We rarely refer to ourselves as a "district" because we are truly a community.  Our rich community touts several races, cultures, and ethnic groups.  Over sixty-five languages are spoken by our students and their parents. We learn from members of the community who have lived here for decades and who have had family members attend our schools for several generations. We celebrate the contributions that each member of our school community and the community at large make to the every day operations of our educational environment.  We extend a supportive hand to nearly seventy percent of our students who participate in our free and reduced lunch program.  We marvel at the learning that we observe in all of our students-special needs students, general population students, and our highly capable students. 

My first opportunity as superintendent of the Tukwila School District is to ensure equitable access to a meaningful education for all students regardless of their learning level or learning style, race, ethnicity, culture, or economic level. And the second opportunity is to give all stakeholders the information, opportunity, and voice necessary for meaningful involvement in our school system.

I face these opportunities with slight trepidation, yet I am excited about the new direction in our district and all of the outstanding programs we offer for our student and adult learners.  Everyone involved in our district, from students, to instructional staff, instructional support staff, to administrators and the Board of Directors, is excited about all of the efforts that are taking place to honor our veteran staff, to hiring new highly-qualified and culturally competent staff, and to providing opportunities for our staff to plan, collaborate, and learn together.

During the 2009-2010 school year, every Wednesday, with the exception of weeks that have holidays, two early dismissal conference days, or other non-school days, staff will meet for ninety (90) minutes prior to the arrival of students.  During the ninety minutes, staff will have time to collaborate, share ideas and experiences, and learn from each other. Staff will pool their intellect, talent, and experiences to better themselves, individually and as a group, for the benefit of our students.

The opportunities that staff will have to enhance their craft will better equip us to meet the challenges of the technology, media and globalization that is changing at an unprecedented pace-and in ways it never has before.  Vast amounts of information are rapidly and readily available; automation and digitization are increasing; global mobility and competition are on the rise; social, political and economic landscapes are shifting dramatically.  Tomorrow is an era of new industries and a more demanding workplace; in fact, when our current students move into the workforce, many will enter jobs yet to be established or even envisioned. But, the Tukwila School District staff is up for this challenge.  We know that we must meet the demands of today and foresee the demands of the future.  Our students' potential depends on it; the well-being and viability of our entire community hinge on our ability to do so.

I am fully confident that through the commitment, courage, collaboration and the dedication of our staff, the tenacity of our students, and the support of parents and the community, we will seize every opportunity for the advancement of our students.      

Drop in at any time to observe our work.

Ethelda Burke

Superintendent

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