Kent School District
Encyclopedia
The Kent School District #415 includes the cities of Kent
, Covington
, Maple Valley
, parts of the cities of Renton
and Black Diamond
, and neighboring unincorporated areas in King County
, Washington. Covering 73 square miles (189,069,132 m²), the Kent School District has 40 schools (28 elementary school
s, 6 middle school
s, 2 academy schools, and 4 high school
s). With 26,891 enrolled students, it is the 4th largest school district in Washington. The district employs 3,389 staff members, of whom 1,687 are teachers.
The school district recently completed a transition from junior high schools to middle school
s. The 2004-2005 school year was the first year the ninth grade was at the high school level.
of Washington filed a lawsuit against the Kent School District and five administrators on behalf of a former student, Mark Iversen. The suit alleged that the Kent School District and the administration failed to protect Iversen against anti-gay harassment. Also named in the suit were Superintendent Jim Hager, Assistant Superintendent Gwen Dupree, Principal Doug Boushey (Kent Junior High), Ben Dillard (Kent-Meridian High School
) and Tom Watson (Kentwood High
). The school district denied the allegations.
In the suit, Iversen claimed that he was harassed from the 7th grade at Kent Junior High up to high school at Kent-Meridian. He left Kent-Meridian to attend Kentwood believing things would change, but they did not. Other incidents include:
During the lawsuit, it was alleged by a family friend that he was given a subpoena at their place of employment and then had pictures taken without their permission. A witness for the defense who was still a student alleges that he was taken out of classes during the litigation and given breakfast, lunches and coffees for his participation and cooperation. A former boyfriend, who was also called to be a defense witness, claims the district attorneys sent him flowers and gifts for his cooperation, but when it was discovered he and Iversen were back together shortly before settlement talks and trial, he was dropped as a witness. No confirmation on the truth or fiction has been made.
The lawsuit was settled in 1999 for $40,000.00 and a guarantee from the district that there would be training on the subject of anti-gay harassment. The district had refused to add sexual orientation to their harassment policy, stating that their current policy has enough explanation. On 11 September 2002, the district adopted a new policy from RCW 9A.36.080(3) that does include the term "sexual orientation."
There have been numerous stories since the settlement (the most recent occurring in September 2005) about ongoing harassment with students who seek help but the district still ignores them. The Kent School District has been acknowledged nationally for their efforts to combat racial discrimination and diversity for minorities.
As of 2005, the only remaining administrator is Doug Boushey who now is principal at Meridian Middle School. Jim Hager left Kent School District for Washoe County Schools in Reno, Nevada but in 2004 he resigned and became a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he teaches in the Division of Educational Leadership. No information where Dupree, Dillard and Watson have moved onto. Iversen graduated college in 2001.
It was ruled that the school district could not punish students for their freedom of speech outside of school and was told it could do nothing about it. The site has since been removed.
The suit, filed in King County
Superior Court, names the Kent School District, superintendent Barbara Grohe and school security officer Gayle Mangino as defendants.
In the suit, the families say district security officers used metal handcuffs to restrain students, threw them against lockers or on the floor, pulled their hair or used painful pressure holds to force students to comply. The suit also alleges black students were disciplined at a disproportionate rate than other students.
The families also accuse Grohe of negligence, and say she failed to properly supervise district security officers.
Kent School District spokeswoman Becky Hanks said district administrators had not had a chance to thoroughly review the lawsuit, but said the suit was without merit.
The lawsuit was dismissed in May 2005.
rights had been violated by the school district.
September 2002, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that Bible clubs are allowed to seek ASB sponsorship as any other club may lawfully do, be it Chess club or Muslim club. The court made this decision on the basis that it was a government exclusion of beliefs when the Bethel School District
in Spanaway, Washington
denied students the option of peacefully organizing outside of school hours a few years ago.
children as "slave labor" building IKEA
furniture for school employees and their friends and family.
The case was decided in favor of the labor board and an injunction was ordered preventing the school district from having special needs
children from performing any activities related to the lawsuit. It is currently pending appeal with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Kent, Washington
Kent is a city located in King County, Washington, United States, and is the third largest city in King County and the sixth largest in the state. An outlying suburb of Seattle, Kent is also the corporate home for companies such as REI and Oberto Sausage...
