 I had the opportunity to visit Pioneer Elementary School and meet with Principal Debra Gary about the great things happening at the school (if the photo of the entrance above doesn't tell you). I asked her to share some information, and I wanted you to know about it, too:
"Pioneer Elementary has been a transformational school for the families in this Auburn neighborhood. The evidence is found in the ever increasing achievements of the students on state tests. In 2014 all three grade levels passed the state MSP at over 80% in reading and over 90% in math! Pioneer’s average in math was higher than any school district average in the state, including Mercer Island, Bainbridge, Issaquah, Lake Washington, and Bellevue. Pioneer is one of four schools in the state to win the 2014 Innovative Schools Award among other academic honors. What is most exciting is our students’ accomplishment in the state testing. Remember, Pioneer has 85% poverty and nearly half these students are English Language Learners with a mobility rate of 30%. At Pioneer, students defy the odds to be successful. Families know the staff at Pioneer will work specifically and effectively with their child. The graphics on this are spectacular. Pioneer is attempting to have their students become technology experts. Their latest goal for this year is one-to-one iPads or Chromebooks for every student.”
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I am proud to work with your city councilmembers, and this week gave me ample opportunity. On Wednesday night, we attended the first joint Sound Cities Association and Association of Washington Cities dinner meeting. We heard about emerging issues in Olympia and began formulating the upcoming priorities for the next legislative session. Auburn is represented well on SCA and AWC committees – working hard to improve the quality of life for our citizens.
Thursday night was a King County Council 2015-2016 Biennial Budget Hearing at the Regional Justice Center in Kent. As I’ve mentioned previously, the budget proposal from King County Executive Dow Constantine that is now in front of the King County Council for review and approval does not support funding Auburn’s Public Health Clinic. The room where the hearing was held was packed with citizens concerned about the budget, and I would estimate over half of them were there to talk about the clinic closure. I was given the opportunity to speak in support of the clinic remaining open, and I was surrounded by Deputy Mayor Wagner, Councilmembers Wales, Osborne, Holman, DaCorsi and Trout. I think our message is getting through, and I appreciate the support from our surrounding cities including Algona, Pacific, Black Diamond, Enumclaw, Sound Cities Association, Valley Regional Fire Authority, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and local businesses! I am also encouraged by the work we have been able to do with Executive Constantine’s office. We won’t give up!
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We continued our weekly visits to Auburn businesses, and this week we were at Laser Cutting North West “Making good parts fast…” It’s an impressive business with a visionary leader named Peter Agtuca (president). Since 1992, LCNW has been committed to being a leader in precision parts manufacturing with laser, waterjet and router cutting. There are 32 employees, and the turnover rate is almost zero! The team is dedicated, enthusiastic and many of them have been there since high school because they love what they do and they love the opportunities that they are presented with for training and education. Peter is also a member of Element 8 and angel investment organization formerly known as Northwest Energy Angels. They are dedicated to advancing clean technologies by investing in highly promising, early-stage companies throughout the United States. Peter is a true believer in the entrepreneurial spirit, and it’s contagious!
What do think?
I'm still waiting to hear what you think of this, so I will ask again, what do you see as the City's role in helping the homeless? Let me know what you think!
If you'd like to see responses from previous questions, you can view that here.
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