Luther Elementary honored as National ESEA Distinguished School

Luther Elementary School was recognized by the board on March 20 after being named a National ESEA Distinguished School based on the prior year’s state report-card data.

The award recognizes a small set of schools nationally and two schools per state selected through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) recognition process. Principal Dave Geiger told the board the school was selected in Category 3, for “showing excellence in serving special populations of students.”

Geiger described the recognition as “quite an honor” and credited district systems and school practices for student growth. "Literally every single student that took the exam in grade 3, 4, and 5 over the last few years is growing and making growth," he said. He pointed to in‑district professional development, strengthened school improvement plans, data-driven team meetings and intervention supports as contributors to the results.

Superintendent Corey Abbott and board members praised Luther staff for the work that produced the results. Abbott told the audience he was “super proud of all the work that’s went in.” The district displayed slides from the national conference and shared that two staff members, Beth Hesselbacher and Emily Bouvier, attended the national conference in Austin that highlighted the selected schools.

Geiger noted the award came from last year’s data and described the school’s profile: high growth in assessments with achievement comprising a smaller portion of the report-card pie chart. He also emphasized the role of social-emotional learning and family engagement in sustaining progress. The board’s recognition concluded with thanks to the Luther staff and a brief question period for board members.

Board members and district leaders said the recognition is testimony to districtwide efforts in coaching, interventions and school improvement planning. The board did not take any formal action tied to the award beyond the public recognition.