DPHS served 116 students from 2nd grade to 12th grade for the annual volleyball camp. The students had a great time, and many thanks to the volleyball coaching staff!
Did you know? Per RCW 28A.150.260, in Washington State, funding per student does not directly follow each individual student to the specific school they attend because the state's K–12 funding system is based on a district-level allocation model, not a per-school or per-student voucher system.
Here is more information:
In Washington State, schools are primarily funded through a combination of state taxes, local property taxes, and federal funds. Here's a high-level breakdown:
State Funding: The state government allocates money for education from taxes collected statewide. This funding is distributed to school districts based on various factors, including student enrollment and specific educational needs.
Local Funding: Local school districts also receive money from property taxes paid by homeowners and businesses within the district boundaries. These funds are used to supplement state allocations and can vary based on local property values and tax rates.
Federal Funding: Schools receive additional support from the federal government through programs like Title I (which supports schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families), special education grants, and other federal initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities.
Other Sources: Some schools may also receive funding through grants, donations, and specific local levies approved by voters to fund particular programs or facility improvements.
To learn about DPSD's budget: https://5il.co/2vdf5
To view DPSD's financial documents and records (all public), visit: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/.../school-apportionment/safs-report
Learn about WA state school funding: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding and https://www.waschoolfunding.org/
Overall, the funding landscape ensures that resources are allocated to support educational programs, facilities, and services necessary for student learning and development across the state.
Summer is upon us! The last day of school is June 11th with early release as follows: Elementary + Arcadia - 10:30 a.m., Middle School - 10:25 a.m., and High School 10:10 a.m..
Offices open again on August 13th, with the first day back for students on August 27th. Kindergarten students start on September 2nd, and Home Link starts on September 8th. We hope you have a fantastic summer break, and we are all looking forward to a great 2025-26 school year!
Did you know that public school systems are held to high accountability measures to ensure transparency, responsibility, and that public funds are spent wisely? Districts are held accountable through annual public audits (State Auditor's Office), School Board oversight, state reporting requirements (OSPI), public access and transparency, and performance measures (OSPI).
To learn about DPSD's budget: https://5il.co/2vdf5
To view DPSD's financial documents and records (all public), visit: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/school-apportionment/safs-report
Learn about WA state school funding: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding and https://www.waschoolfunding.org/
Today, we celebrated a big milestone for our preschoolers as they graduated and prepared to take their next step into kindergarten. Their field day was filled with fun, laughter, and excitement. We can’t wait to see them continue to learn and shine in the years to come. Congratulations to our preschool graduates!
#PreschoolGraduation #FieldDayFun #FutureKindergarteners
We want to hear from you! Before moving forward with the recommended capital levy, the School Board wants to hear from its families, staff, and community regarding the committee’s priority projects. The district has created a survey that allows stakeholders to provide input. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts to help the School Board ensure that the committee’s recommendation aligns with our community’s priorities. Please take a moment to fill out our survey below. Please complete by June 20th. Survey here: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/168300841/welcome
For more information, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
Facilities Advisory Committee: https://www.dpsd.org/o/dpsd/page/facilities-advisory-committee
The state’s school funding formula doesn't provide resources for large capital costs. While resources are provided through limited funds for general care and upkeep, districts must rely on capital levies and bonds to address larger renovations and new construction needs.
Congratulations to our 2025 Retirees!
We had the honor, a few weeks ago, to celebrate and recognize the staff members who are retiring this year. As part of our tradition, each retiree who has served our district for over five years is presented with a golden apple - a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and the deep appreciation we hold for their commitment.
We are truly grateful to all those who have dedicated themselves to the education, safety, and care of our students. Your hard work has left a lasting impact, and we thank each of you for your passion, commitment, and service.
Thank you, Lauren Inman, Kevin Kernan, Scott Carlson, Adeline Tooley, Dawn Geyer, Kathy Sanborn, Lisa Carnes, Kim Ruyrok, Esther Collin, Joyce Henning, and Renee Attridge!
We wish you all the very best as you embark on new and exciting adventures in the next chapter of your lives.
A Little Free Library was recently added at Deer Park Elementary. With support from staff, the library was registered and installed to help share the joy of reading with students, families, and the community. Students learned about the program, created bookmarks from old catalog cards, and helped fill the library with donated books. Special guests came during the special ribbon-cutting ceremony, including author and writer Laura Chamberlain and Dexter. Ms. Chamberlain also donated a book she wrote! This small but mighty library is one more way to promote a love of books and learning all year long. Stop by to check it out! Many thanks to Ms. Kellie Hunt, librarian, Jollene Vining, principal, and PTO for their support. Download the Little Free Library app to find others nearby!
As we honor and remember those who have served, please remember there will be no school on Monday, May 26, 2025.
What an incredible STEAM Night community event! Students and families experienced fun, hands-on learning. Students were able to experience the arts, including drama and music, world languages, math, science, Ag science, industrial arts, and marketing! Many thanks to the educators for their creativity, excellence, and innovation in creating such a remarkable event. #inspireexcellence
Greetings DPE Families - Just a reminder - No School - Friday May 16th. Snow Make up day! Have a great weekend and see you Monday!
Attention Deer Park Families!
Need help with food this summer? Your children may qualify for $120 in grocery benefits through the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program. Plus, kids and teens 18 and under can enjoy free meals at local sites, no paperwork needed.
Both programs help stretch your food budget while school is out.
Find out how to apply and where to get meals:
https://www.hungerfreewa.org/freesummerfood
Many thanks to the DPE PTO for a fun Donuts with Grown Ups today! Feel free to share your fun pictures with us too!
Happy National School Nurses Day to our incredible school nurses!
They work hard and do it with smiles on their faces. Without them, we could not do the important work we do as a District. Thank you for the care and compassion you show our students in all of our schools. We appreciate you!
As we celebrate and honor the excellence of our educators, we hope you will feel inspired by our Dear, Deer Park video. Educators: You matter and you make a difference. Thanks for inspiring excellence! Thank you for all you do! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSHx0tacRHk
#inspireexcellence
Many thanks to ALL of our educators for their dedication, patience, and determination to ensure students feel a sense of belonging and grow & engage academically! We appreciate YOU! Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week!
Happy Lunch Superhero Day to our incredible Food Service team! Your hard work and warm smiles are truly appreciated. Thank you for keeping our students fueled and ready to learn!
Many thanks to Mayor Verzal for inviting and including the Deer Park School District in the City's Community Parks and Open Space planning process! Although this process is focused on the city's needs, it was inspiring for business leaders (including the Chamber of Commerce) and the City to highly consider the needs of our kids and families! What a great group of representatives from the community. We are excited to see where this planning process takes our community and how we can continue to partner and work together as a cohesive team.
