In the East Valley School District, the core value of belonging is more than just a principle; it’s a commitment to creating a supportive environment for each and every student. Our strategic plan defines belonging through the following statement: “We strengthen the student experience by removing barriers, celebrating voice, and ensuring that each student belongs. All students are seen, heard, valued, and respected.” 

By removing barriers, we identify and dismantle obstacles that may hinder a student’s ability to be successful, whether those be academic, social, or emotional challenges. By providing resources and support for our students’ needs, we help to ensure they reach their full potential.

We wish to encourage open dialogue through student voice. We desire to create platforms where students are able to express themselves confidently and empower them, within our school community, to share diverse thoughts, ideas, and opportunities.

An environment of belonging is created when inclusivity is the norm and our differences are celebrated. Our policies and practices are designed to promote respect, ensuring that no student feels overlooked or underappreciated. 

In essence, our commitment to belonging is about building a school district where every student knows they matter. By removing barriers, celebrating voice, and fostering a sense of belonging, we create a nurturing environment in support of the academic and personal growth of our students. Together, we build a community where all are seen, heard, valued, and respected.

After serving admirably for 9 years, School Board Member, Laura Gates has resigned from her Board position. We are grateful for Director Gates' leadership and service during some difficult times in public education. Laura and her husband have purchased property outside of East Valley where they plan to live; we wish them the very best moving forward. 

The East Valley School Board will be looking to fill this vacant position with a candidate who is interested in serving the staff, students, families, and community. Within the next week, postcards will be mailed to all residents within the District 2 Director boundaries. The postcard will invite eligible candidates to apply through the district’s website. This information can also be found here. 

Once the application process has been closed, the remaining four School Directors will go through the applications and then schedule interviews. The selected candidate will fill the Director 2 position and will then have to run for the seat during the November 2025 election. 

Please help us spread the word to eligible community members regarding this open Board position!

Thomas McHugh
Custodian - Otis Orchards Elementary

Mr. McHugh has been a custodian in the East Valley School District for 9 years! He started his time in EVSD at Trent Elementary, shortly before his son Jack was born. Jack is currently 9 years old and he’s become his dad’s way of keeping track of his longevity at EVSD.

Thomas grew up near Plant’s Ferry Park and began his time in EVSD as a kindergartener at Trentwood Elementary School.  He’s always loved reading, creative writing, learning history, and visual and musical arts. He played clarinet throughout his time as a student, including participation in school productions such as Cinderella and Oklahoma.  

Upon graduating from East Valley High School, Mr. McHugh earned an AA at SFCC, and went on to pursue a degree at EWU in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Art. Upon marrying his wife after graduation, they spent a year in Nagahama, Japan, teaching English. When they returned to the US, he worked for the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Department as a counselor in the Sunshine Day Camp, as well as an event leader for kids and adults with disabilities. Those experiences created a joy of lifting others up to flourish. His next five years he worked at The Carlyle Care Center, an assisted living facility in the heart of downtown, and it cemented his belief in the importance of caring for ourselves and our community. It also taught him how hardships and perseverance truly makes a difference as he was required to keep a level head during many escalated and dangerous situations. 

His family was growing, and with two young daughters came the desire for a job closer to home along with more reasonable hours. He jumped at the opportunity to serve his local community in EVSD. Beginning at Trent Elementary in early 2015 to now, it is hard for him to believe it has been nine years!

Why he loves Otis: Otis Orchards Elementary feels like a family. “We go through all the challenges of running a school together with mutual support and appreciation. We are there to share the load and give our students the best chance for success we can.”

Why he chose East Valley: I was happy to be able to serve my own community where I’ve grown up.

Favorite part of his job: One of Thomas’ favorite aspects of his job is the wide range of things he gets to do to help with, whether that means helping grandpa rescue keys from a locked car, repairing a model train engine, punching new holes in a leather belt, or even giving recommendation on the means of removing a skunk from beneath one’s house! Teachers, students and parents alike have stated that he is willing to help them in any way, and if it lands outside the realm of his abilities he is willing to help them seek a solution. He feels very lucky to have a principal that encourages him to wield his creative side to help make Otis an exciting place, especially for the students, whether that be a space shuttle, sailing ship, or giraffe. It sparks excitement and wonder he hopes our students feel every day!

Fun fact: He first met his wife in kindergarten!

Three words to describe him: Caring – Creative - Calm

With Old Man Winter coming, we want to remind you how East Valley addresses inclement weather and the potential impacts it can have on transportation and school. East Valley covers approximately 100 square miles. In total, our bus drivers travel over 3,000 miles per day getting our students to and from school; this does not include activity/athletic transportation. What you see outside of your home can be vastly different than other areas of our district. Additionally, we have some roads that are plowed early and often while others may not get touched for days. Generally speaking, we begin checking roads and clearing parking lots between 2:00 and 3:00 AM. Depending upon snow accumulation, this may be done several times before a decision is made. We do talk with representatives from our neighboring districts; however, any decisions made for EVSD are completely and independently made by us. Our goal is to have a determination made by no later than 5:45 AM as our employees and families need to know how best to plan for the day. 

We understand very well that any interruption to the daily routine is problematic for families and is a disruption to our students and their learning. Please know we will make the very best decision we can with the information we have while also considering the safety of our students and staff. For those of you living on the north side of Trent, please review the alternate bus stop locations should a road be closed. Those stops can be found on the district website under Departments/Transportation/Winter Weather. 

On another note, many districts around us may opt for a 2-hour delay, but East Valley will never go with a 2-hour delay. When necessary, we will move to a 90-minute delay following our Monday collaboration schedule. 

Unfortunately, media outlets do not always broadcast our information correctly, which can add confusion. We do not have any control over the local media; as such, please pay attention to the messages we send out via robocalls and emails. If you do not receive another message, we have not changed course. Additionally, our website (www.evsd.org) will always post an accurate report. As a reminder, there are two East Valley School Districts in the State of Washington. When you go to seek information, please make sure you are on the correct website and/or using the correct snow line (509) 242-7669. 

Communication

• 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)

Procedures

• We monitor weather and road conditions at night and into the early morning hours.

• 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. 

• Our goal is to keep schools open when it is safe!

Personal Safety

• 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.

East Valley’s Second Annual Community Thanksgiving is right around the corner and will be held on Monday, November 25th. Along with the turkey dinner, community members will be able to take home nonperishable food items, clothing items, and hygiene products. Last year’s event saw more than 700 people come through the high school. We are looking to increase that number this year; we hope to see you there!

Click here to view transportation pick up and drop off times and locations!

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