Chimacum School District recognized among Washington’s top districts for student progress and postsecondary readiness.
CHIMACUM, WA — March 5, 2026 — Chimacum School District is honored to have been selected as one of 25 award-winning school districts statewide for the State Superintendent’s Award for Educational Excellence in Student Progress. Chimacum was recognized as one of the top-performing districts in Washington for student progress over the last three school years.
“This recognition is a reflection of our people. The unwavering commitment and persistence of our students, staff, families, and community is extraordinary,” said Superintendent Dr. Scott Mauk. “I am so proud of the progress we are making and grateful for the teachers and support staff who work every day to ensure every child in Chimacum is known by name, strength, and need. This award affirms our clear priorities, district-wide coherence, and sustained focus on what matters most.”
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) evaluates school districts for the award based on a comprehensive set of student opportunity and student outcome measures.
Chimacum’s recognition reflects significant progress in key areas identified in OSPI’s 2025 Annual Snapshot on Student Opportunity and Outcomes.
Over the past three years, the district’s four-year graduation rate increased from 72.9% in 2023 to 83.7% in 2025. Regular attendance improved from 56.1% to 69.3% during that same period, demonstrating stronger student engagement and connection to school. Dual credit participation, including Career and Technical Education (CTE), rose from 58.1% to 75.1%, expanding access to college- and career-aligned coursework. In addition, 8th grade reading achievement rebounded to 71.6% in 2025, reflecting focused instructional strategies and support systems across grade levels. Lastly, Readiness for Kindergarten has risen from 12% to 83% in three years since Chimacum began focusing on early learning programs like Transition to Kindergarten.
These gains align closely with the Chimacum School Board’s strategic priorities, including expanding transition to kindergarten and early learning supports, strengthening arts and Career & Technical Education pathways, increasing advanced course access, and maintaining a strong focus on student engagement and attendance. Over the past several years, the district has emphasized coherence across schools by aligning professional development, instructional practices, student supports, and pathway opportunities from early learning through graduation.
Student Opportunity Measures
Regular Attendance
Kindergarten Readiness
Highly Capable Program Participation
High School Level Math in 8th Grade
Dual Credit Participation Including Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Dual Credit Participation Excluding CTE
Student Outcome Measures
4th Grade Reading
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Math
Ninth Graders on Track
4-Year Graduation Rate
The award criteria align with the state’s Annual Snapshot on Student Opportunity and Outcomes, which tracks how individual districts and the state as a whole are progressing on key focus areas tied to student success.
“It is an honor to recognize Chimacum School District for their dedication to student opportunity and success,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “From high-quality instruction, to targeted strategies to improving attendance, to ensuring all students have access to advanced coursework, Chimacum is an inspiring representation of Washington’s outstanding public schools.”
This honor follows the Chimacum School Board recently being named Washington’s State Small District Board of the Year, underscoring strong governance, clear priorities, and district-wide commitment to student success.
Chimacum School District will receive a banner and plaque from OSPI recognizing its achievement and dedication to student success. This is the inaugural year of the State Superintendent’s Award for Educational Excellence.