Superintendent Update - October 2026

Dear UPSD Parents and Guardians: 

Thank you for your tremendous partnership and support during the first quarter of the 2026/27 school year. We've had a great start to the year and we are proud of all that's been accomplished during the first months of school. The quality of education we provide in UPSD is directly related to the high levels of involvement and support we receive from parents. Thank you for being an active participant in your child's education and for taking time to review this update.

Remember to Vote by November 3rd!!
Local and state elections have significant impacts on public education in Washington State. It is very important that parents have a strong voice in this and all other elections. Ballots are in homes now.  If you are a registered voter, please remember to deliver your ballot into the fire station dropbox (3631 Drexler Dr. W) on or before November 3rd.  Every vote counts!

Safety Message: School Violence Prevention Requires a Team Effort
The recent school violence in Bend, OR reminds us of the need for constant vigilance and attention to student safety.  We need staff, students and parents to help us with this all-important task. You can help us keep students safe in these ways: 

• Report all threats, rumors of threats or concerning behaviors to a school administrator immediately. 
• Report all threats or rumors of threats to law enforcement when schools are closed.
• Talk to your student about the importance of immediately reporting safety concerns.
• Take action to keep weapons out of the hands of children.  If you own firearms or other weapons, remember to keep them locked away and out of reach.

Safety Message: Help Us Promote Pedestrian & E-Scooter Safety
Please take time to speak with your student(s) about being safe while walking to, from, and around schools.  Darker, stormier mornings and evenings make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Remind students to cross streets only at designated crosswalks, to look both ways before crossing, to keep their ears free of earbuds/headphones and to walk on the sidewalk- not in the streets.  If students are using e-bikes or e-scooters, extra caution is needed. Students should always wear helmets, obey traffic rules and walk their bikes and scooters when on campus.

School Construction Project Updates
Architects and contractors have been selected to design and build a new Sunset, a new Chambers and a renovated CHS!  We are working closely with these teams on conceptual designs for all three schools with plans to begin construction in 2028.  Regular updates are provided on the district's website and we encourage parents to monitor our progress! 

Complete Free/Reduced Meal Forms
Accurate data on family income levels is essential information for school districts.  This data helps us to identify student needs and gives us access to more resources.  Many families benefit from greater access to free or reduced price lunches and lower fees. The information can be entered in the Family Access System.  Click here for information on how to complete the application online.

Thank you for making it to the end of another Superintendent Update!  Please never hesitate to reach out to me directly with questions or concerns.  I can be reached at 253-566-5600 x 3316 or at jchamberlin@upsd83.org.  

Have a great weekend and a safe, fun Halloween.  

Jeff Chamberlin
Superintendent