Washington School Board wins excellence award for 2011 from Iowa Association of School Boards

Congratulations to the Washington School Board as one of two winners in Iowa of the 2011 "Boards Making a Difference" award by the Iowa Association of School Boards. This award is meant to recognize boards for the exemplary work they do for Iowa children.

Washington Superintendent Dr. Mike Jorgensen says that his district “is proud of the refocus on curriculum, core curriculum and literacy in the district and the significant improvement in student achievement demonstrated throughout all grade levels over the last four years.”Washington's board members and staff take an active role in the community and have made excellent strides toward openness, transparency and sharing of information.  New and updated facilities are environmentally friendly, with grants helping pay for efficient energy systems.Students remain the focus of Washington's school board. The district is committed to professional development and has implemented a number of exciting new initiatives, including:

• programs related to

The board and the district took steps to improve a serious financial situation over the past three years, increasing the district's unspent budget authority by $900,000 and allowing them to reduce the property tax levy by $.56/$1000.

Washington's board members and staff take an active role in the community and have made excellent strides toward openness, transparency and sharing of information.  New and updated facilities are environmentally friendly, with grants helping pay for efficient energy systems.

Students remain the focus of Washington's school board. The district is committed to professional development and has implemented a number of exciting new initiatives, including:

• 1:1 laptop computer initiative, starting next fall,
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative at all grade levels,
• concurrent credit opportunities for high school students through Kirkwood Community College,
• inquiry-based math programs,
• hands-on science programs, and
• programs related to fitness, literacy and community service.

Washington School Board members are Eric Turner, Heidi Vittetoe, Troy Suchan, Stephanie Ellingson, Richard Bordwell, Patty Roe and Sheryl Lewis.

Mid-Prairie School Board won the award in 2009.