End-of-year reflections and gratitude from OISD superintendent

||| FROM ERIC WEBB for ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT |||

As we wrap up the 2024–25 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made together. This year has been filled with growth, creativity, and perseverance. Across every grade level, our students have thrived—thanks to your unwavering support, innovative spirit, and shared commitment to fostering learning environments where every child can succeed!

From academic achievements and artistic expression to athletic milestones and meaningful community engagement, our schools have never been more vibrant.

Celebrating Our Students

The final weeks of the school year have been filled with energy and excitement, and our students rose to the occasion with dedication and heart. They prepared for and completed Advanced Placement Exams and the WA SmarterBalanced Assessments. At the same time, they brought their talents to the stage in our District-Wide Art Show at the Orcas Center, participated in a Strings and Band Experience at Disneyland, and shined in concerts, competitions, and performances.

Our spring athletes represented Orcas with pride in softball, baseball, track, and golf—earning league titles, postseason honors, and even a state championship! Students also welcomed visiting authors, cultivated the school garden, published the Viking Voice Newspaper, applied for scholarships, completed senior projects, and participated in two memorable graduation ceremonies.

Our students are curious, compassionate, and engaged learners who are developing into creative thinkers, problem solvers, and active contributors to our community!

Honoring Our Staff

We are proud to share that Orcas Island Middle School has been recognized by the Washington State School Recognition Program for outstanding performance—specifically in academic growth for English learners. This honor reflects the culmination of dedication, expertise, and teamwork of our incredible K-12 staff over the years!

Each day, I witness the unwavering commitment and dedication of OISD staff. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or behind the scenes, their efforts leave a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our learners.

A heartfelt appreciation goes out to our retiring staff members: Val Hellar, Mathew Chasanoff, Martha Inch, and Brett McFarland. Collectively, these career educators have graced OISD students and staff with 115 years of service! Their wisdom, nurturing, and spirit for teaching will be deeply missed, and we are truly grateful to each of them for their legacy of excellence.

District Highlights

PSE Collective Bargaining Agreement

Earlier this spring, OISD and the Public School Employees (PSE) union reached a fair and forward-looking agreement. Together, we restructured the salary schedule to reduce steps from 26 to 16, doubled VEBA contributions, and improved compensation in a sustainable way. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to valuing the contributions of our classified staff.

OEA MOU on Remote Work

We also reached a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Orcas Education Association (OEA), supporting our OASIS Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) program (pending School Board approval). This agreement allows for fully remote instruction, paving the way for increased flexibility, expanded access, and enriched learning opportunities for students who benefit from a personalized pathway to education.

Paraeducator Mentor Program

In 2025–26, we will launch a Paraeducator Mentor Program to support and grow our talented educational team. First-year paraeducators will receive mentorship aligned with the state’s Fundamental Course of Study (FCS), while experienced staff will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills. This program reflects our investment in professional growth and internal career pathways.

Capital Project Levy – November 2025

This fall, the district will place a Capital Project Levy on the ballot to fund critical site improvements that support safety, accessibility, and infrastructure needs. Key projects include:

• Resurfacing roads and parking lots with ADA upgrades
• Expanded sidewalks and safe walking routes
• Energy-efficient lighting in parking areas
• Utility upgrades for future-ready facilities
• Athletic space improvements and Waldron site upgrades

These upgrades are vital to maintaining safe and welcoming campuses that support long-term student success!

Thank You, Orcas Island

As we head into summer, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Orcas Island community. Your ongoing support—whether through individual contributions, booster clubs, advocacy, volunteering, or organizations like OIEF and OICF—makes an extraordinary difference!

In a time when state funding continues to fall short, your dedication to public education allows us to provide the robust programs and meaningful experiences our students deserve. Your belief in our schools fuels everything we do—from academics and the arts, to athletics, and student wellness.

Please join us for an End-of-Year Celebration hosted in partnership with the Funhouse this Friday from Noon–4p.m. at the Village Green. We’d love to see you there as we celebrate another fantastic year!

Wishing you and your family a safe, relaxing, and joy-filled summer. We look forward to welcoming students back in September!