Monroe’s School Board is one of 15 Washington school boards named a Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association.
Each year, the association honors outstanding school boards that demonstrate understanding of their leadership role and follow through on their responsibilities, while showing concern for the educational excellence and equity for all students.
The annual award is chosen through an application process that involves essays and evidence of collaboration, high expectations for all students, providing facilities and learning materials, measuring progress and communicating with the public — all part of the high standards set by the organization. The honor goes to the boards that score 80 percent or higher by an independent review panel. 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.
“It’s nice to have this outside validation of the work we’ve done and the changes we’ve made,” commented Tom MacIntyre, board president at the time of the award. “We’re not finished completely, but we’ve totally revamped the way we work to a governance model.”
The five-member elected board of directors for the 7,273-student Monroe Public Schools received the award at the annual conference of the association. Monroe School Board directors are Tom MacIntyre, president; Jim Scott, vice president; Greg Accetturo, Nancy Truitt Pierce and Katy Woods.