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Meaningful Evaluation of the Superintendent Matters...
Anniece BarkerFebruary 2026
 
Each year the School Board is tasked with establishing "performance criteria and an evaluation process for its superintendent…” (RCW 28A.150.230, District school directors’ responsibilities). Historically, this has been done by using the Washington Standards-Based Superintendent Framework to look at the superintendent’s overall performance at the end of the school year. However, over the past two years, the Board has been honing this process to be more meaningful and goal-oriented.
 
This year, the Board agreed to evaluate the work and progress of the superintendent by utilizing the three goal-initiatives of the Board-Superintendent Team (BST) carried over from the previous year, in addition to two Framework Standards, which align with the district's Strategic Plan.
Initiative 1: Academic Achievement
Initiative 2: Fiscal Accountability & Budget Oversight
Initiative 3: Implement Strategic Plan
Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Standard 4: Community of Care and Support for Students
 
At a special board meeting on August 20, 2025, the Board and Superintendent Team (BST) came together to thoughtfully develop a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each of the initiatives that will guide the superintendent’s evaluation. These KPIs were intentionally designed to be measurable, trackable and grounded in data. It is important to both the Board and the superintendent that progress toward our district’s goals is clear, transparent and supported by meaningful evidence.
 
To further strengthen this process, the Board established an annual executive session in mid-January to specifically review the superintendent’s progress on the three district initiatives. This mid-year conversation allowed the Board to reflect on measurable progress prior to the February 1 superintendent contract renewal deadline, with final evaluation and action to be taken in June each year. The Board views this January review as an opportunity to thoughtfully assess implementation and growth, while the end-of-year evaluation will provide a broader look at overall progress on both district initiatives and professional standards.
 
The superintendent evaluation process has given our board a meaningful opportunity to see the district initiatives in action and in process, which has strengthened the BST as well as provided another opportunity for transparency and accountability to the community. We can track progress toward our goals and see if our initiatives are providing the desired outcomes of our ultimate goalstudent success.
 
To view  the 2025-2026 BST goals and mid-year evaluation follow the links below.:

Anniece Barker

2026 School Board Vice President

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Growing Programs While Providing Relief for Central Valley Families...

Stephanie Jerdon, PresidentJanuary 2026

 

Anyone fortunate enough to enjoy the plethora of student music, drama, and art events showcased before winter break can see how Central Valley School District programs have been blossoming. Backed and driven by dedicated staff and volunteers, recent highlights include thriving high school theatre programs, fifth grade strings programs bursting with new students across the learning communities, as well as choral groups at all school levels exceeding participation estimates.

 

With careful budgeting and a growing fund balance, coupled with support from our local levies, the district budget is in a healthier place than it was three years ago, as shown in the 2024-2025 budget update. Therefore, one way the Board has attempted to elevate student opportunities and bring added financial relief to families is by adjusting the 2025-2026 student fees schedule.

 

At the request of the School Board, the district finance team set out to make costs associated with activities consistent across schools, as well as budget a plan to reduce participation fees for this school year. While there is always an option to waive fees for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, these investments of funding benefit all families. The scaled reductions include lowering high school and middle school athletics participation fees and marching band uniform fees, while waiving instrument fees and class supply fees for fine arts classes.

 

In addition, the 2025-2026 budget includes targeted investments to offset other participation-related costs. This includes $25,000 per high school ($75,000 total districtwide) to support performing arts travel-related expenses, continuing the $25,000 per high school investment that began in 2024-2025. The budget also includes $45,000 in 2025-2026 to help offset uniform rotation costs for both performing arts and athletics, with this investment increasing to up to $90,000 in 2026–2027.

 

The business services team will continue to monitor and assess the impact of these changes, and then the Board will consider similar adjustments within the scope of next year’s budgeting possibilities. In the meantime, the Board has been excited to offer these changes to students and their families for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

As a School Board, we see how important the arts are to students and their families, and believe every student should have the ability to participate, regardless of financial background. We stand with our community in fostering and promoting these beloved and enriching opportunities for student growth. Our levies allow us to continue making them possible. 

 

Thank you for your ongoing support!

 

Stephanie Jerdon

2026 School Board President

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