A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Pasco Community,
This year, we proudly embraced our theme, “This is Me at PSD – Este Soy Yo en PSD,” a reflection of the identity, pride, and sense of belonging that define our schools. Across our district, our students and staff continue to show what it means to learn, lead, and grow in Pasco.
One of the most significant milestones this year was the successful opening of Sageview High School and Orion High School—both completed on time and on budget. These schools represent years of planning, community input, and dedication. Orion High School welcomed its inaugural freshman class, while Sageview High School opened its doors to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Next year, both schools will continue to grow, with Sageview celebrating its first graduating class.
These accomplishments were made possible through the support of our community in passing the 2023 bond. Because of that investment, we are able to provide modern learning environments and expanded opportunities for our students. We are proud to introduce the Aviators and the Lobos as the newest members of our Pasco school community.
We are also grateful to share that our Educational Programs & Operations Renewal Levy passed during the April election. This support allows us to continue funding essential staffing, programs, and services that are critical to student success. Thank you for showing up for our students and for the continued trust you place in our schools.
Like school districts across Washington state and the nation, Pasco School District has faced financial challenges this year. Rising costs and gaps between state funding and the actual cost of providing a high-quality education have required us to take a thoughtful and responsible approach to budget
planning. Our focus will continue to be on protecting student learning while making adjustments that are sustainable over time.
We are making progress by managing staffing levels primarily through attrition, carefully evaluating positions as they become vacant, and aligning resources to our highest priorities. This approach allows us to remain responsible stewards of public funds while continuing to support students, staff, and programs that matter most.
These achievements would not have been possible without the incredible work of our staff and the enthusiasm and resilience of our students. Every classroom, every activity, and every connection reflects the heart of who we are as a district.
As we reflect on this year, we are reminded that Pasco is a place where every student’s story matters. “This is Me at PSD” is more than a theme—it is a celebration of the diverse experiences, talents, and aspirations that make our district strong.
Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for your continued partnership and support. Together, we will keep putting students first to make learning last a lifetime.
With gratitude,
Michelle Whitney Superintendent
It is Pasco School District’s responsibility to provide a foundational educational experience to all Pasco students that is designed to provide core, acceleration, and enrichment. We are committed to five outrageous outcomes that when combined define a trajectory of success for our students. They are built on a foundational belief that all students are capable of success, no exceptions. The Outrageous Outcomes are the foundation of our District Strategic Improvement Plan. We will be conducting a Strategic Plan tune-up this year to ensure our goals, strategies, and actions remain aligned with the evolving needs of our students, staff, and community.
Mastery by 3rd Grade
100% of all 3rd graders will read on grade level in their language of instruction.
Success in Algebra
100% of students will pass Algebra by the end of 9th grade.
On Track for Graduation
100% of 9th graders will end the school year on track for graduation.
Graduate with a Career Path
100% of students will graduate with a career path.
Meaningful Connections
100% of students will experience meaningful connections and hope for their future.
ALL STUDENTS ARE CAPABLE OF SUCCESS: NO EXCEPTIONS.
To learn more about our OUTRAGEOUS OUTCOMES and the steps we are taking to achieve them, please visit:
www.psd1.org/strategicplan
ABOUT PSD
• Angelou
• Captain Gray STEM
• Chess
• Columbia River
• Curie STEM
• Emerson
• Franklin STEM
• Frost
• Livingston
• Longfellow
• Markham
• McClintock STEM
• McGee
• Robinson
• Three Rivers
• Twain
• Whittier
• McLoughlin
• Ochoa
• Reynolds • Stevens 6 High Schools
• Chiawana
• Delta
• New Horizons
• Pasco
• Orion
• Sageview
18,876 Students
2,250 Employees
• iPAL
• Pasco Parent Partnership
• PIXeL
• Virtual New Horizons High School 1 Early Learning Center
DISTRICT REPORT CARD
72.7% Students Attend 90% or More of School Days
2024-25 School Year
80.1% Graduated in 4 Years 2024-25 School Year
Assessment
Scan the QR Code above to view where WA scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
55.8%
Met English Language Arts (ELA) Standards
47.1% Met Math Standards
53% Met Science Standards
$18,163
Per-pupil Expenditure 2024-25 School Year
1,210 Number of Classroom Teachers
12.1 Average Years of Teaching Experience 2024-25 School Year
2024-2025
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
Revenues: $330,189,726
STATE
The state of Washington is Pasco’s largest funding source at over 81 cents of every dollar. The amount paid by the state is dependent on enrollment. Funding from the state does not fully cover educational costs.
