Victoria Blakeney

The Washington State Patrol Strategic Plan for 2026-2032 serves as a guiding compass for the agency, defining its identity, purpose, and future direction. Developed with comprehensive input, the plan articulates specific goals and strategies, grounded in the organization's mission, vision, and core values. It aims to enhance public safety for the residents of Washington by fostering a shared direction, promoting accountability, service, and innovation, and providing clarity for decision-making and priority setting to ensure forward movement with unity and purpose.

This document outlines the 'Growing Renton Educators to Accelerate Teaching (GREAT)' program, an initiative by the Renton School District. The program details university partnerships and application processes for the 2026-27 school year, aiming to support current paraeducators in obtaining teacher certification. Key aspects include eligibility criteria for RSD paraeducators focusing on high-needs areas, program duration typically 1-2 years, comprehensive funding opportunities through grants and scholarships, and a guaranteed three-year teaching position within the district upon successful program completion.

The meeting of the District Instructional Materials Committee (DIMC) focused on new course proposals. One pilot course, "MS Visual Communications" for grades 7-8 in CTE (Vocational) subject area, was presented for consideration. Discussions included the structure allowing students to take individual trimesters, planned interdisciplinary connections with science teachers, and ensuring content alignment with high school courses, specifically regarding Adobe learning readiness. The proposal was approved with a 17-0-0 vote. The committee noted that the next scheduled meeting in April 2026 might be cancelled, and the Spanish Curriculum Adoption Committee is scheduled to present in May 2026.

The meeting began with a review of the council's function, emphasizing its role in reviewing technology decisions aligned with district core values and the strategic framework. Key discussion points for the 2025-2026 focus areas were established, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) for learning (in partnership with PlayLab), Cell Phone Guidance Implementation evaluation, Digital Citizenship support, and identifying new staff devices for refresh. An update on the Technology Levy Annual presentation to the Board of Directors was shared, highlighting positive engagement from staff in the PlayLab AI Learning professional development sessions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing data and gathering detailed feedback on the implementation of the Cell Phone Guidance across secondary schools, including reviewing pouch usage statistics and planning outreach via surveys to students, families, and staff to refine the guidance.

The Renton School District's Strategic Framework for 2025-2026 aims for each student to graduate with options and be prepared for full participation in democracy, guided by core values of service, excellence, and equity. Key priorities include enhancing family and community engagement, fostering excellence in learning and teaching through improved K-2 literacy, 3-8 mathematics skills, and 9th-grade success strategies, and removing barriers by supporting students' social-emotional needs and engaging secondary students in extracurricular activities.