Title: Super Nintendo Chalmers
Description: Puyallup School District selects Kevin Alfano as its new superintendent following a three-month search, raising questions about leadership and budget cuts facing local schools. This episode also covers district budget reduction proposals, Spanish dual immersion programs, local school arts events, and the start of the Puyallup Cal Ripken youth baseball season.
Published date: March 06, 2026
Episode number: 065
Show Notes for Podyallup Episode #65: Super Nintendo Chalmers
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Episode 65 (Friday, March 6, 2026) focuses on leadership changes in the Puyallup School District and several updates from around the local community. The episode opens with discussion of the district’s newly selected superintendent, Kevin Alfano, currently serving as superintendent of the Fife School District. Alfano brings nearly three decades of experience in Washington public education and will assume the role this summer pending contract negotiations.
The episode reflects on the uncertainty that often accompanies leadership transitions, especially during a period when the district is facing budget challenges. The conversation notes Alfano’s reputation for collaborative leadership and financial stability, while also acknowledging that many community members are still forming opinions about the appointment.
Listeners are also directed to the Puyallup School District budget reduction proposals and public feedback survey. Proposed reductions include administrative cuts, technology spending changes, athletic program adjustments, and other cost-saving measures as the district works to close its budget gap.
On the education side, the episode includes reflections on teaching Spanish in college-level block schedules and why long class periods can be difficult for language learning. The show also highlights the launch of the new Spanish Story Lab course offered through Tacoma Language Academy, an online program designed for adult learners who want to improve their Spanish without grades or academic credit.
Local community updates include information about Puyallup School District dual immersion programs in Spanish and American Sign Language, upcoming student arts performances such as “Half Time” at Emerald Ridge High School and “The Wind in the Willows” at Puyallup High School, and regional high school athletics results and upcoming baseball scrimmages.
The episode also looks ahead to the start of the youth baseball season in the Puyallup Cal Ripken league, including meet-the-coach events, community field preparation days, and the beginning of team practices.
Upcoming Washington State Fairgrounds events include the Mike & Key Electronics Show and Swap Meet on March 7 and the 4x4 Off-Road and High Performance Swap Meet on March 8.
Podyallup remains a value-for-value podcast. Listeners can support the show by sharing it, sending local stories, or contributing financially at podyallup.com/donate. New episodes release every Friday.