BISD Newsletter - October 24, 2025

Since 2020, the BISD District Improvement Plan (DIP) has served as our district’s North Star—guiding our efforts to strengthen teaching and learning, remove institutional barriers, and create schools where every student feels a true sense of belonging.

A lot has changed since 2020—our community, our world, and the needs of our students have continued to evolve. As we look ahead, it’s time to update and refresh this plan to reflect where we are now and where we want to go next.

We are beginning the process of developing a new BISD Strategic Plan, which will build on the work of the District Improvement Plan while setting clear goals for the next five years. To do this well, we want to hear from you—our families and community partners.

Your perspectives and experiences will help us identify the areas that matter most right now—those that have the greatest impact on student success, well-being, and community connection. Together, we’ll shape the priorities that will guide BISD into the future. The Community Input Survey is in the next section of this newsletter.

A Strategic Planning Steering Committee—made up of staff, families, and community members—will help lead this work, with additional opportunities for students, staff, and the community to share input throughout the process. One of the committee’s first steps will be to review data and community feedback to better understand our strengths, needs, and goals.

Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and help ensure that every BISD student is known, supported, and prepared to thrive beyond school.

With gratitude,

Amii Thompson

Superintendent

Bainbridge Island School District

Bainbridge Island School District is developing its next five-year Strategic Plan — and we want to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete our Community Survey and help shape the future of BISD.

🗓️ Survey closes Friday, October 31 at 5 p.m.

👉 Community Survey

The Bainbridge Island School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Drury to fill the District 2 seat. He was sworn in at a Special Session Board Meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Dr. Drury’s deep connections to Washington and his lifelong commitment to education make him a strong addition to the Board. A longtime educator, he has taught learners at every level—from Head Start to post-doctoral training for psychologists and physicians—and directed the APA-approved Internship Program at the University of Wisconsin/Madison VA. Locally, he has shared his passion for lifelong learning through courses at the Bainbridge Senior/Community Center.

Dr. Drury and his family have strong ties to the Bainbridge community. Both of his daughters attended Washington schools—one now practices dentistry on Bainbridge Island.

Director Evan Saint Clair reflected on the appointment, saying, “Robert’s student-centered perspective and thoughtful responses demonstrated his deep commitment to helping our students grow as creative, critical thinkers who are ready to meet today’s challenges. I look forward to serving alongside Robert on the BISD Board.”

Want to understand what BISD’s Supplemental Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy means for our schools and community? Visit our Levy Information Webpage to get all the details.

Every day in BISD, students are supported by strong academics, creative opportunities, and staff who care for their whole well-being. This levy helps bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to provide the education our community values.

The proposed rate is $0.08 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, $0.11 in 2027, and $0.13 in 2028—and even with this addition, overall school taxes will decrease as older bond taxes expire.

Learn more at www.bisd303.org/levyinfo