To My East Valley Community,
After announcing my plans back in August, I did my best to stay focused on the work and not on the fact this would be my final year in P–12 public education. The month of June made that impossible. Packing up my belongings and preparing for my official exit at the end of the month has brought the reality into sharp focus. Though I am experiencing many emotions, my headspace is primarily filled with a deep sense of peace.
Serving in East Valley the past five years has been the greatest honor of my 33‑year career. Stepping away was not an easy decision, however, it was the right one for my family—especially for (and with) my bride, Tricia. I want to acknowledge her and our children, Colton, KayLeigh, and Kyler; their support and understanding made it possible for me to lead with full commitment.
I’ve had the privilege of serving as superintendent in three remarkable districts; however, it has been some time since I’ve experienced the level of connection, pride, and true community that exists here in East Valley. This place is special because the people here are special.
To our students—you are the reason we do this work. Your reliance, curiosity, and spirit inspire us daily.
To our educators—you are the heartbeat of this district. Your grit and dedication to/for kids and to one another is unmatched.
To our families and community partners—your trust, advocacy, and belief in our students make all the difference. We can't do it without you
To our Board - thank you for maintaining your focus on best outcomes for all students and for leading with heart.
Together, we are East Valley!
Thank you for welcoming me, for your partnership, and for reminding me what it feels like to belong. I look forward to continuing to live, serve, and cheer alongside you - Once a Knight, always a Knight!
With love and gratitude,
Brian L Talbott
After announcing my plans back in August, I did my best to stay focused on the work and not on the fact this would be my final year in P–12 public education. The month of June made that impossible. Packing up my belongings and preparing for my official exit at the end of the month has brought the reality into sharp focus. Though I am experiencing many emotions, my headspace is primarily filled with a deep sense of peace.
Serving in East Valley the past five years has been the greatest honor of my 33‑year career. Stepping away was not an easy decision, however, it was the right one for my family—especially for (and with) my bride, Tricia. I want to acknowledge her and our children, Colton, KayLeigh, and Kyler; their support and understanding made it possible for me to lead with full commitment.
I’ve had the privilege of serving as superintendent in three remarkable districts; however, it has been some time since I’ve experienced the level of connection, pride, and true community that exists here in East Valley. This place is special because the people here are special.
To our students—you are the reason we do this work. Your reliance, curiosity, and spirit inspire us daily.
To our educators—you are the heartbeat of this district. Your grit and dedication to/for kids and to one another is unmatched.
To our families and community partners—your trust, advocacy, and belief in our students make all the difference. We can't do it without you
To our Board - thank you for maintaining your focus on best outcomes for all students and for leading with heart.
Together, we are East Valley!
Thank you for welcoming me, for your partnership, and for reminding me what it feels like to belong. I look forward to continuing to live, serve, and cheer alongside you - Once a Knight, always a Knight!
With love and gratitude,
Brian L Talbott
Dear East Valley Staff and Community,
On behalf of the East Valley School District Board ofDirectors, we are pleased to share that following a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board has chosen Dr. Mandi Rehn to serve as the next Superintendent of East Valley School District.
This decision comes after an extensive process that included a strong and highly qualified pool of candidates. We are grateful for the time, effort, and interest shown by each applicant who expressed a desire to serve the East Valley community.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our staff, families, and community members who participated in forums, provided feedback, and engaged in this important process. Your input played a vital role in helping guide the Board’s decision, and we value your continued partnership and support.
We look forward to sharing more information about our new Superintendent in the coming days and are excited to continue with the great work that is happening in EastValley School District.
Thank you again for your engagement and commitment to our schools.
On behalf of the East Valley School District Board ofDirectors, we are pleased to share that following a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board has chosen Dr. Mandi Rehn to serve as the next Superintendent of East Valley School District.
This decision comes after an extensive process that included a strong and highly qualified pool of candidates. We are grateful for the time, effort, and interest shown by each applicant who expressed a desire to serve the East Valley community.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our staff, families, and community members who participated in forums, provided feedback, and engaged in this important process. Your input played a vital role in helping guide the Board’s decision, and we value your continued partnership and support.
We look forward to sharing more information about our new Superintendent in the coming days and are excited to continue with the great work that is happening in EastValley School District.
Thank you again for your engagement and commitment to our schools.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Facilities Improvement Team (FIT)—made up of parents/guardians, staff, business partners, and community members—spent eight months reviewing building conditions and future needs before recommending the bond to the Board of Directors.
