Walla Walla Sch. Dist.

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News Release

Walla Walla Public Schools Board Of Directors Regular Business Meeting: February 18, 2025 -02/14/25

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

Annual Tax Statements Show District Continues To Maintain One Of The Region's Lowest School Tax Rates -02/12/25


WALLA WALLA - This week, the Walla Walla County Assessor's Office is mailing tax statements to residents, providing a breakdown of local taxes levied for the 2025 tax year. All taxpayers within the Walla Walla Public Schools boundaries are assessed the same school levy rates, which are categorized into five line items: State School, State School Part 2, SD #140 General, SD #140 Bond, and SD #140 Capital.
 
The total school tax rate for 2025 is $6.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Approximately 40 percent of that rate is levied by the state legislature, and used to fund the state's Basic Education program statewide. The remaining amount, consisting of local voter-approved bonds and levies, remain in the community and fund specific facility and learning programs.
 
"Our dedicated school board continues to work hard, balancing the need to preserve our community's facilities and student access to programming, while at the same time working to minimize the impact to local taxpayers," said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. 

 

Walla Walla Public Schools combined educational tax rates remain among the lowest in the region.
 
"Last year, voters approved the historic Capital Levy set to improve outdoor athletic and activity facilities across numerous campuses," noted Smith. "We are pleased to report that many of these projects are already completed and in use by district students. While the voter-approved capital levy temporarily increases tax rates for six years, the district has also fulfilled its 2018 bond commitments, and in just seven years the bond tax rate has decreased by 45 cents per $1,000."
 
Additionally, voters approved the renewal of the Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy, also known as the "Learning Levy." This levy, which requires reauthorization every four years, helps fund essential programs not covered by the state's Basic Education program. These include advanced and honors classes, athletics and activities, music, school safety, Driver's Education, and salaries for dozens of teachers, support staff and coaches.
 
"We are deeply grateful to our community for its continued support of local schools as we work together toward our vision of Developing Washington's Most Sought-After Graduates," said Superintendent Smith. "As a community, we can take pride in knowing we are investing in the success of our future leaders and that our school board continues to carefully safeguard its resources through pragmatic and transparent leadership."
 
To learn more about Annual School Taxes for 2025, click HERE -- https://www.wwps.org/district/annual-school-tax-summary

Walla Walla Public Schools Board Of Directors Regular Study Meeting: February 4, 2025 -01/31/25

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedul

 

Amy Ford Named Principal Of Berney Elementary (Photo) -01/24/25

WALLA WALLA, WA -- Walla Walla Public Schools is proud to announce that Amy Ford, a longtime educator and current Assistant Principal at Green Park Elementary, has been named Principal of Berney Elementary. Ford will officially begin her new role on July 1, following the upcoming departure of Principal Sarah Glover, who is relocating back to Spokane.

 

Ford's career in education spans an impressive 22 years, all within the Walla Walla School District. Her journey began as a fifth-grade teacher at Berney Elementary and evolved to include roles as a reading specialist at Edison Elementary and as Director of Walla Walla Online. In 2022, Ford was tapped to serve as Assistant Principal at Green Park Elementary.

 

"I have loved my time at Green Park, where I've developed a deep appreciation for the school's strong sense of community, its incredible students, and supportive families," said Ford. "I'm thrilled to now return to Berney Elementary as Principal, and I look forward to fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment for students and staff alike."

 

Throughout her career, Ford has been driven by a commitment to empowering teachers, supporting students' academic and social-emotional growth, and building strong relationships with families. "When teachers feel appreciated and supported, and when students feel valued and connected, amazing things happen in the classroom," Ford explained.

 

A native of Milton-Freewater, Ford holds a Bachelor's in Communication and a Master's in Education from Portland State University, as well as a Principal Certification from Eastern Washington University. She is also the proud mother of two teenage daughters who attend Walla Walla High School and are active in dance, cheer, and FFA.

 

When not working, Ford enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, golfing, and visiting Joseph, Oregon--one of her favorite destinations.

 

Bailey Hayes, who currently serves as an assistant principal, split between Prospect Point Elementary and Edison Elementary, will assume Ford's full-time position at Green Park next year.

 

The Walla Walla School District is excited to welcome Amy Ford into her new leadership role and is confident she will continue to inspire excellence and foster community at Berney Elementary.

 

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Attached Media Files: Amy.jpg,

Walla Walla Public Schools Board Of Directors Special Meeting/School Board Retreat: January 27, 2025 -01/24/25

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

Input Needed! Superintendent Search Survey Now Open -01/23/25

WALLA WALLA - Walla Walla Public Schools is partnering with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to conduct a nationwide search for our next superintendent. This follows the announcement by Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith that he will step down at the end of the school year, effective June 30, 2025.

 

The Superintendent Search process includes multiple opportunities for staff, students, parents, and community members to provide input. The first step is completing a brief survey to share your thoughts on the district's strengths, areas for improvement, and key leadership qualities needed in the next superintendent. HYA will compile this feedback and present it to the school board to inform their decision.

 

Survey Links:

(Survey Deadline: February 6, 2025)

 

Community Meetings

HYA will also host community meetings to share information about the search process and gather additional input. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of our district!

 

Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
  • Time: 5:30 -- 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Walla Walla High School
    • Commons (English)
    • Library (Spanish)

 

We encourage everyone to participate. Together, we can make a difference in finding the best leader for our schools.

 

Visit the district's Superintendent Search website to stay informed about this important process:

 

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