Superintendent Update - October 2025

Dear UPSD Parents and Guardians: 

Thank you for your strong support and partnership during these first weeks of school.  We are off to a great start this year and this would not be possible without your help and involvement. Thank you for taking time to review this update. I have some exciting and important news to share!

Three Important Ballot Measures Set for February 2026 Special Election
The UPSD Board of Directors passed three important resolutions at their regular meeting on Wednesday, October 8th.  The resolutions pave the way for voters to consider these three measures in a special election on February 10, 2026: 

• Proposition #1: Replacement Educational Program and Operations Levy - This levy is renewed every four years and provides about 15% of all district revenue. These levies are essential funding sources for almost all of the 295 districts in Washington State.
• Proposition #2:  Bonds to Replace and Renovate Deteriorating Buildings and Improve Safety - This measure would fund major renovations to Curtis High School and the replacement of Chambers and Sunset Primary Schools. These buildings were constructed between 1966 and 1971. Despite regular maintenance over many years, the facilities are deteriorating and no longer meet the learning needs of students. The last construction bond in UPSD was approved in 2006 to replace UP Primary, Curtis Junior High and the CHS Gym and Pool.  This bond expires in 2027.
• Proposition #3: Replacement Safety, Technology and Capital Improvements Levy - This levy is also renewed every four years.  It funds classroom and operational technology, safety technology and smaller projects district-wide such as HVAC systems, roof repairs, etc.

More information about each of these three propositions is available on our website. If you have questions about any of these measures or would like a tour of our older schools, please contact me (contact information below).

Narrows View Intermediate Wins National Honor!
Our Narrows View Intermediate Nighthawks were recently selected as a National Blue Ribbon School!! This recognition is one of the most prestigious in the country and is given to schools that produce exceptional learning results for students. Narrows View has consistently been one of the best schools in our state and this national honor is well earned.  NVI is the third UPSD school to receive Blue Ribbon recognition in the last five years.  Unfortunately, the National Blue Ribbon program was discontinued by the federal government just prior to announcing this year's recipients.  We are celebrating anyway.  Congratulations to the NVI staff, students and parent community!

Safety Message: Remind Students About Pedestrian Safety
Please take time to speak with your student(s) about being safe while walking to, from, and around schools.  As our mornings and evenings get darker (and stormier), pedestrians become more difficult for drivers to see. We want to remind students to cross streets only at designated crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, keep their ears free of earbuds/headphones, and walk on the sidewalk- not in the streets. 

Remember to Vote on November 4th!!
Local and state elections have significant impacts on public education. It is very important that parents have a strong voice in this and all other elections.  If you are not a registered voter, please register here. If you are a registered voter, please remember to submit your ballot on or before November 4th.

Thank you for making it to the end of another Superintendent Update!  Please never hesitate to reach out to me directly with questions or concerns.  I can be reached at 253-566-5600 x 3316 or at jchamberlin@upsd83.org.  

Have a great fall weekend.  

Jeff Chamberlin
Superintendent