Yakima School District Board Named 2025 Board Of Distinction - 11/02/25

Yakima, WA — The Yakima School District Board of Directors has been named a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), marking the fourth time in five years the Board has earned this prestigious honor. This award recognizes exemplary school boards that demonstrate visionary leadership, a strong commitment to equity, and clear alignment between board governance and student success.

WSSDA’s review team praised the Yakima board for “elevating legislative advocacy as your primary equity strategy.” The board’s ongoing efforts to engage elected officials, mobilize public awareness, and influence state policy were highlighted as a model for other districts, with special recognition for Yakima’s support of House Bill 2049 and sustained advocacy for levy equalization and Local Effort Assistance (LEA).

“We’re deeply honored by this recognition,” said Ryan Beckett, Board President. “This award reflects our board’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child in Yakima—regardless of zip code—has equitable access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

The Yakima Board of Directors was previously honored as a Board of Distinction in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and is the current Washington State’s Large School District Board of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by WSSDA. In 2023, the Board also received national recognition with a Magna Silver Award from the National School Boards Association for its student voice initiative.

Superintendent Dr. Trevor Greene emphasized the importance of governance and collaboration in sustaining student-centered progress:

“This award is a tribute to the partnership between our board, staff, families, and community. By prioritizing legislative advocacy, Yakima is helping lead the charge for fair funding and educational justice in Washington State.”

The Board will be formally recognized at WSSDA’s Annual Conference on November 20, 2025.