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6th Grade Teacher
Otis Orchards |
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Shayla Sauther is a 6th-grade teacher at Otis Orchards Elementary who began her career with the East Valley School District nine years ago in 2017. In addition to being an educator, she is a mom to one rambunctious little boy with another one on the way. One of Shayla’s passions is spending as much time in the mountains as possible, and one of her biggest goals is to get both of her boys on bikes and skis or snowboards so they can explore the outdoors together as a family.
Hearing from former students, staying connected, learning where life has taken them, and knowing she played a small part in their journey are things Shayla loves and cherishes. She’s incredibly thankful for the secondary educators who encourage students to reach back out to the teachers who helped guide them along the way.
Fun Fact:
Teaching found Shayla in an unexpected way. She entered college as a pre-med student, planning to transfer to Carroll with the goal of becoming a radiologist. Along the way, a conversation with a teammate challenged that plan and planted a new idea. Though it meant her soccer scholarship was wasted, Shayla discovered her true passion in teaching—and found the path she was meant to follow.
Why she chose East Valley:
Shayla had subbed in many districts, but when she began at Otis Orchards, she immediately felt something special, saying, “Otis felt warm, welcoming, and like a family.”
Why she loves Otis Orchards:
Shayla loves her Otis family! She appreciates the students, families, and staff who make it such a special place. She believes her colleagues are amazing! They always make her laugh, and she knows she always has someone to turn to for help or support. Shayla believes Otis’ students have an entire team who help them become the best they can be—it’s not just talk; she sees it every day in how her colleagues serve students.
Favorite part of her job:
“I love watching my students make academic growth, but I think watching their personal growth is the best part. I love seeing them mature and know that they have that student agency that we look for to help them find success after they leave me. I also love playing games with my students; they are hilarious.”
Three words to describe her:
Dedicated - Goofy - Caring
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Interested in Learning More About the Bond? |
Join us at one of our upcoming informational meetings! |
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Wednesday, January 14
6:30 pm
East Valley Middle School |
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Saturday, January 17
9:00 am
East Valley High School |
(light refreshments provided) |
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Saturday, January 24
9 am
East Valley High School |
(light refreshments provided) |
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If you are interested in hosting an information meeting for your neighborhood, please contact Sydney Westerman at westermans@evsd.org or 509-241-5032.
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Superintendent Search Update |
The board has scheduled seven preliminary interviews beginning Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 4:30 pm in the Trent Elementary Auditorium (3303 N Pines Rd). The full interview schedule is listed below.
We encourage all who are available to attend and share their feedback with the board. Your perspectives are an important part of this process.
Once the board has completed all seven interviews and reviewed the feedback forms, they will select three candidates to advance to final interviews. Final interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 through Thursday, January 29, 2026. Please be on the lookout for additional information regarding the final candidates and community forums.
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Preliminary Interview Schedule |
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Tuesday, January 13, 2026 |
4:30 pm - Eric Hoglund
5:30 pm - Doug Edmonson
6:30 pm - Josh Middleton
7:30 pm - Jason Perrins
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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 |
4:30 pm - Effie Dean
5:30 pm - Mat Orndorff
6:30 pm - Chris Nesmith
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If you have any questions, please contact Sydney Westerman at westermans@evsd.org or 509-241-5032 or Neale Rasmussen at rasmussenn@evsd.org or 509-241-5042.
Thank you for your continued partnership and participation as we work together to identify our next leader.
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Golden Throne - Winner Takes All! |
Each year, the East Valley Knights and the West Valley Eagles come together for two of the most spirited student‑led competitions in the region—events that blend athletic pride, school culture, and community connection. The rivalry is real, but so is the respect, and both schools pour their hearts into making these traditions unforgettable.
The first showdown of the year, the Golden Plunger, centers around wrestling and student‑section spirit. In a historic twist, this year’s competition ended in a tie—the first in the event’s history. Neither the East Valley Knights nor the West Valley Eagles could claim full bragging rights, setting the stage for an even more intense second act.
That rematch arrives next week at West Valley during the annual Golden Throne basketball spirit competition. This event has grown far beyond a simple game; it’s a community‑building tradition that unites students, families, alumni, and staff from across the valley. From themed student sections to coordinated cheers, from creative props to school‑color displays and half time presentations, both sides bring everything they’ve got.
And this year, with the Golden Plunger deadlocked, the stakes are even higher. The winner takes all next Friday, February 16th at West Valley.
The Knights are ready. The energy is building. The momentum is real. And with the right push, East Valley can rally, rise, and—yes—flush the Eagles.
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The message below was sent out in November. At that time, who knew we would be experiencing spring type weather in the middle of December? Nonetheless, winter will come at some point and maybe during or by the time we return from break. As such, please familiarize yourself with the inclement weather information so you know what to expect when the snow does fly.
CommunicationWe aim to communicate with staff, students, and families about changes in normal school operations by 5:45 am. Closures and delays will be communicated using the following systems:
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- We will send automated emails, voice messages, and text messages.
- We will announce closures and delays on our app, webpages, and social media. (Facebook & Instagram)
- We will update our snow line which can be reached at 509.242.SNOW.
- We will also inform local news organizations. (local media doesn’t always report accurately; please rely on district messaging)
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Inclement Weather Procedures
When snow or inclement weather is in the forecast, we will monitor weather and road conditions at night and into the early morning hours.
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- The Transportation Director and staff drive roads and bus routes to assess conditions.
- Maintenance staff begins snow removal efforts to clear roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks before students and staff arrive and throughout the school day. NOTE: Despite efforts, our schools may still experience icy spots, so please proceed cautiously!
- Before deciding, Superintendent Talbott will work with our Transportation Director regarding road and route conditions.
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Delays and Cancellations
Our aim will be to keep schools open. Please remember that road conditions can change quickly and after decisions have been made; we do the best we can with the information we have at the time of the decision needing to be made.
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- If delayed, EVSD reverts to our Monday collaboration schedule. Most districts go with a 2 hour delay; however, we stick to the 90 minute delay so as not to have to create another schedule for students, staff, and parents to have to learn/remember.
- If delayed, staff members are to report to their work sites when they are able to safely do so.
- If canceled, and regardless of road condition improvements, all school programs and events are also cancelled for the entire day and evening.
- If canceled, the day's recovery will occur on the first available calendared make-up day.
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On ice and snow, be a penguin! |
- Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles and good treads.
- Walk like a penguin with arms extended to the side, and feet pointed slightly outward.
- Use special care when exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support and step down with both feet firmly on the ground.
- Take short steps and go slowly to maintain a center of gravity.
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Your Next Big Move Starts Here |
We Belong - We Believe - We Learn - Together, We are East Valley! |
In East Valley, we create a culture of academic excellence by fostering an inclusive community where each student belongs, thrives, and is future-ready. |
East Valley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination; Title IX Compliance Coordinator: Jane Stencel, Phone: (509) 924-1830, stencelj@evsd.org; ADA/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Jane Stencel, Phone: (509) 924-1830, stencelj@evsd.org; Section 504 Coordinator: Heather Awbery, Phone: (509) 924-1830, awberyh@evsd.org, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Brian Talbott, Phone: (509) 924-1830, talbottb@evsd.org, 3830 N. Sullivan Rd, Bldg. 1, Spokane Valley, WA 99216. |
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