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Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 03/06/2025 11:01 AM PST

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Office of Native Education Newsflash

March 6, 2025

Native Education | OSPI Website

Since Time Immemorial | OSPI Website

OSPI Announces New ONE Division

Thank you, reader, for your dedication to our Native students. Our office would like to update you on two recent items and express these changes are instrumental in leading and enhancing our work to ensure the support of our 29 Federally recognized Tribes, our local Tribes, communities, families, and students.

We are excited to announce the creation of a new OSPI division which will house the Office of Native Education (ONE) and the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) while aiming to support our Required Action Districts (RAD) in a systemic and meaningful way. The resources being consolidated into this new unit will strengthen the corresponding work.

Congratulations to New Assistant Superintendent, Henry Strom

With the formation of OSPI's newest division, The Office of Native Education (ONE) and the executive leadership of the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC) would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Henry Strom on his well-deserved promotion to Assistant Superintendent. This is an exciting and significant development that not only recognizes his deep expertise and leadership but also strengthens the foundation for advocacy and support for Indigenous students, educators, and communities.

Henry's unwavering commitment to ONE and the broader mission of improving student learning is truly commendable. We believe this new role will provide both stability and increased resources to advance the critical work of ensuring Indigenous and all students receive the support, education, and opportunities they deserve.

Henry's decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in the Yakima Valley have prepared him well for this leadership, and we have no doubt that his guidance will positively impact the future of this new division.

We appreciate Henry's dedication to open communication and his commitment to continuing key partnerships, such as Washington State Indian Education Association (WSIEA) and WSNAEAC. His thoughtful approach to navigating this transition while keeping the focus on Indigenous education advocacy is truly admirable. As he takes on these new responsibilities, we look forward to seeing the continued impact of his leadership in strengthening support systems for our students and communities.

Congratulations, Henry, on this well-earned recognition! We wish you great success in this expanded role and look forward to continuing to work alongside you in this important effort.

Congratulations to Willard Bill Jr.

We also would like to congratulate Willard Bill Jr. on continuing his remarkable journey of support, and educational leadership at Seattle Community College. The Office of Native Education and the executive leadership of the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee extend our deepest gratitude for the exceptional dedication Will has shown to tribal education.

Furthering the goals of John McCoy Lulilas to Since Time Immemorial curricula, countless educators and students across Washington have benefited from the quality training, knowledge, and cultural grounding you provide.

Thank you, Will, for the countless hours, the many miles traveled, the Zoom meetings, and most importantly, the songs, stories, and wisdom you so generously share. Your work is a gift to Indigenous education and a lasting legacy for future generations.

We are truly grateful for your leadership and your heart.

Although we are sad to see Willard go, the vacancy of his position as Assistant Director, along with our new divisional shift, has presented an opportunity to review the organizational structure of ONE and build a more comprehensive framework to help lift up our Indigenous students.

If you have questions of concerns regarding Native education in Washington State, please send an email to our general inbox at nativeeducation@k12.wa.us or visit our website for more information.

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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