Cashmere test scores outpace Washington, regional peers across grades

CASHMERE — Superintendent Glenn Johnson presented the school board with early test score results this week, showing Cashmere students continue to perform well above regional and state averages in English, math, and science.

Johnson cautioned that test scores are only one measure of success but pointed to the consistency across grade levels as an indicator of sustained achievement. He compared Cashmere’s outcomes with both regional peers and districts statewide that share similar demographics.

He was acutely aware of how hard the students in Cashmere are working. “We sometimes take this for granted, but the performance of our kids — especially after COVID — has really held steady,” Johnson said. “That’s a credit to our staff and to the community that supports them.”

The data showed, for example, that 56% of Cashmere high schoolers met grade-level math standards, compared with 30% statewide. Literacy results were similarly strong, with local students exceeding both state and regional averages in nearly every grade level.

Johnson stressed that these results come not from quick fixes, but from years of sustained professional development. “You don’t just improve instruction by adopting a textbook,” he said. “It really comes down to consistent effort by teachers and principals.”

He also acknowledged challenges. Teacher turnover in recent years has been high — “close to 50%” by his rough estimate — and that requires ongoing investment in training to maintain standards.

Even so, Johnson credited Cashmere’s strong showing to more than staff alone. Community support, he said, plays a decisive role. Levy funding helps cover professional development and extracurriculars, while local volunteerism and family involvement keep students engaged. “It’s not just the dollars,” Johnson said. “It’s the people here, the way this community consistently steps up for kids.”

Board members echoed his comments, calling the results a testament to teachers’ consistent work and to a community culture that values education.

Senator Keith Goehner was on hand at the school board meeting as well, and offered his own commendation for both the schools and the community:

“It’s been my goal in the legislature to make sure that local school districts actually have control of their districts and that superintendents have latitude to provide leadership for each of the districts,” he said. “I continually tell people that Cashmere is kind of an outlier in the state of Washington, and what we saw here tonight is really kind of reinforcing what we see, and that you’re at the top, and that’s great.”

Senator Goehner closed out the meeting with his remarks, saying, “The people out in the public, they really appreciate good public schools, and Cashmere is a shining example of that, and I just want to express my appreciation for you and your staff and for everybody within the community. So thank you very much.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media