News

In this episode of The Promise Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran sits down with former Highline Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield for a conversation rooted in leadership, gratitude and service to students.

Inclusion means every student learns and belongs with peers, supported in the least restrictive environment. On January 15, educators gathered for our Staff Inclusion Series to learn about neurodiversity and identify strategies for better support and family partnership.

This week, we celebrate School Counseling Week 2026, recognizing all the Highline counselors who support students academically, socially, and emotionally every day.

Black History Month is a time to honor the past, recognize the present and look ahead. It began as a way to ensure Black history was taught, shared and remembered. Today, it is also about listening, especially to the voices helping shape our future.

Black history is not only about the past. It is part of the present and the future our students are shaping. This year marks 100 years of national Black history commemorations, reminding us why these stories matter and why they should continue to be shared.

Every day, students walk to and from school, their bus stops, or just around the neighborhood. Reminding your kids about these safe walking tips helps keep them safe.

In Episode three of The Promise Podcast, Juan sits down with Superintendent Ivan Duran to reflect on his journey from student to staff member. He shares how family sacrifice shaped his path, what it meant to navigate college as a first-generation college student and why coming home to work in Highline matters.

All 300 ninth grade students at Evergreen High School spent four weeks exploring climate solutions through an integrated project in Algebra, Biology and Contemporary Global Issues (CGI).

From marine science and welding to health care, aviation, culinary arts, virtual learning, and college-prep academics, Schools of Choice give students opportunities to find the environment that fits their interests, strengths, and goals — and prepares them for what comes next. 

Highline expects student enrollment to remain steady for the 2026-27 school year, with growth projected later in the decade as new housing developments within district boundaries are completed and occupied.

In Highline, we teach comprehensive sexual health education in alignment with state law and district policy.  FLASH is our board-adopted curriculum that meets state requirements for sexual health education, which is taught in grades 4-12. This year, we are offering a drop-in style event on February 10 to provide families with more flexibility and time for individual questions and conversation. Families are welcome to stop by at any point during the event window to review curriculum materials, ask questions and connect directly with staff.

The Tyee High School Health Professionals Program introduces students to health care careers through hands-on learning and partnerships with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, enabling exploration, mentorship, and clinical training.

We are refining how we implement and measure progress on our strategic plan while developing the 2026–27 budget, which includes $8 million in reductions. Share your input through ThoughtExchange by February 13 to help clarify priorities, guide implementation, and align resources. Join online or at in-person sessions.
 

We are redesigning secondary schools to ensure every student is Future Ready. Informed by 2023–24 community feedback, our focus is on real-world relevance and instructional rigor. High schools are putting plans into action, while middle schools like Sylvester are introducing career-focused courses. Learn more about our K–12 redesign work.

Highline has identified $1.83 million in initial budget reductions for the 2026–27 school year as part of an $8 million reduction plan. These first steps focus on leadership actions and central office efficiencies, with more decisions ahead.

We are updating how we carry out and measure progress on our strategic plan, while keeping our goals in place. As we plan for a reduced budget, we invite families and students to join engagement sessions on January 20, February 3, and February 9 to share feedback and help guide our path forward.
 

Highline students are growing as readers, problem-solvers, collaborators and leaders. The 2024-25 annual report shows what that growth looks like in real classrooms, and how it happens when students are known by name, strength and need. 

We’re excited to welcome students and families back after winter break. Winter brings colder weather—and with it, colds, flu and other seasonal illnesses. Staying healthy helps students stay engaged in school, and every day of learning builds confidence, connection and progress.

At Highline, we’re building systems that help every student succeed, whether they need extra help, a challenge or individualized care. That includes how we support students' health and wellbeing during the school day.  This year, the Health Services Department is taking an intentional, data-informed approach to how school nurse offices operate.

January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to recognize the dedication of our school board members. Their leadership shapes the future of Highline Public Schools and supports every student’s success.

In recent weeks, a handful of safety incidents at our schools have received significant attention in local media and on social media. We know these situations can be unsettling, and we want to share more about how and why we communicate the way we do during an emergency.

We know there are rumors circulating on social media about a threat against Cascade Middle School. Our Community Safety Department was notified about the threats on Wednesday. They immediately began investigating and notified local l law enforcement. It was determined that the threat was not credible.  

Students who read with confidence can learn new ideas faster, participate more fully in class, and express themselves with greater ease. This year’s work across Highline centers on helping every student in every grade build strong reading, writing and language skills.  Here’s an update on how schools are helping students become stronger readers, writers and communicators this year. 

We are urging state lawmakers to take meaningful action on literacy, special education funding, transportation, operating costs and school facilities. With minimal progress in the 2025 session and a short session ahead, we are joining districts statewide in calling for targeted investments where they matter most. To maintain long-term stability amid rising costs and insufficient state funding, Highline will reduce its budget by about $8 million for 2026–27 so we can stay focused on students and learning.

Highline Public Schools stands with our Somali and Afghan students, families, staff, and all immigrant communities. Recent remarks from the federal administration have caused pain and fear in our community, and we want to say clearly: you are welcome, you are valued, and you belong in Highline.