East Valley School District

Knight Vision

October 6, 2025

An Update from the School Board

While we are saddened by Superintendent Talbott's decision to make a change, we understand and greatly appreciate all he has done, and continues to do, for East Valley. Our next step as a district is to find someone to fill some pretty big shoes. To this, we are excited to announce that we have selected Northwest Leadership Associates (NWLA) to help us with the recruiting process for selecting our next Superintendent. We have a great working relationship with the folks at NWLA, having previously used them to help find our current Superintendent. 

As this work gets underway, if you are interested, we will be putting together focus groups toward the end of the month to help provide input regarding what we want in our next Superintendent.

Look for announcements from the District Office on how to get involved.

-Your East Valley School Board

Future-Ready Schools: New Middle and High School as Part of Bond Measure

bond graphic

The current East Valley High School (originally built in 1961) and East Valley Middle School (built in 1968) have served the East Valley students, staff, and community well. Despite great care taken by our maintenance and custodial crews over the years, both buildings continue to present aging systems and concerns around infrastructure integrity. Additionally, these buildings lack the flexibility of enhancing educational opportunities to best prepare our students for their future-ready goals. 

If East Valley’s $220M proposed bond measure passes, a new 205,000 sq. ft. high school will be constructed adjacent to the existing building. Additionally, a new 105,000 sq. ft. middle school will be constructed near the existing middle school. At both sites, students will remain in the current buildings during construction. This will minimize classroom and school disruptions and eliminate the need to house students in portables during construction. Once constructed, 6th graders will transition to the new middle school, expanding educational opportunities and reducing future overcrowding at existing elementary schools.

Along with the replacement of EVHS and EVMS, the Facilities Improvement Team (FIT) identified critical facility and safety improvements across the district's elementary schools and CCS, such as roof replacements, numerous safety and security projects, HVAC and efficiency upgrades, and targeted facility preservation projects. 

If East Valley’s February 2026 bond is approved, the district will receive an additional $55M (estimated) in state assistance to address essential projects at our elementary schools and CCS. Thus, for every dollar generated locally, the state will provide .25 cents. This bond measure touches and provides necessary improvements at each and every school in East Valley.  

We invite you to:

  • Learn more about the bond HERE

  • Attend one of our upcoming bond informational sessions and tours

    • EV High School - October 22 @ 6:00 PM (prior to Fall Family Festival)

    • EV Middle School - November 18 @ 6:30 PM

    • EV High School - December 10 @ 6:00 PM (prior to the Golden Plunger)

    • EV Middle School  - January 14 @ 6:30 PM 

  • Ask questions or seek additional information HERE

Knight Light

a man in a suit posing in front of a blue background

Jon Thomas
Principal, East Farms

Jon began his career with East Valley School District 18 years ago. Prior to becoming the Principal at East Farms Elementary, he was the Principal Assistant at Otis Orchards Elementary, and prior to that, he was a teacher at East Valley High School. 

Jon and his wife, Casey, will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary this April. Casey is also employed with East Valley as a teacher at East Valley Middle School. Together, they have four daughters, and all of their children have attended school in East Valley. His oldest daughter currently attends WSU, where Jon and Casey met.

Originally from the west side of the state, Jon is a die-hard Seattle sports fan. If you drive by East Farms Elementary, you will notice the benches outside of the school painted green and blue!

Why he loves East Farms Elementary: “I love working at East Farms because of the students, community, and the staff. East Farms is a special place.”

Why he chose East Valley: Jon chose to work at East Valley because he believes in serving the area where one lives. He wants to positively impact the community that he is a part of.

Favorite part of his job: Jon’s favorite part of his job is building relationships with students, staff, and families.

Fun fact: Jon and his wife both did track and field at Washington State University.

Three words to describe him: Friendly – Family – Focus

East Valley High School Gains Recognition as a School on the Rise

Prior to kickoff at last week's homecoming game, East Valley High School was recognized by Washington State, The Association of Washington Student Leaders, and The Association of Washington School Principals for its commitment to building a positive school culture through strong student-adult partnerships! This recognition reflects EVHS's 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.

a group gathered on a football field holding an award

Introducing Deputy Wolf

a man in front of a green background wearing sheriff's uniform

Jared Wolf
EVSD School Resource Deputy

Starting October 1, Deputy Jared Wolf officially joined the East Valley team as our new School Resource Deputy. With over 12 years of experience in law enforcement, Deputy Wolf brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a strong sense of community to the role.

His journey began in Wyoming, where he served as a Detention Officer for two years. He then returned to his home state of Montana, working nearly eight years in patrol. During that time, he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), helping mentor and guide new officers. He is also a proud member of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office TAC Team, demonstrating his commitment to specialized training and tactical excellence.

Law enforcement runs in the family for Deputy Wolf—his grandfather served for 20 years and was the inspiration behind his career choice. Beyond the badge, Deputy Wolf is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, camping, hunting, and snowboarding with his family. He values the opportunity his job gives him to spend time outside and connect with the community.

Born and raised in Missoula, Montana, Deputy Wolf attended school there and continues to carry the values of his hometown with him. He’s been married for 17 years and is a proud father of four children, ranging in age from 2 to 12.

Deputy Wolf is excited to build relationships with students, staff, and families, and looks forward to making a positive impact in our schools.

update logo

We’ve Updated Our Safety Terminology

Safety Terminology Update: From “Modified Lockdown” to “Secure the Building” and “Secure in Classrooms”

To improve clarity during emergencies, schools are replacing the term “modified lockdown” with two, more specific protocols: “secure the building” and “secure in classrooms.” This change helps staff and students respond appropriately based on the location and nature of a potential threat.

What’s the Difference?

  • Secure the Building is used when there’s a threat in the community, but no danger inside the school. All exterior doors are locked, students stay inside, and normal activities continue.

  • Secure in Classrooms is used when it’s necessary to keep hallways clear, often due to a situation inside the building. Classroom doors are locked, students remain in place, and instruction continues.

Why the Change?

“Modified lockdown” was often misunderstood. These updated terms provide clear, actionable guidance and align with best practices in school safety.

Hiring Alert: Build Your Future with Us!

East Valley School District is Hiring – Paraeducators Needed in Multiple Classrooms!

East Valley School District is currently hiring multiple paraeducators to support our students and staff. We are experiencing a shortage of paraeducators in several classrooms, and we’re looking for caring, committed individuals to help fill these vital roles.

Paraeducators work closely with teachers to support instruction, assist students with learning needs, and help create a positive classroom environment. If you’re passionate about education and making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join East Valley?

  • Immediate openings across multiple schools

  • School breaks off

  • Competitive pay and benefits

  • Opportunities for growth and development


Apply Today

Visit
evsd.org and click on the Employment section to view open positions and submit your application.

hiring image
hiring image
hiring image

Calling All East Valley Alumni!

We’re building something special – and it starts with YOU!

Join our brand-new East Valley Alumni Network to reconnect, build new relationships, and stay in the loop.

Sign up now and be part of the legacy: EV Alumni Network

logo

Save the Date!

thanksgiving logo

Stay Connected

Click the icons to like and follow!

fb logo
Facebook
ig logo
Instagram
linkedin logo
LinkedIn

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.