Four Spokane County School Districts Earn State Recognition for Excellence and Academic Achievement
Freeman, Riverside Lead the Way in Student Success Metrics
Washington state has unveiled its inaugural Superintendent’s Award for Educational Excellence, and four Spokane County school districts are among the 46 districts statewide earning this prestigious honor. Freeman High School, Riverside High School, Nine Mile Falls School District, and Liberty School District have been recognized for their outstanding student achievement and academic progress, marking a significant milestone for Eastern Washington education.
The state awards replace the federal Blue Ribbon Award program, which the U.S. Department of Education phased out last fall after 43 years of recognition. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction developed a comprehensive evaluation system tracking 12 measures of student success, creating a rigorous framework that rewards districts excelling in academic rigor and student outcomes.
Freeman and Riverside Set the Standard
Freeman High School, led by Superintendent Randy Russell, earned recognition for student achievement. The results speak volumes: 95.3% of Freeman freshmen passed all their courses during the 2024-25 school year, and the district maintained an impressive 96% four-year graduation rate. Russell credits the accomplishment to a powerful combination of talented students, dedicated staff, and supportive families.
“We have the best staff in the state,” Russell said. “Our kids are really committed to educational excellence, and we have incredibly supportive parents. When you partner great kids with committed, dedicated staff and a very supportive group of parents and community, it creates a winning formula.”…