A Facilities Improvement Team (FIT)—made up of parents/guardians, staff, business partners, and community members—spent eight months reviewing building conditions and future needs before recommending the bond to the Board of Directors.
Please join us tomorrow at 6 pm in the EVHS library to hear from our students about the bond.
*The event is student-led and reflects student perspectives. The focus is on providing facts, not opinions.
*The event is student-led and reflects student perspectives. The focus is on providing facts, not opinions.
Join us tomorrow morning at 9 am at EVHS for an informational bond presentation. We'll review how we arrived at this point, explore East Valley's history, and walk through the details of the proposed bond - including estimated costs for a new high school and middle school, tax rate implications, and more.
*Light refreshments will be provided
Due to road conditions, all East Valley Schools will start 90 minutes late today and schools and buses will run on the late start schedule. Morning half-day Preschool and PEP are canceled for today. Full-day preschool will start 90 minutes late. Afternoon half-day preschool will run on the normal schedule. Thank you.
We are excited to welcome our new board member, Carolyn Petersen, representing District 3. Carolyn officially took her Oath of Office at the November 25, 2025, board meeting, and we are thrilled to have her join our team.
We are incredibly grateful to Amica for their generous donations of gloves, scarves, hats, socks, and lunch bags. Your kindness helps ensure our students stay warm, supported, and prepared this season.
Your generosity makes a meaningful difference, and we truly appreciate your commitment to our community. ❤️
Thank you, Amica, for your continued support!
Your generosity makes a meaningful difference, and we truly appreciate your commitment to our community. ❤️
Thank you, Amica, for your continued support!
A huge thank you to Project Beauty Share and their partners for their incredible commitment to our community! 🌟
Their first-ever Hope 4 Kids Hygiene Drive collected an astounding 10,700 pounds of hygiene supplies—valued at an estimated $500,000—which were donated to nine local school districts across our area.
We’re so proud of their hard work and the amazing success of this drive—it’s already making a big impact on students in East Valley! 💚
Their first-ever Hope 4 Kids Hygiene Drive collected an astounding 10,700 pounds of hygiene supplies—valued at an estimated $500,000—which were donated to nine local school districts across our area.
We’re so proud of their hard work and the amazing success of this drive—it’s already making a big impact on students in East Valley! 💚
Today and always, we are thankful for our incredible students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and the community that lifts us up. Your commitment, kindness, and partnership truly make a difference. 💚🖤
Wishing everyone a joyful, safe, and restful holiday filled with warmth and gratitude.
Thank you for being such an important part of our community!
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🥧
Wishing everyone a joyful, safe, and restful holiday filled with warmth and gratitude.
Thank you for being such an important part of our community!
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🥧
Shayla Sauther—nominated by a former student—was honored by KHQ and EWU as November 2025’s Teacher of the Month! 🎉🍎
Congratulations, Shayla! 👏✨
Congratulations, Shayla! 👏✨
Did you know that a committee consisting of 35 community members, parents, and staff spent 8 months researching, analyzing, and prioritizing facility conditions? Learn more about their work and recommendations at https://www.evsd.org/page/facilities-committee.
We’re proud to share that the Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) has recognized one of our own as a Distinguished Educator. Congratulations Heather Schultz!
From her nomination:
“Heather’s creativity knows no bounds. What truly sets her apart is her exceptional ability to connect with students and bring out their very best. Her lessons are thoughtfully differentiated and designed to meet the diverse needs of every learner. She fosters independence, builds confidence, and sparks curiosity. Her classroom radiates energy and engagement—a place where students feel inspired to explore and discover. Heather is more than a teacher; she is a mentor, an advocate, a role model, and a spark of magic in the lives of her students.”
From her nomination:
“Heather’s creativity knows no bounds. What truly sets her apart is her exceptional ability to connect with students and bring out their very best. Her lessons are thoughtfully differentiated and designed to meet the diverse needs of every learner. She fosters independence, builds confidence, and sparks curiosity. Her classroom radiates energy and engagement—a place where students feel inspired to explore and discover. Heather is more than a teacher; she is a mentor, an advocate, a role model, and a spark of magic in the lives of her students.”
See you on Tueday!
