Dear Edmonds School District Students, Families, Staff & Community,
We are excited to kick-off the 2018-2019 School Year! 
We chose a theme to kick off the school year and our work ahead - “Building Bright Futures.” We are committed to building strong foundations of success for each and every one of the 20,524 students who will be coming through our doors.
We have identified 10 Essential Tools in our “tool box” to ensure we are the best school district we can be. These tools include: (1) Our Team – hiring, taking care of and retaining the best; (2) Safe & Caring Environment; (3) Clarity of Mission & Focus – Our Students; (4) Equity In All We Think, Say and Do; (5) Clarity of Direction; (6) Family & Community Engagement; (7) High Performing Teams; (8) Stewardship; (9) Continuous Improvement; and, (10) Enjoy the Journey & Celebrate the Progress. We look forward to further discussing how these tools are essential to our success.
In late September or early October, we will be launching a process to update our strategic direction work and adding critical strategic planning components with goals and objectives. We are naming this work, Blueprint 2025. We will be engaging our staff, families, and entire community in helping us to set these important goals for the next five to seven years. Please watch for opportunities to make sure your voice is heard.
We are entering an unprecedented time in public education in the State of Washington. We have a whole new funding system as well as a new school and district accountability system. We are working hard to respond to these significant changes and look forward to discussing the impacts and next steps with you over the coming months.
We have an amazing team of dedicated professionals committed to “Building Bright Futures” for each and every student we serve. Together with our families and community support, we are building the best school system in the State of Washington (and I would add the entire Country).
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your superintendent. Here’s to a bright and productive ’18-’19 School Year!
With highest regard,
~ Kris
Dr. Kristine McDuffy
Superintendent