- From Superintendent Thompson
- Strategic Planning Steering Committee Update
- Supplemental Levy Information
- Mini Benefits Fair Pop-Up & FLU CLINIC
- CTE Highlight: Brat Fest
- SEBB Open Enrollment
- Board Brief
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Since 2020, we have held the BISD District Improvement Plan (DIP) as our North Star, helping our district work toward several goals that we are proud of-striving to eliminate institutional barriers, and adopting more inclusive and representative curricula. However, a great deal has changed since 2020! In fact, it in some ways pre-COVID feels like a lifetime ago. The District Improvement Plan has served a crucial purpose in leading the way as an anti-racist, equity-focused, district of inclusion and belonging. Yet, we know that there is still work to be done, and a continued evolution that needs to occur as we look toward what the next 5 years could look like in the BISD.
Last week, you were sent a brief survey asking for your input on our new Strategic Plan (formerly known as the DIP). As we look ahead to the next chapter of the BISD, we want to learn from your perspective and experiences. Your input will help us identify the areas that feel most urgent and impactful right now — the priorities that deserve focused attention and collaborative action in the years ahead. If you haven't already taken a moment to complete the survey, it is linked in the next section of this newsletter.
Our district recognizes that every idea in this survey represents an essential part of a strong, healthy, and future-ready educational system. Each topic reflects a key element of our collective framework for student success — from high-quality teaching and learning to belonging, well-being, and community partnership.
In order to help with the strategic planning process, I will be facilitating the Strategic Planning Steering Committee composed of staff, families and community members representing varied perspectives across our district. Additionally, there will be ample opportunities for student, staff and community input along the way. One key component of the work of this committee is to understand our current needs and future goals by undergoing a deep analysis of internal and external data. This staff survey (there is a survey for our community and 5-12 students as well) is a part of that analysis, and we truly value what you have to say!
Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and insight as we work together to ensure every student in BISD is known, supported, and prepared to thrive beyond school.
Take care,
Amii
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Staff Survey
Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and insight as we work together to ensure every student in BISD is known, supported, and prepared to thrive beyond school.
Survey will close at 5pm on Friday, October 31st.
Reimagining Together: A New Way to Celebrate Our BISD Community
An exciting outcome of this work will be the creation of a new districtwide award to honor staff, students, and community members for their dedication, innovation, and impact. This new recognition will replace the current BISD STRONG Award and reflect the values that emerge from our Strategic Planning process.
We’d love your input! If you have ideas or inspiration for the direction of this new award, please reach out to your school administrator or Strategic Plan Steering Committee staff representative (see list below) to share your thoughts. Our goal is to announce the new award this winter and celebrate our first recipients this spring.
In the meantime, we’re continuing to celebrate all the incredible work happening every day across BISD:
- Students at the Center: students and groups are being spotlighted at the start of each Board Meeting — recent highlights include the BHS Link Crew and the Woodward Drama Club, both sharing their inspiring stories of leadership and creativity. Please email Bridget Lockett blockett@bisd303.org if you have a student or group to recognize.
- In our staff newsletters, we have started a Staff Spotlight section to recognize colleagues who go above and beyond for our students. Nominate a colleague today and help us continue celebrating the people who make BISD shine!
Committee Representatives
Rachael Reese - District
Janna Cawrse Esarey - District
Sharon Tuiukuafe - BHS
Robyn Stahl - District
Christina Tibbals - Blakely
Heidi Langendorf - Ordway
Kim Kooistra - Woodward
Annie Sitzenstock - Sakai
Jill Queen - x̌alilc (Halilts)
Cliff Lemieux - Commodore
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As you know, BISD has a Supplemental Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy on the November 4, 2025 ballot. This levy helps bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to provide the high-quality education and support our community expects.
Here’s what’s helpful to know and share if families or community members ask:
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Ballots were mailed beginning Oct. 15 and are due by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 4.
- The levy proposal would help maintain essential programs such as nurses, counselors, paraeducators, and student enrichment opportunities.
- 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 retire.
Please direct anyone seeking more information to bisd303.org/levyinfo for FAQs, tax rate comparisons, and recordings of our community info sessions.
We’ll also be hosting a Zoom information session tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.) Zoom Link
Thank you for staying informed and helping our community understand what this levy supports — our students, staff, and programs that make BISD strong.
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Mark your calendar for NEXT Monday! Take care of your health and learn more about your benefits — all in one convenient stop.
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM (come whenever it’s convenient)
Location: BISD Board Room – Commodore Campus (inside the Commodore Gym building between BHS and Commodore)
Cost: Free for all BISD employees, including coaches
Flu Shot Clinic
Provided by Bainbridge Island Community Pharmacy
- Flu shots available to all employees.
- COVID boosters may also be available (please bring your insurance card; availability depends on pharmacy supply).
- No cost to you. If you have insurance, it will be billed directly. If you don’t, BISD will cover the cost.
What to Bring:
- A short-sleeved shirt for easy access to your arm.
- Your health insurance ID card.
- A completed registration form (bring two copies if filled out early; extras will be available).
Flu Shot Tips:
- Get plenty of sleep before and after your vaccination.
- Stay hydrated throughout the weekend and on Monday.
- Consider taking 1–2 ibuprofen a couple of hours before your shot (optional).
- Relax your arm during the shot, then keep it moving afterward to reduce soreness.
- More information
Benefits Fair
While you’re there, visit our mini Benefits Fair and connect with:
- Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
- Corebridge Financial (403b plan)
- VEBA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) – for Administrators, Non-represented, and Certificated staff only
Information will also be available about Premera, Kaiser, and UMP plans (note: representatives from these insurance providers will not be present).
HR staff will be on-site to help employees navigate the Benefits 24/7 platform and answer general benefits questions.
Come for the flu shot—stay for the benefits.
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Last week’s Brat Fest wasn’t just a treat for our staff, it was a showcase of student talent! Our CTE students in Culinary 2 and Culinary 3 prepared brats with scratch-made buns, sauerkraut, and homemade mustard, bringing professional-level skills to the table.
From budgeting and menu planning to customer service and event execution, these students are learning what it takes to thrive in the culinary industry one delicious detail at a time. 👨🍳👩🍳
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SEBB Annual Open Enrollment: October 27, 2025 – November 24, 2025
- Changes made during this period are effective 1/1/26 - 12/31/26.
- You’ll receive multiple email updates throughout the enrollment period.
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Stay informed! For a quick, high-level overview of the most recent school board meeting, check out the Board Brief.
Want to dive deeper? The Board Brief also includes links to past meeting agendas and full recordings.
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Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The BISD provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator:
Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
206-780-1058
khaizlip@bisd303.org
Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services
206-780-1069
asanchez@bisd303.org
Maria Kuffel
206-780-1088
mkuffel@bisd303.org
8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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