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Superintendent
July 1, 2026 |
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Hello East Valley,
During tonight's regularly scheduled Board meeting, Dr. Mandi Rehn will sign the contract making her superintendent effective on July 1, 2026. With this decision made, I hope you feel a sense of ease and excitement. For me, the comfort doesn't come from filling the position, but rather the expertise and experience of the educator who will succeed me.
I have had the great privilege of knowing and working with Mandi throughout the past decade. Along with regional work and legislative collaboration, Mandi and I both serve on a liability insurance board for school districts. It has been through these opportunities where I have truly learned about Mandi as a professional and as a human being; she is the real deal.
Over the next two and a half months, Mandi and I will be working together to create the cleanest and smoothest transition possible. We will make sure to invite her to events and activities throughout the spring. However, it's important to remember Mandi is currently a sitting superintendent in the Valley School District. Her first priority must be on finishing strong and assisting in whatever transition occurs there.
Regardless of the role or position within an organization, the goal is to always improve when seeking a replacement. The hiring of Dr. Mandi Rehn ensures the trajectory and care for All Things East Valley will continue. Mandi is going to love EV; you are going to love Mandi. Assuredly, the day I turn in my keys will be incredibly difficult; however, placing them in the hands of Dr. Rehn will be my grateful honor.
Together we are East Valley!
Brian Talbott
Superintendent
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Understanding the Bond Measure |
Understandably, EVSD has fielded many questions about the bond measure. As such, below are responses to some of the most frequently asked questions. |
How did the $220 Million bond measure come to be? |
As part of the district's strategic plan, a Facilities Improvement Team (FIT) was created in the fall of 2024. Throughout FIT's work, many options were discussed. Ultimately, FIT had to wrestle with the current condition of our facilities. Throughout the past 30 years (1996 - current), EVSD has sought bond funding from its community on eight occasions. Those failed bond measures have added three decades' worth of wear and tear on buildings that already needed significant repairs. |
Why did the district choose to run the bond again so quickly? |
With 54.8% of voters supporting the bond, the district opted to run it again without changes. Given the volatility of rising costs, running this same bond in 2027 or 2028 would inevitably lead to an increase in overall project costs. Ultimately, this would mean an even higher tax rate in the future. |
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Why are East Valley taxes so much higher than its neighboring districts? |
Simply stated, they are not. As shown in the graph below, East Valley's local collection is far below the majority of other regional school districts. The green highlighted numbers show East Valley's overall collection compared to neighboring districts. The yellow highlighted area shows where East Valley will be if the bond passes. |
2025 School District Property Tax Rates in Spokane County |
What happens if the bond fails? |
Though nothing is set in stone, the district will need to consider the next steps to address both short- and long-term needs. Placing a capital levy on the November 2026 ballot will have to be considered, as a bond failure does not mean EVSD's facility problems go away. Eventually, however, a bond will be needed in the future. |
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Kindergarten Registration |
Kindergarten registration is open! This is an important step in preparing your child for a successful start to their school journey. Registering early helps ensure proper placement, access to resources, and a smooth transition into the classroom. Be sure to complete your registration soon to secure your child’s spot—contact your neighborhood elementary if you have any questions! |
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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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