This transcript has been edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Welcome to The Stories We Must Tell. I’m Dr. Christina Kishimoto, your host, and today I’m excited to have Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick of Issaquah School District in Washington with us. Welcome, Heather!
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Thank you Dr. Kishimoto! It’s great to be here.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Thanks, Heather. Please call me Christina. We’re neighbors in Washington, and I’d love for our listeners to learn more about Issaquah School District and its name.
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Issaquah is located east of Seattle in the Puget Sound region. It’s a beautiful area, often referred to as the Issaquah Alps, with mountains and Lake Sammamish providing scenic views. The district covers 110 square miles and includes parts of Sammamish, Renton, Newcastle, Bellevue, and unincorporated East King County.
Issaquah’s growth has been driven by the local tech economy, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco headquartered nearby. Our district serves around 19,000 students, with a diverse population—40% white, 35% Asian American/Pacific Islander, 10% Hispanic/Latino, and more than 10% multiracial, including Black students. We are proud of our high graduation rates and are focused on expanding services for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those facing economic challenges.
Dr. Kishimoto:
What a beautiful area to live and lead in. Why did you choose to serve there?
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
My “why” is rooted in a commitment to providing access and opportunity to all students, especially those from underserved backgrounds. I began my career as a teacher in the South Bronx, where I witnessed the systemic barriers to education. Over time, I realized that I could make a larger impact by working within the system, setting vision, and leading teams to drive change at scale. I came to Issaquah after my husband retired from the military, and the district’s values of excellence, access, and opportunity, as well as its diverse community, really resonated with me.
Dr. Kishimoto:
There are many pressing issues facing school systems today, from shifting demographics to rising transportation and special education costs. How are federal policies, like proposed cuts to education or changes in language learner services, affecting you as a superintendent?
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Politics and policy are always changing, and we have to adapt. As leaders, our focus must remain on what’s best for students. For me, it’s about ensuring access and opportunity, even if the path to achieving those goals changes. We’re working with legislators to address rising costs and advocating for increased funding for special education services. While federal policies affect us, our primary goal is to stay focused on serving our community’s needs, even as resources shift.
Dr. Kishimoto:
What is your approach to student voice and how do you incorporate it into decision-making, especially with policies that directly impact students?
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Student voice is crucial, as they are the ones directly impacted by the education system. We work closely with student leaders, like those in our Associated Student Bodies (ASB), to hear their concerns and ideas. Recently, students have been asking about federal policies affecting their identities and futures. We support them by providing opportunities to express their views, such as through student representatives to the school board. These students have even advocated for increased funding and changes to local laws. It’s important to not only listen to students but to empower them to take action.
Dr. Kishimoto:
It’s wonderful to see the growing involvement of students in decision-making. As you work with staff to support student agency, what role do teachers play in this process?
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Teachers, especially those advising ASB, are essential in fostering student leadership. They help students explore passion projects, create solutions to school-wide challenges, and serve as mentors. These experiences build students’ leadership skills and prepare them for future roles. The support from teachers makes student leadership initiatives successful and impactful.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Looking ahead, how do you plan to balance the unknowns of federal policies with the local priorities of your district?
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
The key to navigating these challenges is talent. Our team is stronger when we work together, and that’s what fuels progress. I focus on ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute. As we face challenges, it’s important to stay united and agile, always keeping our focus on the students and their needs. We’re committed to making decisions that best serve our community.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Thank you, Heather, for your time today. Your leadership in Issaquah is inspiring, and I wish you the best in your continued work.
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Thank you, Christina! It’s been a pleasure sharing my story, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead in Issaquah.
