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Dear Enumclaw School District Community,
Building for the Future: A Creative Path Forward for Our Growing Community
This week, our Board of Directors reflected on the importance of keeping promises to our community, ensuring every child in the Enumclaw School District has access to learning environments that foster growth and belonging.
During a recent meeting, the Board received an update on the potential construction of a new elementary school in Ten Trails, the rapidly growing neighborhood in the northwest corner of our district. Thanks to the foresight of a former superintendent and board members who secured land for future schools, our current leaders now have the extraordinary opportunity to make this project possible without adding financial burden to district taxpayers, a rare accomplishment among Washington school districts.
It should also be mentioned that in the Spring of 2025, the Board took proactive steps to refinance the 2015 Bond, saving local taxpayers $3.36 million.
These achievements and ongoing efforts reflect the creativity, collaboration, and commitment of our school board and district. As superintendent, I am proud to celebrate the forward-thinking leadership that continues to shape our district’s bright future, one that balances innovation, fiscal responsibility, and educational excellence for the benefit of all students.
With Sincere Appreciation,
Shaun
Oakpointe Negotiations Recap
The District was approached by Oakpointe (Developer in Black Diamond/Ten Trails) in the Fall of 2023 to share their concerns about the District’s bond failure and the need to build a school in Ten Trails.
The district and Oakpointe agreed to partner in our efforts to explore creative/alternative funding solutions for building a school that would not require a bond or levy.
As recommended by the citizens’ advisory committee, ESD has continued negotiations with Oakpointe to explore the sale of a district asset within the development area, in combination with future mitigation fees, to finance the construction of a new elementary school in Ten Trails.
To ensure the project’s viability, the School Board authorized a feasibility study to confirm financial and construction assumptions. The study concluded that the project is feasible and aligns with district needs.
Enumclaw School District continues to make steady progress in its negotiations with the City of Black Diamond and Oakpointe to amend the Comprehensive School Mitigation Agreement. This proposed amendment represents an exciting opportunity made possible by the foresight of previous Enumclaw School District Boards and administrators who ensured that future school sites were included in the original agreement. That early planning now allows the district to pursue an innovative and fiscally responsible pathway toward constructing a new elementary school within the Ten Trails community.
It is important for our community to understand that the developer would not be “building a school for the district” or simply “providing funding for construction.” The district would fund this project by releasing its interest in a district asset, specifically, in the larger school site included in the existing agreement, in exchange for $40 million. In addition, the developer would finance up to $25 million, which will be repaid through mitigation fees owed to the district from the developer.
This would provide a secure and predictable funding model that preserves local control and avoids new taxpayer funding. The next step will be a formal review and agreement among all three parties, including the school district, the City of Black Diamond, and Oakpointe. Once that occurs, the proposed amendment will be presented to the Enumclaw School Board for consideration at an upcoming regular board meeting.
Learn more on our website: https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/news
10/14: Enumclaw Hish School Choir Concert 7:00 PM, EHS Auditorium
10/16: Homecoming Football Game 7:00 PM, Enumclaw Stadium (Pete's Pool)
View the EHS Homecoming Newsletter
10/17: Friday Early Release
10/17: Homecoming Parade 4:00PM, Cole Street, Downtown Enumclaw
10/21: DATE CHANGED FROM 10/20 to 10/21! School Board Meeting, 6:30 PM District Office
View all district and school events on our website
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
We all can take part in making our community a safer and more supportive place for everyone. Learn more about how to prevent, identify, and stop bullying at StopBullying.gov
Disability History Month
Approximately one in five people in the United States lives with a disability. In Washington State, October is Disability History Month and a perfect time to learn more about the Disability Rights Movement, its challenges and triumphs, and expand our understanding of history to include those with disabilities. Visit https://www.aapd.com/movement/ to learn more.
Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)
September 15th to October 15th is a time to honor the rich history, culture, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.
ESD encourages you to explore the art, enjoy the cuisine, dive into the literature, and learn the stories of Hispanic and Latino Americans with roots in Latin American countries and cultures.
October 13, 2025, is Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Celebrated annually on the second Monday of October, this day is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, traditions, and ongoing contributions of Native peoples—both past and present.
As a school community, we are committed to fostering respect, inclusion, and learning about the diverse cultures that shape our shared story.
National Principals Month
Happy National Principals Month! Join us in sending a huge thank you to all nine of ESD's incredible principals who lead with dedication and inspire students daily. A principal's impact is invaluable!
To learn more about how you can celebrate and honor your students' principals, visit principalsmonth.org.
Our Report to the Community publication celebrates success beyond what is measured on the state report card, providing taxpayers with a transparent and comprehensive view of the District's impact and commitments to families and students.
Our Spring/Summer Digital Edition is available now
View previous editions on our website: https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/page/report-to-the-community
Our next Regular Board Meeting is Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
You will find the Agenda posted 48 hours prior to the meeting on our School Board web page.
Visit the Safety Study Hall website, a place for schools,
students, and families to learn about safety topics.
Enumclaw School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 RCW Officer,
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Stephanie Berryhill
2929 McDougall Ave.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360.802.7113
stephanie_berryhill@enumclaw.wednet.edu
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Carolyne Zieske
2929 McDougall Ave.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360.802.7104
carolyne_zieske@enumclaw.wednet.edu