This year, East Valley High School was honored by Washington State, the Association of Washington Student Leaders, and the Association of Washington School Principals for their dedication to creating a positive school culture through strong student-adult partnerships.
This recognition highlights EVHS’s continued commitment to our vision for every student: I belong. I believe. I learn. I am future-ready.
At EVHS, students don’t just have a voice—they help lead the way. This award is a celebration of our shared values, the strength of our school community, and the powerful outcomes that come from collaboration between students and adults.
We couldn’t be prouder of our incredible students and staff!
This recognition highlights EVHS’s continued commitment to our vision for every student: I belong. I believe. I learn. I am future-ready.
At EVHS, students don’t just have a voice—they help lead the way. This award is a celebration of our shared values, the strength of our school community, and the powerful outcomes that come from collaboration between students and adults.
We couldn’t be prouder of our incredible students and staff!
East Valley High School lit up the night with school pride and community spirit at this year’s Homecoming Game. Students, staff, alumni, and families packed the stands to cheer on the EVHS football team under the Friday night lights.
The energy was electric as the crowd roared with every play, and the cheer team kept spirits high throughout the evening. Halftime brought a highlight of the night—the Homecoming Royalty presentation.
The night was a perfect blend of tradition, school pride, and community connection. From the decorated hallways and themed spirit days leading up to the game, to the unforgettable moments on the field, Homecoming 2025 was a celebration to remember at EVHS.
The energy was electric as the crowd roared with every play, and the cheer team kept spirits high throughout the evening. Halftime brought a highlight of the night—the Homecoming Royalty presentation.
The night was a perfect blend of tradition, school pride, and community connection. From the decorated hallways and themed spirit days leading up to the game, to the unforgettable moments on the field, Homecoming 2025 was a celebration to remember at EVHS.
🎓 Calling All East Valley Alumni!
We’re building something special – and it starts with YOU! 🌟
Join our brand-new East Valley Alumni Network to reconnect, build new relationships, and stay in the loop.
👉 Sign up now and be part of the legacy:
https://www.evsd.org/forms/alumni-keep-in-touch
We’re building something special – and it starts with YOU! 🌟
Join our brand-new East Valley Alumni Network to reconnect, build new relationships, and stay in the loop.
👉 Sign up now and be part of the legacy:
https://www.evsd.org/forms/alumni-keep-in-touch
🎉 Congratulations to our first LETRS graduating cohort in EVSD! 🎓
Join us in celebrating:
✨ September Beal (Trentwood Kinder)
✨ Amy Johnson (East Farms Title)
✨ Stefoni Thompson (East Farms Resource)
✨ Tessa Britt (Otis Orchards 2nd Grade)
✨ Morgen Peterson (Otis Orchards Resource)
✨ Shannon Davies (CCS Resource/LAP)
EVSD is committed to ensuring 100% of students read by the end of 2nd grade. To reach this goal, we’ve invested in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling)—a two-year, in-depth professional development program rooted in the science of reading and structured literacy.
LETRS equips our K-2 educators with the tools to help every student become a confident reader. With a third cohort launching in 2025-26 and a new structured literacy-aligned curriculum in place, we’re building strong foundations for literacy success! 💪📚
Join us in celebrating:
✨ September Beal (Trentwood Kinder)
✨ Amy Johnson (East Farms Title)
✨ Stefoni Thompson (East Farms Resource)
✨ Tessa Britt (Otis Orchards 2nd Grade)
✨ Morgen Peterson (Otis Orchards Resource)
✨ Shannon Davies (CCS Resource/LAP)
EVSD is committed to ensuring 100% of students read by the end of 2nd grade. To reach this goal, we’ve invested in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling)—a two-year, in-depth professional development program rooted in the science of reading and structured literacy.
LETRS equips our K-2 educators with the tools to help every student become a confident reader. With a third cohort launching in 2025-26 and a new structured literacy-aligned curriculum in place, we’re building strong foundations for literacy success! 💪📚
In April, our Facilities Improvement Team (FIT) came together for a productive and collaborative meeting focused on identifying and aligning around the district’s evolving construction needs.
Through open discussion and shared input, the team reached a strong consensus on the key priorities for upcoming construction projects. Including new construction aimed at supporting student learning, enhancing safety, and ensuring our buildings continue to meet the needs of our growing school community.
The meeting demonstrated the power of teamwork and collective decision-making, setting a positive tone as we move forward with planning and implementation.
