Oak Harbor schools earn state recognition for student growth and achievement

Oak Harbor families got a concrete sign of progress inside the district’s elementary classrooms: Hillcrest, Crescent Harbor and Olympic View each earned state recognition for student growth and achievement, and the results showed up in reading, math, attendance and support for students who need it most. Hillcrest posted some of the largest gains in Washington in English language arts and math, and ranked in the top 10% statewide for ELA, math and attendance among low-income students. Crescent Harbor was recognized for Hispanic and Latino student growth in the top 10% statewide in ELA, math and attendance, while also showing significant growth among students with disabilities in math and ELA. Olympic View also landed in the top 10% statewide for Hispanic and Latino student growth, ELA, math and attendance, and performed strongly among multiracial students.

The pattern matters because the district is not being praised for a vague improvement effort. It now has three elementary campuses with measurable results that the state formally flagged, suggesting Oak Harbor has found school-level tactics that may be worth copying across Whidbey Island. At Olympic View, those tactics included a focus on emotional regulation and supportive relationships. In the district’s 2025-26 strategic plan progress update, the share of students saying they had a supportive adult at school rose from 32% to 51% during the 2024-25 school year, a jump that points to gains in school climate as well as academics.

Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula said the recognition reflects intentional work happening in classrooms every day and affirms staff dedication to making sure every student grows, achieves and feels supported. Principal Paula Seaman pointed to a school community built around a supportive and nurturing environment where learning is joyful and fun. Principal Sara Lucero said the result showed staff willingness to think outside the box and meet diverse student needs. Principal Bill Weinsheimer said the achievement reflected the hard work of teachers and staff who make sure students have the support they need to reach grade-level standards.

The honors came as the district announced them on May 11, one week after the state released its annual list. The Washington School Recognition Program recognized 379 public schools in 150 districts this year, or 16% of Washington schools. The program was established in 2010, redesigned in 2018, and this year’s awards were based on 2025 Washington School Improvement Framework data. It is run by the Washington State Board of Education, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee.

For Oak Harbor Public Schools, which says it serves more than 5,400 students and is the largest district on Whidbey Island, the recognition lands in a broader budget conversation as well. The school board adopted a resolution on Oct. 14, 2024, to renew the district’s educational programs and operations levy for 2026-29, and voters considered that measure in a special election on Feb. 11, 2025. Together, the state awards and the levy context point to the same conclusion: Oak Harbor’s gains are real, but keeping them going will depend on sustained classroom support, attendance work and the local dollars that help cover what state funding does not.