Superintendent's Message

As we wrap up the 2024–2025 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey our students, staff, and community have taken together. While it’s truly impossible to capture every accomplishment and event over the past nine months, we’re going to give it our best shot. Please forgive us if we missed something as every contribution matters and each success, big or small, has helped make this year extraordinary. Here’s a look back at some of the many moments that made this school year so special across the Columbia School District.

From the classrooms of Columbia Elementary to the halls of Columbia High School, our students have risen to new academic heights. This year, CES introduced the "Let’s Go" Bicycle Education Program, helping students build both confidence and lifelong safety skills. Columbia Middle School earned recognition from the Washington State Board of Education for its impressive progress in closing opportunity gaps. Columbia High School was also honored by the State Board for notable academic growth among students receiving Special Education services—a testament to the dedication of both staff and students. In addition, CHS successfully completed its academic accreditation review, continuing a tradition of excellence that dates back to 1971.

 

Our student-athletes have had an unforgettable year, one that will go down in Columbia’s history. The CHS Football team made it all the way to the Round of 16 and qualified for State. The Girls Soccer team made their first-ever postseason appearance, a proud moment for our school and community. Girls Basketball punched their ticket to the State tournament, while Boys Basketball brought home our community’s first-ever State Championship, with Qunicy Scott named State 2B Player of the Year and our Todd Schumacher earning Coach of the Year honors. The success didn’t stop there—eight high school wrestlers advanced to the Mat Classic, our softball team competed in districts, and four track athletes qualified for State competition. Across all sports, our Coyotes showed perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Thank you to all the family, friends, parents, and community for showing up to cheer on our student athletes.

 

This year also saw incredible success in extracurriculars, where our students demonstrated passion, leadership, and creativity. Our first year FFA students made it to the State level, a remarkable achievement. FBLA students advanced through regional competitions, and the CHS Yearbook Team took home 1st Place at the Holiday Hustle, earning recognition and scholarships. Our Knowledge Bowl team placed 3rd at Regionals and a top ten finish at State, while our Math Team earned 4th place at the “Math is Cool” competition. The drama program brought their production of No Signs of Intelligent Life to the stage, and our music students continued to showcase their talents through band and choir performances all year long.

 

At Columbia School District, we know that student success goes beyond academics. This year, we launched Qustodio, a digital platform to support parents in navigating online safety and digital wellness. Each building has strengthened our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) by creating consistent expectations throughout the District, celebrating positive behavior, and fostering safe environments where all students can thrive with the introduction of data driven behavioral systems such as SWIS and Check in Check Out. Our schools continued to reinforce positive behavior and social-emotional growth through monthly recognition programs using Coyote Paws, Kudos, and Cred to celebrate students who exemplify safe, respectful, and responsible choices. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating learning environments where students feel supported and valued.

 

We are so grateful to the incredible families, organizations, and volunteers who help bring our school events and traditions to life. From the CES Jog-A-Thon, Literacy Nights, Grandparents Day, and Bingo Night to CMS's Easter Egg Hunt and Color Run, your presence makes all the difference. At CHS, FBLA hosted their annual Holiday Luncheon at the Grange, Honor Society organized a community blood drive, and Honor Society/FFA held a successful Plant Sale. This year we also celebrated outstanding individuals—Mrs. Taylor received the Crystal Apple Award for her excellence in teaching, and Haylea Werlinger was recognized with the WASA Community Award for her contributions to the Burbank community. These moments are a reminder of the power of community in shaping our students’ experiences.

 

As we celebrate the achievements of the year, we also look forward with pride and hope. This month, we will honor and graduate the Columbia High School Class of 2025—sending another group of Coyotes out into the world, ready to make a difference in communities both near and far. Their resilience, growth, and spirit represent the best of who we are. Thank you to our entire community for your unwavering support. None of this would be possible without the strength of our Coyote pack (aka- community). Together, we continue building a district where the purple and gold pride runs deep, students thrive, and dreams are chased with courage and determination. Go Coyotes!