, Covington
Covington, Washington
Covington is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 17,575 at the time of the 2010 census. Prior to the 2010 census, Covington was counted as part of Covington-Sawyer-Wilderness CDP.-History:...
, Maple Valley
Maple Valley, Washington
Maple Valley is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 22,684 at the 2010 census.-History:The area was first settled in 1879 by three men who were improving a trail and brought their families in. When a name for a future community was proposed, the names Vine Maple...
, parts of the cities of Renton
Renton, Washington
Renton is an Eastside edge city in King County, Washington, United States. Situated 11 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington, Renton straddles the southeast shore of Lake Washington. Founded in the 1860s, Renton became a supply town for the Newcastle coal fields...
and Black Diamond
Black Diamond, Washington
Black Diamond is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 4,151 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Black Diamond ranks 64th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.-History:Black Diamond was...
, and neighboring unincorporated areas in King County
King County, Washington
King County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. The population in the 2010 census was 1,931,249. King is the most populous county in Washington, and the 14th most populous in the United States....
, Washington. Covering 73 square miles (189,069,132 m²), the Kent School District has 40 schools (28 elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
s, 6 middle school
Middle school
Middle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
s, 2 academy schools, and 4 high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
s). With 26,891 enrolled students, it is the 4th largest school district in Washington. The district employs 3,389 staff members, of whom 1,687 are teachers.
The school district recently completed a transition from junior high schools to middle school
Middle school
Middle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
s. The 2004-2005 school year was the first year the ninth grade was at the high school level.
Schools
| School | | Location | Established | Enrollment | | Mascot | WIAA Washington Interscholastic Activities Association The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association is the governing body of athletics and activities for secondary education schools in the state of Washington... Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent-Meridian Kent-Meridian High School Kent-Meridian High School is a high school located in Kent, Washington and part of the Kent School District. Its principal is Dr. Wade Barringer.... http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/km |
Kent | 1951 | 1,852 | Royals | 4A |
| Kentlake Kentlake High School Kentlake High School is a public high school, of more than 2,000 Students in Kent, Washington, USA. It is part of the Kent School District.-History:... http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/kl |
Black Diamond Black Diamond, Washington Black Diamond is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 4,151 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Black Diamond ranks 64th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.-History:Black Diamond was... |
1998 | 1,905 | Falcons | 4A |
| Kentridge Kentridge High School Kentridge High School, located on in Kent, Washington, is the second-oldest and second-largest high school by area in the Kent School District... http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/kr |
Kent | 1968 | 2,307 | Chargers | 4A |
| Kentwood Kentwood High School (Washington) Kentwood High School is a high school in Covington, Washington. Kentwood is one of four high schools in the Kent School District. It serves students in grades nine through twelve who live in mainly in the east central region of the district... http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/kw |
Covington Covington, Washington Covington is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 17,575 at the time of the 2010 census. Prior to the 2010 census, Covington was counted as part of Covington-Sawyer-Wilderness CDP.-History:... |
1982 | 2,254 | Conquerors | 4A |
| School | | Grade levels | Established | Enrollment | | Mascot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent Mountain View Academyhttp://www.kent.k12.wa.us/lc | 3-12 | 1997 | 314 | Lions |
| Kent Phoenix Academyhttp://www.kent.k12.wa.us/ph | 9-12 | 2007 | 332 | Phoenix |
| Kent Tech Academy(KTA) http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/ph |
7-12 | 2005 | 332 | Tech |
| School | | Location | Established | Enrollment | | Mascot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Heights | Covington | 837 | Timberwolves | |
| Mattson | Covington | 667 | Mustangs | |
| Meeker | Renton Renton, Washington Renton is an Eastside edge city in King County, Washington, United States. Situated 11 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington, Renton straddles the southeast shore of Lake Washington. Founded in the 1860s, Renton became a supply town for the Newcastle coal fields... |
654 | Pioneers | |
| Meridian | Kent | 711 | Monarchs | |
| Mill Creek | Kent | 775 | Bulldogs | |
| Northwood | Renton | 619 | Jaguars | |
Elementary schools
Grades K-6
|
Black Diamond, Washington Black Diamond is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 4,151 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Black Diamond ranks 64th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.-History:Black Diamond was... |
Mark Iversen vs. Kent School District, et alia
On July 23, 1997, the American Civil Liberties UnionAmerican Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union is a U.S. non-profit organization whose stated mission is "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States." It works through litigation, legislation, and...
