board of distinction

The Kelso School District board of directors have been recognized as a 2021 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). Selected for how their actions exemplified visionary leadership and helped our district close opportunity gaps, our board is one of 34 to be honored across the state.

Under our board’s leadership, the following opportunity gaps were identified and addressed:

  • Families and students lacking internet / wifi – On the first day of the 2020-21 school year, we implemented Internet Cafes at each of our schools
  • Mandated virtual learning option – We expanded our Kelso Virtual Academy to serve K through 12
  • One in 10 students are or have been homeless in our district – Expanded hours of Homeless Liaison position to full-time to support families through a dedicated Family Resource Center
  • In a year of remote and hybrid education, learning gaps became a larger concern – we implemented a K-12 robust summer school program focused on highly engaging hands-on learning at the elementary level as well as graduation credit recovery at the secondary level

We are proud and honored by the thoughtful work and caring dedication our board continues to exhibit, especially in these unusual times.

All 34 Boards of Distinction will be honored on November 19 during the 2021 WSSDA Annual Conference.