š± Why is Kentās superintendent reportedly asking for $600,000 to leave?
Kent, Washington Patch AM: a 4 min readGood day Kent! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- Why is Kentās superintendent reportedly asking for $600,000 to leave?
- Why Kentās school board faces yet another open-meetings lawsuit
- How Starbucksā latest corporate cuts could ripple through Kent workers
Also on today's calendar: Tour New Homes! Starting at $79,900 - Visit Bow Lake! and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? š¤ (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Cooler with a few showers, with a high of 62 and low of 50 degrees.
- Thursday: Cloudy with a shower in spots, temps: high: 64, low: 49.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, a shower; cool, with a high of 55 and low of 45 degrees.
š° News we're reading
1. Kent School District leader reportedly seeking $600,000 buyout (kentreporter.com) ā Kentās school superintendent is reportedly seeking a $600,000 contract buyout, a move one board member says could involve taxpayer funds without a clear public vote. Director Donald Cook has publicly detailed a recent closed-door session about the potential payout and possible litigation, raising questions about transparency and the Kent School Districtās next steps. 
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2. Kent School Board hit with another Open Public Meetings Act suit (kentreporter.com) ā Kent residents should know that two parents have filed a new Open Public Meetings Act complaint against the Kent School District, alleging the school board improperly held a March 11 executive session without legal counsel and adequate notice. The case, following earlier successful suits, could bring penalties for board leadership and may influence how future Kent School Board meetings are conducted. Ā Ā Ā
3. Starbucks lays off 61 people at Seattle corporate headquarters (local12.com) ā Starbucksā ongoing restructuring has already cost more than 900 corporate jobs in Seattle and Kent, and now another 61 technology positions at its Seattle headquarters will be cut between June and August. While the company is expanding with a new Nashville office, it insists Seattle remains its global support hub, even as prior store closures and a major strike underscore the pressure on local workers. Ā Ā Ā
4. Madonna, Bob Dylan & the Sistine Chapel ā April 2026 M&A Activity (thetargetreport.com) ā A Kent-based seal and label manufacturer was acquired in April as part of a wave of global printing and packaging mergers, including newspaper and packaging companies nationwide. The broader report also details a luxury art-book publisherās bankruptcy, highlighting financial risks in ultra-premium print projects that shape how companies like the Kent firm fit into a consolidating industry. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Kent
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š
Upcoming Events in
Kent
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
ā Featured events ā
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Tour New Homes! Starting at $79,900 - Visit Bow Lake! ā
18050 32nd Ave S, SeaTac
1:00 pm
Saturday May 16
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Family Story Time
Kent Panther Lake Library 20500 108th Avenue SE, Kent, WA 98031
10:15 am -
Kent Panther Lake Book Group
Kent Panther Lake Library 20500 108th Avenue SE, Kent, WA 98031
4:30 pm -
Infant & Young Toddler Story Time
Kent Library 212 2nd Avenue North, Kent, WA 98032
10:15 am -
Family & Preschool Story Time
Kent Library 212 2nd Avenue North, Kent, WA 98032
11:15 am -
DYNO: Teen Leaders Group
Kent Panther Lake Library 20500 108th Avenue SE, Kent, WA 98031
4:00 pm -
4250 - KM Drama Presents The Spitfire Grill ā
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St, Kent
7:00 pm -
SUMM Family Math Fun
Kent Library 212 2nd Avenue North, Kent, WA 98032
11:30 am -
Origami with Mariko
Kent Panther Lake Library 20500 108th Avenue SE, Kent, WA 98031
1:00 pm
Thursday May 14
Friday May 15
Saturday May 16
š£ Kent Shout Outs!
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š Events Nearby
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Family Story Time
Burien Library 400 SW 152nd Street, Seattle, WA 98166
12:30 pm -
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library 21620 11th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98198
4:30 pm -
Planning Commission
City of Burien Council Chambers, 400 SW 152nd St SW, Burien, WA 98146 / Zoom W
5:30 pm -
Wed night Jam at Des Moines Public house ā
Des Moines Public House, 22315 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines
7:00 pm
Wednesday May 13
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Missing black kittie named Hera by Lake Meridian.
143rd Ave SE. Please call 253-391-6369 if seen (Nextdoor Meridiana) - Hello wanted to bring awareness to every single women living alone.
I had multiple men stalk, and attempt to break in and murder me this past week. Luckily I have a camera. Please immediately lock your doors and payā¦ (Nextdoor Lake Fenwick Park)
- Parker Hannifin Corporation posted a job opening for Inventory Control Clerk in Kent. Apply here.
- BlueLinx Holdings posted a job opening for Material Handler EWP cutter in Kent. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Kent here.
Ok Kent! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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