of Washington filed a lawsuit against the Kent School District and five administrators on behalf of a former student, Mark Iversen. The suit alleged that the Kent School District and the administration failed to protect Iversen against anti-gay harassment. Also named in the suit were Superintendent Jim Hager, Assistant Superintendent Gwen Dupree, Principal Doug Boushey (Kent Junior High), Ben Dillard (Kent-Meridian High School
Kent-Meridian High School
Kent-Meridian High School is a high school located in Kent, Washington and part of the Kent School District. Its principal is Dr. Wade Barringer....
) and Tom Watson (Kentwood High
Kentwood High School (Washington)
Kentwood High School is a high school in Covington, Washington. Kentwood is one of four high schools in the Kent School District. It serves students in grades nine through twelve who live in mainly in the east central region of the district...
). The school district denied the allegations.
In the suit, Iversen claimed that he was harassed from the 7th grade at Kent Junior High up to high school at Kent-Meridian. He left Kent-Meridian to attend Kentwood believing things would change, but they did not. Other incidents include:
- He was pushed into lockers with a broomstick and called "fag" while two teachers sat by and did nothing.
- An instructor stated to Mark, "I already have 20 girls in my class. I don't need another."
- A classmate slammed a handwritten note on Mark's chest threatening "You're dead fag."
- A teacher publicly questioned whether Mark was qualified to give blood based on the perception that Mark was gay.
- On numerous occasions, when Mark would fight back verbally, it was Mark who would get into trouble, not the abusers.
- When Mark reported to a teacher the abuse he had been suffering based on his sexual orientation, the teacher became antagonistic toward him, banned him from her classroom, and failed him.
- On paperwork to transfer schools, the principals signed off to "ongoing verbal and physical harassment."
During the lawsuit, it was alleged by a family friend that he was given a subpoena at their place of employment and then had pictures taken without their permission. A witness for the defense who was still a student alleges that he was taken out of classes during the litigation and given breakfast, lunches and coffees for his participation and cooperation. A former boyfriend, who was also called to be a defense witness, claims the district attorneys sent him flowers and gifts for his cooperation, but when it was discovered he and Iversen were back together shortly before settlement talks and trial, he was dropped as a witness. No confirmation on the truth or fiction has been made.
The lawsuit was settled in 1999 for $40,000.00 and a guarantee from the district that there would be training on the subject of anti-gay harassment. The district had refused to add sexual orientation to their harassment policy, stating that their current policy has enough explanation. On 11 September 2002, the district adopted a new policy from RCW 9A.36.080(3) that does include the term "sexual orientation."
There have been numerous stories since the settlement (the most recent occurring in September 2005) about ongoing harassment with students who seek help but the district still ignores them. The Kent School District has been acknowledged nationally for their efforts to combat racial discrimination and diversity for minorities.
As of 2005, the only remaining administrator is Doug Boushey who now is principal at Meridian Middle School. Jim Hager left Kent School District for Washoe County Schools in Reno, Nevada but in 2004 he resigned and became a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he teaches in the Division of Educational Leadership. No information where Dupree, Dillard and Watson have moved onto. Iversen graduated college in 2001.
Nick Emmett vs. Kent School District
In 2000, student Nick Emmett of Kentlake High School published a website on his private America Online account that depicted students and teachers being voted on who would die. Students in the school knew about the site and many encouraged the participation. Many wanted to be voted as the next “victim” however staff were not amused and demanded Emmett close the website. Many students were suspended and the ACLU took on the case.It was ruled that the school district could not punish students for their freedom of speech outside of school and was told it could do nothing about it. The site has since been removed.
NAACP vs. Kent School District
On November 5, 2004, the Seattle branch of the NAACP filed suit against the Kent School District on behalf of 13 families, alleging that district security officers used excessive force against 15 black students.The suit, filed in King County
King County, Washington
King County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. The population in the 2010 census was 1,931,249. King is the most populous county in Washington, and the 14th most populous in the United States....
