For the Reporter

The Auburn School District Board of Directors was one of 15 school boards in the state to be named a Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA).

“Each of these boards has excelled in school governance,” said Debbie Long, president of the association. “The boards had to rigorously document how their work was making a real difference for students. They are exceptional models of effective school boards.”

The annual Boards of Distinction program honors school boards that demonstrate effective use of the Washington School Board Standards. The standards, developed and adopted by WSSDA in 2009, promote research-based governance practices that lead to high levels of student and district achievement.

Award applicants submit an essay and supporting evidence to demonstrate how they are putting the standards into practice. This year, applicants addressed the following:

• Adopting policies based on well-researched practices that emphasize a belief that all students can achieve at high levels.

• Ensuring non-negotiable goals for student achievement are established and aligned to the district’s plan.

• Ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for an efficient and effective learning environment.

• Committing to continuous improvement in student achievement at each school and throughout the district.

• Soliciting input from staff and a wide spectrum of the community so that a diverse range of interests and perspectives on issues is considered.

Applications are evaluated by an independent review panel.

The board was honored last week during the 2013 WSSDA Annual Conference in Bellevue.

The Auburn School District Board members are Janice Nelson, Ray Vefik, Anne Baunach, Lisa Connors and Carol Seng.