As I wrapped up my first 100 days serving Bremerton just before winter break, I took time to reflect on what I’ve learned, what I’ve heard from our community, and where we’re headed together. Now, as we close the first month of 2026, I remain grateful for the openness, care, and commitment to students that I see across our schools and neighborhoods. If you’re interested in reading more about those reflections and early priorities, you can find them here: 100-Day Plan: Reflection.

Ballots for the upcoming school levy have already arrived in mailboxes, and we encourage everyone to vote by February 10. This levy directly supports the day-to-day learning environment for students, including staffing, safety, and essential programs that are not fully funded by the state. If you’d like to learn more about what the levy supports, please visit: BSD Levy Information.

With spring just around the corner, I’m energized by the momentum across our schools and grateful for the partnership of our community as we keep moving this work forward together.

With gratitude

Dr. Slade McSheehy

Superintendent

January is School Board Appreciation Month! We are so fortunate to have five dedicated school board directors and two student representatives who generously give their time and leadership in service of our students, staff, and community. Thank you for all you do!

We highlighted each board member on Facebook and Instagram this month, and Dr. McSheehy submitted a Letter to the Editor in the Kitsap Sun to thank our board for School Board Appreciation Month and celebrate their Board of Distinction recognition!

If you’ve ever wondered why school districts talk about levies so often, you’re not alone. The short answer is that while the state funds “basic education,” that funding doesn’t cover everything it actually takes to run schools. That’s why nearly every school district in Washington — about 290 out of 295 — relies on local levy dollars to help fill the gap between state funding and real-world costs.

Here in Bremerton, about 15 percent of the district’s operating budget comes from the EP&O levy. Those funds help support many of the people, programs, and services families see in schools every day.

School districts across the state face significant challenges paying for basic materials, supplies, and operating costs- often referred to as MSOCs. These are the everyday expenses of running schools, like paper, classroom supplies, utilities, insurance, and other essentials. In Bremerton, the levy helps close a shortfall of more than $4 million in these costs as state funding does not fully cover these costs. 

Districts do not receive any funding from the state for middle and high school athletics or extracurricular clubs or activities. In Bremerton, the levy covers 100 percent of the athletic budget, including transportation to games, coach stipends, uniforms, and required safety equipment such as helmets.

The District is hosting three community information sessions where residents can learn more about the EP&O Levy and ask questions. Whether you’re deeply familiar with school funding or just starting to learn how it works, these sessions are an opportunity to better understand how local schools are funded and what this levy supports. We hope to see you there.

We invite you to check out the recent article about the Levy in the Kitsap Sun:

Earlier this month, View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy students honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a whole-school, peaceful march to Armin Jahr Elementary (AJ) for a joint MLK assembly at the East Bremerton Community Gym (and part of the AJ Interim campus). Older students created signs and helped lead the march, modeling Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolence, unity, and standing up for what is right.

The Districtwide HVAC Upgrade team has completed the Phase 1 MACC and has issued the work out to bid. This includes Naval Avenue Elementary, Crownhill Elementary, and Kitsap Lake Elementary. With the award of an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) grant from OSPI, we are procuring that as a separate project. 

Schematic design for the new Consolidated Facilities building is complete and approved by the board. The team has kicked-off site and room-by-room reviews with key stakeholder groups as the design is refined to meet the needs of all three departments (transportation, facilities/grounds and technology) that will be housed in the new facility.

We’re gathering feedback and building out our plan for furniture and equipment while solidifying our utilities distribution plan for the new building.

Korsmo Construction, TCF Architecture, and Consertus jointly held a holiday drive to benefit Armin Jahr and View Ridge schools, by collecting donations of winter jackets, hats, and gloves. Donations were distributed to both schools prior to winter break.

January was a jam-packed and exciting meeting with students and volunteers from the Naval Avenue Garden Club (photo, right)! Students provided the board with a demonstration and gifts for Board Recognition Month!

Superintendent McSheehy also recognized the School Board for School Board Appreciation Month, and expressed appreciation to the school board for selflessly give their time and energy in support of our district.

Mountain View Middle School Athletics Coordinator Jared Gervais joined the meeting along with student athletes to present highlights from the Fall and Winter Sports seasons (photo, left).

The following policy was presented for a first read and approved:

• Policy 6220- Bid or Request for Proposal Support

• Policy 3205P Sexual Assault of Students Prohibited

• January 2026 Enrollment Report
• Bond Program Update

• November- 2025/2026 General Fund Budget Status Report

• December 2025/2026 General Fund Budget Status Report

Join us in-person or online!

Questions about board highlights or the board website "Community?" Please contact marlaina.simmons@bremertonschools.org.

See the all-athletics schedule and buy tickets to athletic events at BremertonKnights.org!

Email: communications@bremertonschools.org
Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Location: 134 Marion Avenue North, Bremerton, WA, USA
Phone: 360-473-1000

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