District Information
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Excellence in education is the commitment of the Odessa School District.
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The Odessa School District in partnership with parents and the community will provide each student with a diverse education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, perseverance, and excellence in learning.
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Students, staff, and community members are proud of the education students receive through the public school system. Students have consistently scored above the state average on the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) in every grade level... Beyond academic achievement students have achieved success in athletics and co-curricular activities such as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Graduating seniors have been accepted to colleges and universities in state and across the nation.
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Measured in square miles the district is one of the largest in the state, nearly 630 square miles. However, full time student enrollment between 200-225 students K-12 makes it one of the smallest. While numbers can present a challenge, Odessa believes its enrollment to be an advantage. Small class size and individual attention are two factors that have positively affected student achievement. Classroom teachers and support personnel provide lessons and encouragement that have motivated students to do their best. In October of 2008 Odessa Junior and Senior high school were recognized as a Washington School of Distinction, an honor given to only 99 schools across Washington. The elementary school has been recognized for consistent scores above the state average by the Office of Superintendent of Instruction for the state of Washington.
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A five member school board is responsible for representing the community in setting policy, approving an operating budget, and the hiring and supervision of a full time superintendent of schools. District instructional staff includes a full time K-12 principal, counselor, twenty certificated teachers, and eight para professionals. Other valuable support staff includes bus drivers, transportation director/mechanic, office staff, part time athletic director, librarian, grounds and maintenance staff, food service, part time special education specialists (psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist), and a part time school nurse.
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Tax payers have traditionally supported an annual Maintenance and Operations Levy providing the district with funding beyond state and federal revenues. The last building bond allowed for the construction of the Junior and Senior High School building and was completed in 1987. Currently the district is exploring opportunities for remodeling or new construction for the building that services grades K-5.
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Students attend school from 8:10-3:00, and typically begin the last week of August and are out for the summer during the second week of June. During the school year the district provides professional development opportunities for staff through the use of student attendance waiver days. Staff involve themselves in work aimed at achieving goals set forth in the School District’s Improvement plan.
