedules and sometimes a few bumps along the way. Thank you for your patience, your partnership and, most importantly, for trusting us with your children. 

My visits to our schools won’t end with the start of the school year. I look forward to continuing to be present in our schools, listening and learning from our students, staff and families. 

We have a lot to look forward to this year. I’m grateful to be part of it with you. 

Kevin