We co-create just and humanizing educational communities where every student thrives and succeeds, benefiting future generations. 

  • Equity
  • Press Releases
Puget Sound Educational Service District Receives $1.75 Million Grant to Advance Educator Diversity and Equity Across Puget Sound  

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD), in partnership with a diverse coalition of school districts, higher education institutions, and community organizations, has been awarded a transformative $1.75 million grant from College Spark Washington to focus on increasing educator diversity and promote racial equity in Washington's educational landscape. 

The seven-year LEADER (Leaders in Education Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Racial Justice) initiative is part of College Spark Washington's $13.8 million statewide commitment to reshape educator preparation and support systems. This groundbreaking effort aims to create a more representative and inclusive educational workforce that reflects the communities it serves. 

"This grant is more than funding—it's a catalyst for systemic change," said John Welch, Superintendent of PSESD. "We're not just adding diversity to our schools; we're fundamentally transforming how we identify, support, and elevate educators of color." 

For over eight years, PSESD has been a leader in cultivating a racially diverse educator workforce that reflects the student population in the Puget Sound region. This grant significantly accelerates those efforts, providing resources to implement community-driven strategies that will create lasting change. 

Key Initiative Goals: 

  1. Increase community representation in Washington's education workforce 

  1. Sustain and support a diverse educator workforce.  

  1. Drive meaningful systems-level transformation in educational institutions 

Strategic Focus Areas: 

  • District, School, and Community Climate: Creating inclusive workplace environments that recognize and value diverse lived experiences  

  • Educator Preparation: Strengthening recruitment and support for diverse teaching candidates through culturally sustaining preparation approaches 

  • Career Growth: Developing equitable advancement pathways and leadership opportunities with innovative mentorship strategies 

 
Innovative Approaches: The grant will support proven strategies like Highline Public Schools' Leadership Profiles Work and Federal Way Public Schools' Educators of Color Leadership Community. These programs have already demonstrated success in creating more inclusive and supportive educational environments. A list of partnering districts, higher education institutions, and community organizations is available upon request. 

About PSESD: 

PSESD is one of nine educational service districts in Washington State. It is dedicated to ensuring success for every child by leading with racial equity. With over 50 years of experience, PSESD provides comprehensive services to strengthen communities and enhance K–12 education. 

College Spark Washington is committed to improving educational outcomes by funding innovative programs that support low-income students and transform educational systems. Through initiatives like LEADER, the organization continues to champion equity and opportunity. 

For more information, contact Eileen Yoshina, Director of Equity in Education at PSESD, at eyoshina@psesd.org

PSESD News Banner

Archive

A man plays jazz on the standing bass.

In Shoreline School District, the Shorewood High School Jazz Band was recently selected as a finalist for the 31st annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, which is widely regarded as the nation’s most prestigious high school jazz competition. Shorewood was one of just 20 schools nationwide invited to perform at the event in New York City.

Read More about Shorewood Jazz Band Earns National Recognition at Essentially Ellington
Students wearing WEB Program T-shirts help younger students in a classroom setting.

Typically taking place from fifth to sixth grade, the transition from elementary to middle school can be particularly challenging for students. Luckily, sixth graders at Maple View and Summit Trail middle schools in Tahoma School District have been able to get some help with this challenge. The "Where Everyone Belongs" program—usually just referred to as “WEB”—recruits eighth grade leaders to make that sudden change of scenery a little smoother for middle school newbies, and it has proven to be a valuable resource for both schools. And not only does WEB help the younger students, but it also provides valuable leadership opportunities and new friendships for its older members.

Read More about Student Leaders Help Younger Peers Adjust to Middle School with WEB program
A smiling teacher in a burka assists two child students with a painting project in class.

Family engagement is one of the central tenets of Educare Seattle's work. It's one of the things that sets the program apart—a “whole child” approach that allows learning to extend beyond the classroom, bringing families and staff together to build community.

That approach was on full display earlier this month at Educare Seattle's first STEAM Night, which took place on March 26th, 2026. STEAM learning stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and is designed to foster creativity and problem-solving skills in young learners.

Read More about Educare Seattle's STEAM Night Brings Families Together Around Learning
Young students sit at keyboards in class

Each year, the Washington State Board of Education's Washington School Recognition Program highlights schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in key areas of student success. 

They have now announced those schools that are being recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for performance during the 2024-2025 school year, and this year, 163 schools in the PSESD school districts were recognized, out of a total of 379 public schools recognized in 150 school districts across the state of Washington. 

Read More about PSESD Celebrates 28 School Districts Recognized for Growth by Washington State!
A visual group of student art pieces including a painted portrait, an abstract, a textile dress with flowers, and a surreal painting

Here at PSESD, we're excited to celebrate the incredible talent of our young artists participating in the 2026 Regional Superintendent High School Art Show!

Each year, this show reminds us of the depth and power of student creativity. Through both their artwork and their personal reflections, these students share stories filled with emotion, insight, and courage.

As the 2026 Art Show unfolds, we invite you to recognize and honor these remarkable students for generously sharing their creativity and vision with us.
 

Read More about Announcing the Winners of the 2026 Regional Superintendent High School Art Show!
A smiling woman with flowers stands among a smiling group.

The PSESD Board of Directors was delighted to meet Maryan Abdow, the 2025 Classified School Employee of the Year, who visited the Board on April 22, 2026. Maryan was introduced to the Board by Amber McCulloch, the Senior Director of Learning, Teaching, and Family Support at PSESD, and who runs the Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year programs.
 

Read More about Maryan Abdow Honored by PSESD Board of Directors