The Boards of Distinction program is not for show; it’s an evidence-based program where applicants are screened based on rigorous criteria. To receive recognition, boards must demonstrate how they fostered successful student outcomes in their district. And one of the best ways to do that is by aligning the board’s efforts with the Washington School Board Standards.
What the Application Entails
Positive changes in student outcomes don’t happen overnight – or even in the course of a year or two – so school boards need to take the long view. The decisions and actions of the board today can reverberate for many years, and lasting change can take decades.
In the application, boards will showcase their decisions, actions, and initiatives that have gradually reduced opportunity gaps and enhanced student success. It can take time for those efforts to be reflected in student outcome data, especially when looking at detailed sub-categories of the entire student body.
Acknowledging the long-term nature of this work, the Boards of Distinction application asks boards to show, with evidence, how work they committed to one to five years ago is benefiting students now. Also, the application asks boards to share how they continue to focus on that work for long-term success.
Finally, applicants will need to clearly articulate which actions of the board contributed to better student outcomes and which parts of an initiative were operationalized by school staff.
Apply
The application window is typically open from Summer to Fall. For 2026, the application window is open from June through September 8.