Superior Court, names the Kent School District, superintendent Barbara Grohe and school security officer Gayle Mangino as defendants.
In the suit, the families say district security officers used metal handcuffs to restrain students, threw them against lockers or on the floor, pulled their hair or used painful pressure holds to force students to comply. The suit also alleges black students were disciplined at a disproportionate rate than other students.
The families also accuse Grohe of negligence, and say she failed to properly supervise district security officers.
Kent School District spokeswoman Becky Hanks said district administrators had not had a chance to thoroughly review the lawsuit, but said the suit was without merit.
The lawsuit was dismissed in May 2005.
Students at Kentridge High School vs. Kent School District (RE: Bible Club)
In April 2003, students at Kentridge High School south of Seattle filed a lawsuit against their school after being blocked from starting a Bible club. The students say their First AmendmentFirst Amendment to the United States Constitution
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights. The amendment prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering...
rights had been violated by the school district.
September 2002, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that Bible clubs are allowed to seek ASB sponsorship as any other club may lawfully do, be it Chess club or Muslim club. The court made this decision on the basis that it was a government exclusion of beliefs when the Bethel School District
Bethel School District (Washington)
Bethel School District No. 403 is a public school district in Pierce County, Washington, USA and serves of unincorporated Pierce County including Spanaway, Graham, Kapowsin, and the city of Roy. Bethel is unique in the way that its high schools serve grades 10-12 as opposed to the traditional...
in Spanaway, Washington
Spanaway, Washington
Spanaway is a census-designated place in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 27,227 at the 2010 census. Spanaway is an unincorporated area near Tacoma, and is often identified together with the more urban, less wealthy Parkland....
denied students the option of peacefully organizing outside of school hours a few years ago.
Washington State Labor Board vs. Kent School District
In August 2005, the Washington State Labor Board filed suit against the Kent School District for violating labor laws by using special needsSpecial needs
In the USA, special needs is a term used in clinical diagnostic and functional development to describe individuals who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, mental, or psychological. For instance, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International...
children as "slave labor" building IKEA
IKEA
IKEA is a privately held, international home products company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture such as beds and desks, appliances and home accessories. The company is the world's largest furniture retailer...
furniture for school employees and their friends and family.
The case was decided in favor of the labor board and an injunction was ordered preventing the school district from having special needs
Special needs
In the USA, special needs is a term used in clinical diagnostic and functional development to describe individuals who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, mental, or psychological. For instance, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International...
children from performing any activities related to the lawsuit. It is currently pending appeal with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Teacher Strike
On August 26, 2009, teachers in the school district went on strike, for reasons including teacher and student rights and less meetings so teachers can spend more time helping their students. Out of 1,700 teachers, 1,500, 86%, agreed on a strike, while 14% did not.Rivalries
There are many rivalries between schools in such a large district, some more competitive than others.- Kentwood High SchoolKentwood High School (Washington)Kentwood High School is a high school in Covington, Washington. Kentwood is one of four high schools in the Kent School District. It serves students in grades nine through twelve who live in mainly in the east central region of the district...
vs Kentridge High SchoolKentridge High SchoolKentridge High School, located on in Kent, Washington, is the second-oldest and second-largest high school by area in the Kent School District...
(football) - Kentwood High SchoolKentwood High School (Washington)Kentwood High School is a high school in Covington, Washington. Kentwood is one of four high schools in the Kent School District. It serves students in grades nine through twelve who live in mainly in the east central region of the district...
vs Kentlake High SchoolKentlake High SchoolKentlake High School is a public high school, of more than 2,000 Students in Kent, Washington, USA. It is part of the Kent School District.-History:...
(wrestling) An annual event known as the Cov-Town Throwdown - Kentlake High SchoolKentlake High SchoolKentlake High School is a public high school, of more than 2,000 Students in Kent, Washington, USA. It is part of the Kent School District.-History:...
vs Kentwood High SchoolKentwood High School (Washington)Kentwood High School is a high school in Covington, Washington. Kentwood is one of four high schools in the Kent School District. It serves students in grades nine through twelve who live in mainly in the east central region of the district...
(volleyball) Continuously battling for the league title