Dear Friday Harbor community,

At a recent Washington State School Directors’ Association conference, our board of directors and I heard a quote by Alvin Toffler that has stayed with me: “The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” In today’s world, where technology, careers, and opportunities shift so quickly, our students need more than just knowledge. They need adaptability, curiosity, and the confidence to rethink, reshape, and try again. I am proud to say that across our district, from kindergarten to high school, I see those qualities growing every day.

I have always been impressed with the academic rigor and opportunities students receive in this district. The entire system prepares each student for successful post-secondary education or career endeavors. And yet, as society changes, especially since 2020, the needs of the students change, and we must meet them where they are. San Juan Island School District continually self-reflects, so consistent improvement is the norm. We will always maintain our commitment to academic rigor while also ensuring every graduate develops the adaptable skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.

I write this with confidence during this holiday season because I have observed the 800 students in our schools learning, growing, and thriving each day. There is much to be proud of.

Earlier this year, our STEM center received national recognition for excellence. This is a place where students move past preconceptions and discover what is truly possible. This exceptional work led to instructor Sam Garson and the team winning a $50,000 award from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. They were praised for their dedication to fostering creativity, promoting hands-on learning, and delivering forward-thinking instruction.

Excellence is evident across our entire district. Our Early Learning Center is completely full with 30 students enrolled, and Griffin Bay School continues to grow. This success extends to our remote and rural school on Stuart Island, which always impresses me. A perfect example of this spirit occurred on December 3rd, when two board members and I attended their school holiday program. The students’ impressive presentation made my day as Superintendent truly enjoyable. Furthermore, meeting and speaking with various community members who attended the celebration underscored the deep pride they hold for the school. It was abundantly clear that there, just as in Friday Harbor and other rural areas, the school is the lifeblood of the community.

I am also pleased to share that we were awarded a $150,000 emergency repair grant from the State to replace the aging heat pumps in the elementary school. This equipment had been in service for decades. The upgrade will make a meaningful difference in comfort for our youngest learners.

We will continue to make improvements to the facilities. The recently remodeled exterior of the high school, as everyone sees, looks beautiful. We will be going out to bid early in the new year for the middle school siding project scheduled for completion before school starts in the fall of 2026. Additional projects on the levy campaign list are scheduled for next summer as well.

In February, San Juan Island School District will bring forward the renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy. This levy funds essential services and critical student supports, including maintaining reasonable class sizes; providing nursing, counseling, and special education; and supporting programs in art, music, drama, and STEM. The current levy is over 17% of our annual budget and directly impacts the operations necessary to run a high-performing school district. It is important to note that this is a renewal – we are not asking for more than the authority you approved four years ago. For more information, please visit our website, where an FAQ provides detailed explanations of the specific details.

I cannot thank you enough for your ongoing support of the San Juan Island School District. You truly are a community that invests in young people, and we are all better for it.

Over the next two months, there are band concerts, athletic contests, and the high school production of the musical Legally Blonde Jr. Come out and see these amazing students in action. You will be impressed as well as proud.

Happy Holidays from all of us at San Juan Island School District.

Fred Woods

Superintendent

San Juan Island School District