Lake Washington School District (LWSD) recognized the many community partners, business leaders, elected officials and parent leaders who support the district as part of American Education Week. This commemorative week helps raise awareness of the importance of public education and informs the nation of the accomplishments and needs of public schools.

“Through your support, together we are making students future ready,” said Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent.

This second annual Community Leaders Breakfast was held Tuesday at the district’s Resource Center in the board room at Redmond Town Center. Attendees learned about changes in kindergarten this year in part through a video interview with Mead Elementary Kindergarten teacher Stephanie Egeberg. Dr. Pierce later held a live Skype session with Egeberg and her class, giving those present an opportunity to hear from students in the class of 2029.

Dr. Pierce also gave an update on the district’s progress and how it is living up to its values. Results of the district’s efforts include:

• Graduation rates continue to far exceed the state standard.

LWSD’s graduation rate at 91 percent for the class of 2016 exceeds the state average of 78 percent for the class of 2015, the latest data available.

• Students are prepared to succeed in college.

Currently, 80 percent of students enter a two- or four-year college directly after high school compared to 61 percent statewide. The target is 88 percent post-secondary enrollment by 2018.

Ninety-five percent of juniors and seniors enrolled in dual credit college-level coursework while still in high school.

• LWSD students outperform state and national averages on tests.

District students continue to outperform state and national averages on all three SAT tests.

• Critical reading, writing and math.

Students in grades 3-8 outperformed the state average on the state assessments by considerable margins.

The district is now the third-largest district in the state with 29,008 students. LWSD has 1,178 more students this year, the increase following eight straight years of enrollment increases. Only the Seattle and Spokane School Districts are larger.

The district is putting into effect the recommendations of a community-based task force charged with long term planning for district facilities to accommodate this growing enrollment. Dr. Pierce introduced the district’s “Building on Success” effort to build schools and provide quality learning environments and experiences.

Dr. Pierce also spoke about the district’s ongoing efforts to use resources effectively and be fiscally responsible. For example, the district saved taxpayers $6.9 million through bond refinancing in 2016. Efforts to conserve energy and other resources as well as to reduce waste have saved the district over $11 million since 2006.

The event closed with recognition and thanks to attendees for their support and involvement in helping students in the LWSD.