Liberty Ridge Elementary in Bonney Lake has seen significant improvement in student achievement over the last five years. To recognize this period of growth, the school has been awarded the seventh annual 2013 School of Distinction Award.

Liberty Ridge Elementary Principal Ryan Hawkins said he is honored to receive the award but continues looking for ways to improve.

“We are rejoicing in our efforts and look forward to sharing the news and celebrating with families and staff,” Hawkins said. “However, our work has only just begun. We are looking towards the future and ready to embrace what’s next.”

The award was announced Oct. 7 by a group of organizations including; the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE), the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals, Washington Association of School Administrators, and Washington State School Directors’ Association. Liberty Ridge is among the 99 schools, 55 of which are elementary schools, statewide to receive the award this year.

“These schools represent the top 5 percent of improvement of all schools in Washington state,” said Greg Lobdell, CEE president. “(They) are from all regions of the state, all sizes of towns, and with 2 percent to 100 percent poverty and enrollment of English Language Learners as high as 49 percent. These schools demonstrate that significant improvement is occurring all across our diverse public schools”.

Mike Dunn, Superintendent of the Spokane Education Service District and spokesperson for the AESD said the award honors students, staff and community leaders.

“The success and hard work of these highest improving schools across our state needs to be celebrated and shared in order to support improvement efforts across Washington and make this difference for all students,” Dunn said. “This is a testament to the staff, students, leaders, and communities serving these students.”

The Puget Sound Education Service District will honor Liberty Ridge Elementary Nov. 12 during a district-wide Schools of Distinction Awards Ceremony.