Superintendent: enrollment up slightly; district to run earthquake tabletop drill and continues cybersecurity work

Superintendent Tom Adams told the board that the district—s October enrollment stood at 5,362 students, 21 more than at the start of the school year, and that 12 of the post‑start enrollments were kindergarteners. Adams said the district remains above its budgeted enrollment level, which supports operating revenue estimates.

Adams described an October 16 tabletop earthquake preparedness drill involving University Place Police, West Pierce Fire and Rescue and district leadership to practice multi-site coordination during a simulated earthquake. He said the tabletop will not involve all schools but will test leadership communication, resource needs and interagency coordination for an event that could affect multiple sites simultaneously.

The superintendent also noted October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and said the district reconfigured its technology team after a retirement to include a designated cybersecurity lead, a position funded locally by levy dollars. Adams said the district has not experienced a ransomware incident but remains vigilant and continues staff training and monitoring.

Adams invited the public to concert week events at the junior and senior high schools and noted that Curtis High School houses most of the district—s music classrooms in older buildings that lack adequate storage compared with junior high facilities; facility upgrades are among projects listed for possible bond funding.

Adams thanked the board for approving the resolutions to place funding measures on the ballot and said staff will share results from the tabletop drill after it is completed.