PLANNING FOR…As you are likely following in the media, many of our districts have not yet settled their bargaining agreements for the 2018-2019 school year. While we are hoping for positive outcomes, it is likely some districts may not reach agreement before the schedule opening day of school. Our Early Care and Education staff have been working diligently to ensure a solid plan is place to care for children enrolled in our SWCCC Centers. This is a huge undertaking – kudos to ECE managers and staff for their prep work!

COMING UP…Superintendent Merlino and Loy Dale are busy preparing for their annual visit to Washington D.C. to attend the AESA Call to Action Conference and meet with the Congressional delegation from Washington state. They will take forward important initiatives that represent our STEM work, Early Care and Education, Threat Assessment Special Education and Mental Health – all important education challenges and opportunities.

VISITING WITH…The Director (AKA Tim). Tim has just completed his first year visiting with hundreds of staff during the monthly Donuts with the Director. He plans to continue meeting with staff, but to shake things up, rather than inviting staff based on their birthday month, your invitation will arrive based on your work anniversary. We hope you’ll take time to attend these informal conversations with Tim!

WATCH FOR… new signage around the agency! In the coming months, you will see several of our signs being replaced (including our monument sign in the front of the building) with new treatments representing the new ESD 112 brand!

QUICK FACT: Just this summer (since June 1) our HR staff has hired more than 50 new employees!