East Valley School District

Knight Vision

June 30, 2025

Congratulations East Valley High School!

East Valley High School has been recognized by Washington State and AWSL/AWSP for our commitment to building a positive school culture through strong student-adult partnerships! This recognition reflects our ongoing work to live out our vision of the student experience: I belong - I believe - I learn. I am future-ready. 

At EVHS, students are not just part of the conversation—they help shape it. This award celebrates the strength of our community, the power of collaboration, and the belief that when students and adults work side by side, incredible things happen.

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East Valley Educators Attend AVID Summer Institute in Sacramento

Thirty educators from East Valley traveled to Sacramento on June 22 to attend the three-day AVID Summer Institute, where they joined colleagues from across the nation to learn, collaborate, and explore impactful instructional strategies that enhance student learning and foster a strong sense of belonging.

The AVID Summer Institute takes place over three months at various locations nationwide, offering some of the best professional development opportunities available. AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.

East Valley implements AVID strategies across multiple schools, with a strong commitment to rigorous instruction that ensures every student has the tools they need for academic achievement and lifelong success. The Sacramento conference gave East Valley educators valuable time to connect, share ideas, and gain new skills to better support all students in the East Valley School District.

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Exciting News for East Farms

We are delighted to announce that Jon Thomas has been selected as the new principal of East Farms Elementary. Jon brings with him an impressive background in education and school leadership. He most recently served as the principal assistant at Otis Orchards Elementary for two years, following a year as Dean of Students. Prior to that, Jon was a dedicated teacher in East Valley School District, where he began teaching in 2008.

Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and student success. His vision for East Farms aligns closely with our District’s mission of educational excellence, and we are confident he will make a meaningful and lasting impact in his new role.

Upon accepting the position, Jon shared “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the East Farms community. I’m excited to get to work, build relationships, and support the amazing things already happening at the school.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Jon Thomas to the East Farms community. We encourage our families to introduce themselves and get to know your new principal in the weeks and months ahead—we look forward to a bright future together!

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school.

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The End of an Era

It is with heartfelt gratitude and admiration that we announce the retirement of Mr. Steve Pointer,  Principal of Continuous Curriculum School. After 17 years of dedicated service in the East Valley School District, Mr. Pointer is concluding a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on our students, staff, and community. Known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to education, Steve was devoted to creating a school culture rooted in respect, growth, and care.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Pointer has led with humility and heart, always putting students first and supporting staff with encouragement and empathy. His calm presence, thoughtful leadership, and genuine belief in the potential of every child have made our district a better place. Please join us in celebrating Steve Pointer’s incredible legacy and wishing him the very best as he begins this well-earned next chapter. His impact will be felt for years to come, and he will always be a cherished member of the East Valley family.

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District and EVEA Begin Full-Contract Bargaining This Summer

This summer, the East Valley School District has entered into full-contract negotiations with the East Valley Education Association (EVEA). As we embark on this important process, our focus remains on supporting student success, attracting and retaining high-quality staff, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.

In the spirit of transparency and community engagement, we will post bargaining proposals from both the District and EVEA on our District website as they are presented. We value the trust our community places in us and are committed to keeping families informed throughout this process.

We appreciate your continued support and interest as we work collaboratively toward a contract that reflects our shared commitment to the students and staff of East Valley.

Click here to view bargaining proposals.

East Valley School Board Approves Placing School Bond on February Ballot

The East Valley School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to place a $220M bond on the February 2026 ballot. This decision comes after months of research and analysis led by the district's Facilities Improvement Team (FIT) and engagement with members of business and the community.

The proposed bond measure will fund the replacement of the district's aging high school and middle school - both built over six decades ago. These buildings will be simultaneously constructed adjacent to the current sites ensuring students can stay on campus throughout construction without the disruption or cost of relocating to temporary classrooms. 

The estimated investment will cost approximately $1.96/$1,000 of assessed property value - a rate that reflects careful financial planning and local stewardship. The four-year capital levy, with a cost of  $0.73/$1,000 will expire in January 2026. Thus, the bond projects will mean an increase of $1.23/$1,000 overall. The District will also allocate the $80 million it receives from the state's School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) to address critical infrastructure, safety, and security improvements at the five elementary schools, allowing East Valley to keep its schools safe, functional, and prepared for the future.

The bond is about more than buildings. It's about making sure our students are learning in safe, efficient facilities designed to help every learner reach their full potential. It's about equipping tomorrow's leaders and building a stronger East Valley community - together. 

Over the coming months, the district will connect with parents, business leaders, seniors, and community members to provide clear information, answer questions, and to listen. It's our community's investment - and your voice matters.  

We invite you to join the conversation and learn how this protects what matters most: the future of East Valley.

If not now, when? If not us, who? Let’s Bond 2026!

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Brian Talbott
Superintendent

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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.