Battle Ground PS Board

Battle Ground Public Schools (back row from left): Director Ted Champine, President Mary Snitily and Director Debbie Johnson. Middle row: Director Terry Tate and Vice President Jackie Maddux. Front row: Student representatives Itzel Contreras Montiel and Julia Stiffler.

Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112) proudly announces that three local school districts—Hockinson School District, Kelso School District, and Battle Ground Public Schools—have been named 2024 Boards of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). These districts join 34 others from across the state in receiving this prestigious recognition.

The WSSDA Board of Distinction award celebrates school boards for their dedication to addressing opportunity gaps and advancing student success. Congratulations to:

Hockinson School District (left to right): Patrick Carter, Gordon Smith, Superintendent Steve Marshall, Kat Stupka, Teresa VanNatta

Small District Category

  • Cascade School District
  • Elma School District
  • Hockinson School District (ESD 112)
  • Mabton School District
  • Morton School District
  • South Bend School District
  • South Whidbey School District

Medium District Category

  • Anacortes School District
  • Arlington School District
  • Bremerton School District
  • Ferndale School District
  • Grandview School District
  • Kelso School District (ESD 112)
  • Lakewood School District
  • Mount Vernon School District
  • Pullman Public Schools
  • Riverview School District
  • Shelton School District
  • Steilacoom School District
  • University Place School District
  • Wapato School District
  • White River School District

Large District Category

  • Auburn School District
  • Battle Ground Public Schools (ESD 112)
  • Clover Park School District
  • Edmonds School District
  • Everett School District
  • Federal Way School District
  • Issaquah School District
  • Lake Washington School District
  • Pasco School District
  • Peninsula School District
  • Puyallup School District
  • South Kitsap School District
  • Spokane Public Schools
  • Tacoma Public Schools
  • Yakima School District

ESD 112 congratulates all winners and applauds the commitment of school boards statewide to advancing educational equity and excellence.

About the WSSDA Board of Distinction Awards

Launched in 2009, WSSDA’s Boards of Distinction program recognizes school boards for aligning their governance practices with the Washington School Board Standards. Award-winning school boards illustrate the impact of strategic initiatives on closing opportunity gaps with measurable outcomes.

This year, a record 37 school boards from across Washington received the honor. Each applicant demonstrated innovative practices, ranging from expanding dual-language programs to improving access to advanced placement courses.

For more information about the Boards of Distinction program, visit www.wssda.org.