Highline Public Schools, Highline Educators Association (HEA), Association of Washington State Principals (AWSP), Teamsters, & Highline Council PTA released a joint statement on Wednesday, May 21.
STANDING STRONG TOGETHER
Greetings Community,
In recent months, we’ve deepened our focus on building what every student and staff member deserve—belonging, inclusion and safety. Even as federal guidance and national rhetoric shift, our commitment to these core values has never wavered. Through it all, we’ve held the line—standing firm in who we are and what we believe. We are Highline!
While some school districts across the country paused or pulled back, we stood firm. At Highline, we never stepped away from our commitment to equity, inclusion and honoring the diverse lived experiences of our students. Recent court rulings have affirmed our right to keep going—and we will.
Belonging, inclusion and safety are not just words. They are the foundation for everything we do. They’re the conditions where students learn, staff thrive, and families feel seen and valued.
So how do we keep building a school community where that’s not just a goal—but a reality every day?
We do it together.
When we show up for each other, when we speak up for what’s right, and when we keep working side by side—students notice. They feel it. They carry it forward.
We are grateful to the many educators, students, staff, parents and community members who’ve shared examples of what this looks like in action at recent school board meetings.
You’ve lifted up:
- The nursing program at PSSC that gives students a head start on careers in health care.
- Powerful examples of literacy growth, from elementary and high school classrooms to school libraries.
- The creative ways teachers are deepening relationships and celebrating student voice.
- A student-led pantry providing food, clothing and household items for peers and families.
These stories matter. They reflect the heart of our work.
Keep lifting up the good happening in our schools. Tell your family, neighbors, and friends. Post on social media. Show up with pride as a member of the Highline community.
As we fulfill our Highline Promise, we are committed to giving students a choice-filled life – with real options and opportunities for every student to prepare for the future they choose.
Let’s keep moving forward together. Let’s keep creating spaces of belonging where every voice matters and every student belongs. Let’s hold ourselves to the highest standards—because when we lead with our values, the future is ours to shape.
Living the Promise,
Ivan Duran, Ed.D., Superintendent, Highline Public Schools
Joe Van, President, Highline School Board of Directors
Jeb Binns, MAT, President, Highline Education Association (HEA)
Clint Sallee, President, Highline Association of Washington State Principals (HAWSP)
Chad Baker, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local Union No. 763
Ryan Rule, President, Highline Council PTA
Featured image: Highline School Board President Joe Van and Superintendent Ivan Duran at a Highline School Board meeting, Spring 2025.
