BSD’s Dr. Aramaki discusses district goals with Policy Council

At the Bellevue Chamber’s most recent Policy Council meeting, we were joined by Bellevue School District superintendent, Dr. Kelly Aramaki, as he gave an update on BSD’s programming updates, mission goals, and policy initiatives. 

The council was intrigued to hear about the innovative changes happening at our local school district, including…

"Our goal over the next five to ten, 100 years, is to reinvent public education by bringing in innovation and doing things that our families and in our community really want to see for their kids in our schools,” said Dr. Aramaki. “Our mission is to educate kids, prepare them, and to help them care about others. And so, bigger than what we've tried to do in the past, that is what we're trying to accomplish for our future world."

As a bunch of business-minded community members and employers, this was music to our ears, as our workforce remains largely under-skilled and unprepared for the current working environment. However, creating well-rounded citizens is more than just their employment outcomes, and luckily, BSD understand this.

"We [also] have a dream of every Bellevue School District kid having the opportunity to travel globally sometime between kindergarten and 12th grade,” he said. “Some families get to do that, but not all families.”

"We graduate amazing kids,” he continued. “Bellevue sends kids to the best colleges, [and] we have some of the highest test scores. By so many metrics, we are on the top. But as a system, we know that we're preparing kids for more than just good grades, great colleges, and great careers — we want Bellevue to be known as the place that sends kids out who make things better for people and for the planet."

In addition to the update from BSD, Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs, Jodie Alberts, also gave a preview of our upcoming policy position papers, and discussed the upcoming DC Fly In trip in December.

Learn more about BSD here, and more about our Policy Council here.

Did You Know? BSD Edition

Innovation in Language Learning

The district introduced new language programs such as Hindi, Korean, and Arabic, reflecting Bellevue’s diverse population. Future plans include introducing Japanese and American Sign Language (ASL) to foster greater inclusivity.

Career and Technical Skills Development

The district has expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, adding hands-on courses like maritime welding, hydroponic horticulture, cybersecurity, and culinary arts. Students can learn skills that prepare them for jobs immediately after graduation.  

Mental Health Support

The district has implemented new mental health initiatives, including hiring 19-20 mental health specialists and conducting regular screenings for students. There is also a focus on peer mental health support and therapy animals. 

Safety Improvements

The district has enhanced security by ensuring single-point entry at most schools, increasing physical safety measures, and collaborating with Bellevue Police Department on threat assessments. Quarterly audits are conducted to check building security. 

Online and Global Learning

Bellevue Digital Discovery allows students to enroll in online courses, including foreign languages, STEM courses, and advanced classes. The program aims to reach students statewide. Plans are also in place to provide global travel opportunities for students to broaden their perspectives. 

Sustainability Efforts

The district promotes sustainability through solar panels, net-zero buildings like Puesta del Sol, and student-led environmental initiatives. The district is also incorporating sustainable farming techniques like hydroponics into its curriculum. 

Accessibility and Inclusion

Bellevue School District opened its first inclusion lab to test new technologies that help students with disabilities, including devices that enable non-verbal students to communicate. The goal is to expand access to learning tools that promote greater inclusivity.

Enrollment and Budget Challenges

Bellevue’s student enrollment has rebounded, surpassing projections with over 19,500 students. However, state funding has not kept up with rising operational costs, leading to projected deficits of $10 million by 2025-26, $14.9 million by 2026-27, and $22 million by 2027-28.