For the seventh consecutive year, the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) has named the Riverview School District School Board as a recipient of its prestigious Board of Distinction award. Riverview joins Issaquah School District as the only districts to receive this honor for seven consecutive years.

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The Boards of Distinction program is designed to encourage boards to examine their practices as governing bodies and how their actions and decisions impact the success of students. Those recognized as Boards of Distinction have reviewed their decision-making and shown how that is tied to generative positive student outcomes.

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“We, the Riverview School District Board of Directors, are honored to receive the WSSDA 2020 Board of Distinction award,” said Board president Lori Oviatt. “Our board directors care passionately about our school district and work tirelessly to make sure every decision made is based on our student’s needs. This honor showcases our vision to become a national model of educational excellence.”

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Riverview Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Smith, acknowledged the school board’s focus on the whole child and high level of involvement in the community and the schools: “One word I would use to characterize our entire school board is ‘involved.’ Our School Board goes above and beyond with their individual and collective involvement and engagement at the school, district, community, and state levels.”

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A panel of 10 judges spent approximately six to eight hours each, not only reviewing applications but also working together with WSSDA staff to collaborate on how applications are evaluated. Judges included current Superintendents of the Educational Service Districts across the state, State Board of Education board members, former school directors, and others who are involved in education leadership on a statewide level.

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“The judges were very impressed,” said WSSDA Director of Leadership Development, Tricia Lubach. “Not only by the emphasis each of the boards placed on ensuring equity and access for their students, but also that they did so in unique ways that were tailored to their specific communities.”

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To learn more about the Boards of Distinction program, please visit wssda.org/bod.

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This year’s Board of Distinction recipients and the school boards chosen as Board of the Year, an award Riverview received in 2016, is provided below. Congratulations to our Riverview School District School Board for receiving this honor and we thank them for their continuous, dedicated service to our students, staff, and Riverview Community.

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2020 Boards of Distinction (Board of the Year in ALL CAPS)

Small Districts: Crescent, Mabton, OAKVILLE

Medium Districts: Anacortes, Arlington, Bremerton, Eatonville, Ferndale, Mount Vernon, Pullman, Quincy, Riverview, Shelton, Walla Walla, WAPATO, West Valley (Yakima), Yelm

Large Districts: Clover Park, Everett, Evergreen (Clark County), FEDERAL WAY, Issaquah, Tacoma, Northshore, Pasco