Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer shared thoughts on an upcoming levy and the past year’s accomplishments during the annual State of Education presentation Jan. 7 at the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Pfeiffer shared highlights of achievements and new programs from the year as well as areas of focus for improvement. She also asked for the community to vote to continue supporting levy funds for the district during the upcoming February special election to renew the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy.
Pfeiffer called the continuous support of the levy since 1980 “one of the truest measures that our community is full of those that believe in and invest in our students.”
Ballots will be mailed out on Jan. 21 and due by ballot box or mail by Feb. 10.
The district continuously reviews and adjusts its overall plans and benchmarks for success in various ways. This past year, that work focused on creating their “Portrait of a Graduate,” which included feedback from 2,300 community members and focused on what skills and attributes are most important for scholars to have when they graduate, Pfeiffer said.
This past year also marked the completion of a historic bond project approved in 2017, which funded eight projects. These included the rebuilding of Lake Grove Elementary School, Mirror Lake Elementary School, Wildwood Elementary School, Star Lake Elementary School, Evergreen Middle School, Thomas Jefferson High School, Olympic View K-8 and Illahee Middle School as well as the Federal Way Memorial Field.
The district has continued to invest in early education and starting scholars dreaming about life after high school, with an increase in kindergarten readiness from 40% in 2022-23, to 47% in 2024-25, and bringing 1,500 kindergarteners on college campus visits.
“Because early literacy and numeracy are so very important, we launched our kindergarten and third grade assurance teams this year,” Pfeiffer said. “This support system involves teams of teachers that closely monitor student progress to identify what’s working and adjust supports quickly, thus assuring that every young learner keeps moving forward, and a positive school experience is essential for academic success.”
“When scholars feel connected, supported and safe, they develop curiosity, confidence and a sense of belonging,” she added.
In the past year, 13 schools in the district were recognized by the State Board of Education for their work on closing the achievement gap, an honor bestowed on only 16% of schools in the state.
The district has also continued to expand career and technical education program options and worked to prepare students for many different careers. 1,532 scholars obtained an industry-recognized certificate, a 13% increase since last year, according to the district.
Students have access to a variety of technology engagement opportunities, and the district saw the highest ever attendance of 4,250 at this year’s STEAM career exploration night.
“As we know, students learn best when they’re at school consistently. School districts nationwide are still working hard to improve attendance,” said Pfeiffer, adding that in FWPS, attendance increased by 1.4% this school year, continuing a trend that has seen a 5.5% increase over the last three years.
This past year also saw the introduction of a new K-12 cellphone policy which was “first developed in partnership with other students, staff and family” and has “reduced distractions, boosted engagement and strengthened relationships.”
Pfeiffer shared that “this culture shift has already improved the school climate…helping students stay present, connected and ready to learn.”
Many districts around the state are seeing similar results after State Superintendent Chris Reykdal issued a challenge to all Washington school districts in 2024 to “engage their communities over the next year with a goal to reduce distractions during instructional time and determine a path for restricting cellphone and smart devices used in class by the start of the 2025–26 school year.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Pfeiffer shared that FWPS will be inviting the community to get involved with a refresh of the district’s strategic plan to help shape the direction of the district’s work.
