BSD Family Updates

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We had a great first day of school and hope the new school year is off to a fantastic start for our students!

Online ticketing will be available for the following Bremerton High School sports (high school only).

Fall

• Football

• Volleyball & girls soccer - Entry to both events for one ticket

Winter

• Boys basketball

• Girls basketball

• Boys & girls wrestling - Entry to both events for one ticket

Spring

• Boys soccer

• Boys & girls track & field - Entry to both events for one ticket

Tickets will be available at the ticket booth before games/meets - cash only. Or, spectators can scan the QR code at the ticket booth to purchase tickets with a credit card on their mobile devices!

Dear BSD families,

With the season home opener for football tomorrow and the recent article in the Kitsap Sun, we wanted to provide you with an update on the status of Joe Kennedy’s employment with the District.

In compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 27 decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, we have been working with our attorneys to facilitate Mr. Kennedy’s return as an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School.

While Mr. Kennedy could attend the game as a spectator on Friday night, he has not completed the District’s employee onboarding process and therefore cannot coach. We do not know if he will be at the game on Friday, or what his plans are for returning to Bremerton as an assistant coach.

On August 8, we started the employee onboarding process and Mr. Kennedy’s attorneys were sent all of the employment forms that all District coaches must complete before working with students. At that time, we also informed Mr. Kennedy (through his attorneys) that he could contact our Human Resources Department directly to request assistance he might need in filling out the forms and reporting for work. We anticipated that Mr. Kennedy would return the forms, complete the training required of all Bremerton School District coaches, and report to the head football coach in time for the first day of practice for the new season, which began on August 17.

To date, Mr. Kennedy has not returned the forms, has not contacted our HR department or anybody else at the District for assistance, and has not shown up for work. We have informed Mr. Kennedy, through his lawyers, that we are ready to hire him and have him fulfill the duties of an assistant Bremerton High School football coach as soon as he completes the steps and training required of all District coaching staff.

Meanwhile, the case is now back in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, where the judge will decide how to implement the Supreme Court’s decision and determine reasonable attorney fees.

The Bremerton School District remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the religious freedom of all Bremerton students, families and employees.

Schools have been (or will be soon!) distributing our District printed wall calendar. To be most efficient with District funds, we are distributing one copy per family to the YOUNGEST student in every family. If you don't get your calendar by early next week or if you'd like an additional copy, please contact your child's school. (You might want to check your student's backpack first!)

Background photo: First day of kindergarten at View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy.

The Bremerton School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Garth Steedman at 360.473.1031 or the Section 504 Coordinator, John Welsh at 360.473.1012. Mailing address: 134 Marion Avenue North, Bremerton, WA 98312.

Email: communications@bremertonschools.org
Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Phone: 360-473-1000
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