LOCAL TAXES
Local taxes are referred to as “levies” because they are levied on a calendar-year basis and collected from local taxpayers. Levies are critical to district funding. Every levy must be approved by local voters and is collected over a set number of years.
FEDERAL
Federal money accounts for a little under nine cents of every dollar received and helps provide vital services in specific areas.
OTHER
All other funding sources combined make up the remainder of the budget. This includes interest, donations, and fees that are used for very specific needs.
The largest portion of annual operating funding comes from the state, followed by local taxes.
$429,314,548
Nearly 3/4 of District spending goes directly to the classroom and supports student learning.
Expenditures: $335,080,466
TEACHING & TEACHING SUPPORT
Last year, a little over 73 cents of every dollar spent was used for teaching and teaching support such as counselors, librarians and classroom assistants.
SCHOOL & CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Revenues: $298,612,199
Administration, which includes principals and central office staff, account for a little less than ten cents of every dollar.
CUSTODIAL, MAINTENANCE, & GROUNDS
Almost a nickel per dollar was spent on school maintenance, custodians and grounds crews.
Buses and drivers to safely transport students cost the District a little over three cents per dollar last year.
Almost four cents of every dollar provided hot, nutritious meals for students.
ALL OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES
A little under three cents per dollar went to pay for services such as technology, printing and graphics, and warehousing.
Power, water, and sewer for all district buildings cost about one and one half cents per dollar.
BOND 2023 UPDATE
Sageview High School
Home of the Lobos
What?
Sageview High School officially opened in Fall 2025 as Pasco School District’s newest comprehensive high school, joining Chiawana and Pasco High Schools.
• Opened with freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
• Designed to serve up to 2,000 students
• 299,413 square feet of modern learning space
• Features Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including a signature Agriculture program
Where?
6091 Burns Rd., Pasco, WA
Opening Year Highlights
• Successfully opened on time and on budget
• Welcomed students and staff into a brand-new learning environment
• Launched academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs
• Established a strong school culture and identity as the Lobos
• Created new opportunities for students through expanded course offerings and programs
What’s Next?
Sageview will continue to grow by adding a senior class in 2026, celebrating its first graduating class.
Why It Matters
The opening of Sageview High School helps reduce overcrowding at existing high schools and expands opportunities for students across Pasco. Chiawana High School is the largest high school in Washington, and Pasco High School is among the largest—making this addition critical to supporting student success.
Project Investment
Total Cost: $185,363,750
Funded through the 2023 voter-approved bond
Local Bond Contribution: $139,922,928
Orion High School
Home of the Aviators
What?
Orion High School officially opened in Fall 2025 as Pasco School District’s innovative Career & College Academy, designed in partnership with business and industry leaders, families, and students.
• Opened with an inaugural freshman class
• Designed to serve up to 600 students
• 65,000 square feet of modern, flexible learning space
• Focused on real-world, career-connected learning experiences
Students at Orion engage in hands-on learning aligned to highdemand career pathways, including:
• Health Sciences
• Engineering
• Advanced Manufacturing
The program is designed so that every student graduates with industry certifications, credentials, and practical experience, preparing them for college, careers, or both.
Where?
1901 E. Salt Lake St., Pasco, WA
Opening Year Highlights
• Successfully opened on time and on budget
• Welcomed its first class of students into a highly personalized learning environment
• Launched career-connected programs in partnership with local industry
• Established a strong school culture and identity as the Aviators
• Created new opportunities for students to explore career pathways while earning credentials
What’s Next?
Orion High School will continue to grow by adding a new grade level each year, expanding opportunities for students as the program builds toward full enrollment.
