Five schools in Vancouver, Battle Ground and Longview are among just 91 identified as 2018 School of Distinction winners. The award recognizes sustained improvement over a five year period in English language arts (ELA), math and graduation rates.

In Battle Ground, River Homelink was named a School of Distinction for the third time. In Vancouver Public Schools, Benjamin Franklin Elementary (a three-time winner) and Lewis and Clark High School received the honor. R.A. Long High School (a four-time winner) and Monticello Middle School, both in the Longview School District, round out the list of this year’s winners in the ESD 112 region. They are among the top five percent of improvement of all high middle and elementary levels, respectively.

“This honor is reflective of the incredibly hard work and dedication of staff and students,” said ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino. “These schools are proof that through dedication and perseverance we can overcome barriers to dramatically improve outcomes for all students,” he added. Merlino plans to present the schools with their award banners during specially scheduled arrangements at staff and/or board meetings this winter.

The School of Distinction Award is sponsored by the Center for Educational Effectiveness in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) and the Washington State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (WSASCD).  This award is the only one of its kind in the state that recognizes schools for sustained growth and improvement over time.