The Wenatchee School District Board of Directors has been named the 2026 Regional School Board of the Year by the North Central Educational Service District in the category of Working as a Team with District Administration. NCESD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Price, and NCESD board member Susan Albert presented the Board with a commemorative plaque at Wednesday evening's Board meeting.

The recognition honors four years of exceptional collaboration, transparency, and student-centered leadership during one of the most financially challenging periods in the district's recent history. Facing $18.6 million in budget reductions driven by declining enrollment, rising costs, and federal funding uncertainty, the Board worked side by side with Superintendent Dr. Kory Kalahar and district leadership — guided by a consistent set of principles designed to protect students and classrooms first.

"What made the difference was the steady, principled leadership of our Board," said Superintendent Kalahar. "They showed up — meeting after meeting, decision after decision — with a student-first mindset and a commitment to doing this the right way."

With the budget stabilized and federal funding restored for 2026-27, the Board is now focused on growth — championing programs like Accelerated Pathways, Dual Language, and expanded choice opportunities that are attracting and retaining students and families across the region.

Photo Caption: From left to right. CESD Board Member Susan Albert. WSD Board Members: Martin Barron, Maria Iniguez, Mark Belton, Tucker Jackson, Julie Norton & Caroline Siderius. NCESD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Price, WSD Superintendent Kalahar.