Why It Matters
Orion High School provides a unique, innovative option for Pasco students while also helping reduce overcrowding at traditional high schools. By offering smaller, career-focused learning environments, Orion expands access to hands-on experiences that prepare students for success beyond high school.
Project Investment
Total Cost: $37,984,375
Funded through the 2023 voter-approved bond
Local Bond Contribution: $37,984,375
State Match: $0
Athletic Field & Facility Improvements
What?
Athletic field and facility improvements at Pasco High School, including the addition of a new softball field and a practice football/soccer field to expand student access to on-campus athletic facilities.
Where?
Pasco High School
Construction Timeline
• Construction begins: June 2026
• Estimated completion: February 2027
Why It Matters
Pasco High School softball players currently travel off campus for practices and games. This project will provide on-campus facilities, improving access, equity, and the overall studentathlete experience.
Maximizing Resources
Through strong financial management, the district completed Sageview High School and Orion High School under budget, allowing us to:
• Expand the project to include both a softball field and a practice football/soccer field
• Begin construction one year earlier than originally planned
Project Investment
Total Cost: $5,700,000
Funded through the 2023 voter-approved bond
Local Bond Contribution: $5,700,000
State Match: $0
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Enhancements and Modernizations
What?
Enhancements and modernization of Career & Technical Education (CTE) spaces at Chiawana High School and Pasco High School, designed to align programs with current industry standards and expand hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities for students.
Where?
Chiawana and Pasco High Schools
Project Update
CTE modernization projects are moving forward, with construction scheduled to begin in June 2026 at both high schools. These updates will significantly enhance learning environments and provide students with access to modern tools, technology, and industryrelevant experiences.
Construction Timeline
Chiawana High School:
• Construction begins: June 2026
• Estimated completion: October 2026
Pasco High School:
• Construction begins: June 2026
• Estimated completion: June 2027
Scope of Work
Chiawana High School:
• STEM lab modernization
• HVAC system redesign
• Installation of advanced equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters
Pasco High School:
• Modernization of auto, metals, and wood shops
• Upgrades to culinary, robotics, and art classrooms
• HVAC and electrical system improvements
Why It Matters
These improvements ensure students have access to modern, industry-aligned learning environments that prepare them for highdemand careers.
Project Investment
Total Cost: $18,500,000
Funded through the 2023 voter-approved bond
Local Bond Contribution: $18,500,000
State Match: $908,000
Partners in Educating All Kids!, or PEAK!, is a program established in 2008 to involve and formally recognize community organizations and businesses as partners of Pasco School District. As a PEAK! partner, your organization can participate in school events and spread the word about services your organization provides. These opportunities also allow business volunteers to be part of a dynamic and evolving environment—the school classroom.
Partners can:
• Adopt a school and participate in school events
• Talk to students about career paths
• Recognize students each month
• Donate coats, school supplies, bikes, and more
• Target individual school’s needs
• Share about your business in an educational format
• Create new ways of school involvement
Benefits:
• Recognition at major district-hosted events
• Placement of your business logo in at least one school-level and district-level newsletter or publication
• Placement of your business logo on the district website
• Acknowledgement and introduction at school and district events
• Meet and greet back to school and mid-year planning luncheons
• Opportunity to display information at two district events
origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained guide dog or service animal. Pasco School District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other designated youth groups. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be addressed to the following designated employees: Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Officer-Sarah Thornton; 1215 W. Lewis St., Pasco, WA 99301, 509-543-6700, sthornton@psd1.org; and Sec. 504 Coordinator-Kristi Docken, 1215 W. Lewis St., Pasco, WA 99301, 509-543-6700, kdocken@psd1.org. Pasco School District is committed to providing access to all individuals, with or without disabilities, seeking information on our website. The District, in evaluating and
Web Accessibility Initiative Accessible Rich Internet Applications Suite (WAIARIA) 1.0 for web-based content. If, because of a disability, you are unable to access content on Pasco School District’s website, you have questions about the accessibility of content or technology used by the District, and/or would like to report barriers to accessing any technology used by the District, including this website, please email mtapia@psd1.org. For information about the formal complaint procedure, please contact the District’s Compliance Coordinator, Sarah Thornton, at sthornton@psd1.org.