The Kent School District is proud to celebrate Carol Cleveland for receiving the prestigious 2026 Award of Distinction from the Washington Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) Executive Board. The honor recognizes individuals across Washington who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on education through leadership, service, and collaboration.
Cleveland was selected from nominees submitted by all nine Educational Service District (ESD) boards across the state. Recipients of the award exemplify excellence in advancing education at the local, regional, and statewide levels while demonstrating strong engagement with ESD and AESD initiatives. The award also reflects alignment with AESD’s mission to ensure equity and excellence in education, as well as its core values of equity, leadership, relationships, synergy, accountability, and integrity.
“This recognition came as a complete surprise,” Cleveland shared. “I’m deeply honored to receive the 2026 AESD Executive Board Award of Distinction. This recognition reflects the collective work of our KSD Team and many partners who are fully committed to ongoing collaborations and creating meaningful learning experiences for all our wonderful, talented students both on and off school grounds. Together, we will ensure that every student, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance can see a future filled with possibilities and has a real pathway to reach it.”
The Award of Distinction is uniquely symbolized by a framed piece of student artwork, selected annually from a regional high school art show. For 2026, the artwork was chosen by an AESD Executive Board member representing the Puget Sound Educational Service District region. In addition to the artwork, all nominees receive a framed certificate recognizing their contributions, presented through their regional ESD.
Cleveland’s leadership and dedication continue to reflect the Kent School District’s commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and high-quality educational opportunities for every student.
The award is made possible through a continued partnership with Clear Risk Solutions, which sponsors the annual recognition.