Superintendent Community Message - October 18
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Tiger Community:
It’s hard to believe that we’re already midway through the second month of our new school year. I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, staff and families. The start of any school year is always filled with excitement and new challenges and it’s been no different this year. Yet through it all, our TIGER PRIDE has continued to shine brightly in everything we do. The commitment to excellence that I see in our classrooms, hallways and at events are a true reflection of what it means to be part of the Ephrata family.
This week the work that was started last year with a Ephrata Schools Reimagining Team was continued as we brought together staff and community members in a Ephrata Schools Facility Study Group. This group will study the current and future needs of our school facilities and work to balance the needs of the community with our district’s needs to develop a potential bond for voter consideration in 2026.
Before this important bond related work is finalized, we will present our plans for an Educational Program and Operations (EP&O) Levy. Intended for the February 2025 ballot, the dollars generated from this levy will fund roughly 10 percent of the district’s annual budget. Levy dollars are used to fund things like activities and athletics, educational programs and day-to-day expenses not covered by the state. You can stay informed about these efforts by visiting our new webpage TigersVote.org.
Ephrata has a strong history in supporting its students and its schools. You can feel that support throughout our community and see its impact on the faces of our students. TIGER PRIDE means showing up with a commitment to do our best for ourselves and for each other. That’s what being a TIGER is all about.
I encourage everyone—students, staff and families alike—to continue upholding that PRIDE. Let’s remain engaged, communicate openly and work together to support the success and well-being of every student. I’m confident that by building on this momentum, we will make this year unforgettable. This is Ephrata. This is TIGER PRIDE. And this is where we all belong.
Ken Murray
Superintendent
Superintendent, Ken Murray, listens to the ideas of Facility Study Group members.
Ned Warnick, an architect contracted by Ephrata Schools, presents to the Facility Study Group