Top schools noteworthy

Twenty-seven schools in Northeast Washington ESD 101 received Washington Achievement Awards on May 24 at a ceremony at ESD 101. Schools from Spokane County districts such as Spokane, Mead, Central Valley, Liberty, West Valley, Medical Lake and Nine Mile Falls were honored as being in the top 5 percent statewide in one of six categories. It is an incredible accomplishment.

However, outside the local school community, nobody knows. Why? Despite invitation, no media outlet covered the event.

This is terribly discouraging. If a student from one of these schools committed a crime it would be reported, and if racy enough, would be on the front page. Yet when schools are being honored for excellence, in a time of ever increasing accountability and challenge, it is not news. What a shame.

Overwhelmingly students in our schools are achieving at greater rates than ever and they are being taught be outstanding, caring educators. Congratulations to all the Washington Achievement Awards winners. The list of schools may be viewed at the ESD website, www.esd101.net. I hope you take a moment to view them; their accomplishment is noteworthy and, in my opinion, newsworthy.

Mick Miller

Spokane