The Washington State School Directors' Association has named the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors the 2025 Large District Board of the Year, recognizing its commitment to vision-driven, equity-centered leadership that delivers results for students.
Guided by the belief that every learner deserves access, opportunity and belonging, the SPS Board prioritized closing opportunity gaps for Native students and built partnerships with tribal leaders to ensure culturally responsive support across schools.
These efforts produced measurable gains. Native student graduation rates rose from 77% to 89%, attendance improved by 90%, and academic growth in middle school English Language Arts surged more than 200%.
By grounding decisions in data, authentic collaboration, and cultural understanding, the SPS Board modeled how leadership rooted in belonging and identity can drive academic excellence.
Congratulations to the Board!