The Tacoma Public School Board of Directors is one of 17 school boards statewide that has been named a Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA).

The annual awards program honors school boards that demonstrate effective use of the Washington School Board Standards, which were developed and adopted by the WSSDA five years ago and aim to promote research-based governance practices that lead to high levels of student and district achievement and close the opportunity gap. Award applicants submitted an essay and supporting evidence to demonstrate how they put the standards into practice. This year, applicants addressed how their school boards promoted healthy relationships by inspiring and empowering others; set and communicated high expectations for student learning with clear goals and plans; created conditions for student and staff success; held schools and the district accountable for student learning expectations; and engaged the local community and representing the values and expectations it holds for schools.

In addition to Tacoma, school boards in Bellingham, Clover Park, Everett, Ferndale, Issaquah, Kent, Lake Stevens, Pasco, Pullman, Puyallup, Riverview, Sunnyside, Tumwater, Union Gap, University Place, and West Valley were also named Boards of Distinction.

The boards will be honored at the 2014 WSSDA Annual Conference on Weds., Nov. 19, in Spokane. At that time, the association will also announce three 2014 Boards of the Year winners. These are the highest-scoring boards from each of three categories based on district enrollment.

More information is available online at wssda.org.