Review Team Commends Focus on Student Success, Leadership, and Belonging

information released

Manson School District is proud to announce that Manson High School has been granted a full six-year accreditation recommendation through the Washington Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) accreditation process and was formally approved for accreditation by the NCESD 171 Board of Directors on May 27, 2026.

Accreditation is a rigorous process designed to ensure schools are engaged in continuous improvement and focused on providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students. The review included an extensive examination of school improvement systems, student achievement data, instructional practices, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with district priorities.

During a site visit on May 14, an accreditation team met with students, staff, families, and community members to evaluate Manson High School’s systems, culture, and commitment to student success. The review team found strong evidence that Manson High School operates as a highly interdependent system focused on continuous student learning and student success beyond graduation.

The accreditation team’s findings highlighted the strong alignment between Manson School District’s Strategic Plan, adopted in June 2025, and the daily experiences of students and staff. Reviewers noted a shared commitment to ensuring every student graduates with the academic, personal, and leadership skills necessary to thrive in college, career, and life.

Superintendent Tabitha Mires

“The message we heard from the review team was simple: stay the course,” said Superintendent Tabatha Mires.

“This process affirmed the incredible work happening across our district and reinforced our commitment to ensuring every student graduates future ready. We are grateful for the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, the leadership of our students, and a community that believes deeply in public education.”

Throughout stakeholder interviews, reviewers consistently heard a common theme: Manson is a place where students belong.

  • Families and community members described the district as a place where “there is a place for every student here in Manson.”
  • Students shared that Manson High School is a place where “you don’t ever feel lonely or lost” because “everyone wants to see you succeed.”

The accreditation report commended Manson High School for fostering a culture where students feel known, valued, supported, and empowered to lead. Reviewers highlighted meaningful opportunities for student voice and leadership, strong school-family partnerships, and a collective commitment to helping every student succeed both academically and personally.

The review team also recognized the district’s intentional focus on preparing students for life beyond high school through its Graduate Future Ready initiative, support systems that help students stay on track beginning in ninth grade, and efforts to improve outcomes for multilingual learners. The report further praised the district’s implementation of its four-day school week, noting its positive impact on staff collaboration, instructional improvement, and student support.

In addition to the accreditation recommendation, reviewers provided several future-focused suggestions, including continued work to onboard new staff into Manson’s culture and leadership systems, strengthen vertical alignment as Washington transitions to revised learning standards, refine cell phone expectations, and expand opportunities for engagement with Hispanic families.

District leaders view these recommendations as opportunities to build on an already strong foundation.

“Our staff is deeply committed to ensuring every student feels known, supported, and empowered to succeed,” said Manson High School Principal Kamie Kronbauer. “What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that the accreditation team heard those same experiences directly from our students, families, and community members. We are proud of the culture we have built together at Manson High School—one where every student belongs, every student has opportunities to lead, and every student is being prepared for a successful future beyond graduation.”

The district extends its appreciation to the accreditation review team, NCESD 171, and the many students, staff members, families, Board members, and community representatives who participated in interviews and focus groups throughout the process.

As Manson School District looks ahead, district leaders remain committed to continuous improvement, strong relationships, and ensuring every student leaves Manson prepared to lead, contribute, and succeed in an ever-changing world.