Dear Sumner-Bonney Lake Families and Communities,

What an honor it is to serve as your next Director of Equity. My name is Joshua Agpalza, and I am a proud husband, father of two, and soon-to-be a father of three! I have been in education for 14 years, and I have been in this district for the last 3 years serving as the Assistant Principal of Sumner High School.

Many who know me understand my strong commitment to the work around equity in schools. For many people, the term equity is fairly new, but what it really means is that we are committed and intentional about providing ALL students with access to the highest quality education. What does that look like?

• Ensuring rigor at all levels with access to high support;
• Digging deep into understanding the barriers that students and other stakeholders face when they are navigating school systems; 
• Leaning into tough conversations to ensure that ALL students of various and diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and belonged;
• And being life-long learners to better ourselves everyday and to support students in a continuously growing community and environment.

As your new Director of Equity, my job is to make sure that this happens in collaboration with all stakeholders. I am excited, committed, and look forward to the work that lies ahead.

In Service and Support,

Joshua Agpalza (He/Him/His)

Director of Equity