Episode Details

Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a deep-dive year-end recap of the Shelton School District. Below are the key questions Jeff asks so you can jump right to the info you need:

1. Big Wins: What are you most proud of as the 2024-25 school year closes?
2. Post-COVID Classrooms: Is rising student engagement tied to finally moving past pandemic disruption?
3. Strategic Plan Progress: How are test scores, discipline numbers and classroom practices aligning with the district’s pillars?
4. Choice & Cedar Success: Why were their 50 graduates—and first-gen diplomas—such a milestone?
5. Shelton Promise: How does the free-tuition pact with Evergreen State College change futures?
6. Athletics & Activities: Why do sports and clubs matter in a phone-centric world?
7. Crowded Board Meeting: What drove the surprise turnout and emotions over staffing cuts?
8. Balanced Budget 101: How do rising utility bills, insurance and under-funded mandates force layoffs?
9. Mental-Health Support: What services remain after counseling reductions?
10. Special-Ed Funding Gap: Why are levy dollars no longer allowed to backfill federal/state shortfalls?
11. Dual-Language Facts: Has the program really been cut—or just misunderstood?
12. Staff Culture Surveys: How does leadership track morale under financial pressure?
13. Teacher Autonomy: How much freedom do educators have within state standards and adopted curricula?
14. Looking Ahead: What’s the superintendent’s graduation message—and the game plan for 2025-26?

Recorded June 12, 2025—two days before Shelton High’s commencement at Saint Martin’s. 

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