The White River School Board has been honored as one of 15 Boards of Distinction from the state of Washington.

The honor, bestowed by the Washington State School Directors’ Association, came Nov. 19 during the association’s annual conference in Spokane.

White River was joined by boards from Auburn, East Valley-Spokane, Evergreen-Vancouver, Franklin Pierce, Issaquah, Mount Baker, Mukilteo, North Mason, Puyallup, Renton, South Kitsap, Sunnyside, Vancouver and West Valley-Spokane.

The Vancouver School Board was named the 2010 School Board of the Year.

Applicants are required to submit an essay and supporting evidence to demonstrate how they are putting new standards into practice. This year, applicants were asked to address the following benchmarks: Conducting board and district business in a fair, respectful and responsible manner; Articulating the conviction that all students can learn and the belief that student learning can improve regardless of existing circumstances or resources; Providing for the safety and security of all students and staff; Committing to continuous improvement in student achievement at each school and throughout the district; and collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

Applications are evaluated by an independent review panel and awards are given to those who receive at least 70 points out of a possible 100.

The White River School board consists of Susan McGuire, Jean Lacy, Denise Vogel, Cassie Pearson and Mike Jansen. Tom Lockyer is the district superintendent.