La Grande School District Celebrates Achievements in 2024-2025 Academic Year

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, August 11th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

LA GRANDE- The La Grande School District (LGSD) proudly announces a year of significant progress and accomplishments across academics, facilities, athletics, and community engagement during the 2024-2025 school year.

Academic Excellence and Student Achievement

This year, the district celebrated impressive graduation rates and innovative programs. The Class of 2024 achieved an 89% four-year graduation rate and a 96% four-year completion rate. Notably, students with disabilities graduated at 71%, with an 83% completion rate, while English Language Learners boasted a 100% graduation rate. Homeless students also excelled, with an 89% graduation rate and 100% completion. Career and Technical Education (CTE) students demonstrated outstanding success, with a 96% graduation rate for those completing three or more credits, and a 100% completion rate.

Highlighting individual achievement, Kristine Alf-Rippee received the prestigious James Madison Fellowship Award, recognizing her dedication to education.

Furthermore, the district marked a milestone with its inaugural 8th Grade On-Track Ceremony in the Wildcat Center, celebrating 106 students on their journey toward high school success.

Facility Improvements and Upgrades

The district made significant strides in enhancing school infrastructure. La Grande High School (LHS) received new trophy cases in the gym and updated flooring, including new carpet in Room 53A and vinyl plank in Room 17. Major upgrades included the replacement of the boiler with new condensing hot water systems and extensive repairs to prevent water infiltration.

LHS also saw improvements to its entryway, doors, and courtyard, alongside increased security camera coverage districtwide. Greenwood Elementary completed renovations such as new playground toys, updated awnings, and a remodeled kitchen, alongside a new gymnasium basketball hoop system. Rising Stars Elementary received new carpeting and fresh paint, while La Grande Middle School (LMS) opened its new Wildcat Center, completed painting of the original building, and upgraded athletic fields and hardscaping.

Innovative HVAC projects across the district, including rooftop transformers, new gas furnaces, electric duct heaters, and water heater replacements, have improved climate control and energy efficiency.

Celebrating Athletic and Extracurricular Success

District sports teams shined on the state stage. The LHS Girls Wrestling Team made history as 2025 state champions across 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A classifications, with Coach Rusty Gulzow earning recognition as the first girls wrestling coach to secure back-to-back state championships. Coach Gulzow was also named State and National Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Other athletic highlights include Girls Soccer and Girls Track both placing second at state, while Boys Swimming and Wrestling finished third. Girls Basketball and Softball achieved top-six finishes, and Boys Track placed eighth. The LHS A Cappella Choir continued its winning streak, claiming the 4A State Championship for the fourth consecutive year.

Community and Staff Initiatives

The district celebrated several awards, including the Crystal Apple Awards honoring outstanding educators Codi Eby, Rachel Robinson, Anne Marie Fritz, and Kelly Goodnight, along with Heather Gooderham’s Legacy Award. District-wide, attendance rates increased by 4%, with record post-COVID regular attendance, including 83.3% at Island City Elementary and 79.9% at Central Elementary.

A new staff wellness center was established to support staff health and fitness, reflecting the district’s commitment to its educators. Additionally, the district invested in new school buses equipped with Wi-Fi, routing software, and GPS tracking to better serve students.

Most notably, student engagement and safety saw remarkable improvements, with a 28.8% increase in the Positive Youth Development Index Score, which now exceeds the state average—rising from 51.2% in 2022 to an impressive 80% in 2024.

Looking Ahead

Pending projects slated for completion by the end of summer 2025 include roof repairs at LMS, cooling retrofits at multiple schools, security upgrades, and facility remodels to ensure continued growth and safety.

The La Grande School District’s accomplishments this year reflect a dedicated community committed to excellence in education and student success. As the district looks forward to the upcoming year, it remains focused on fostering an environment where every student can thrive.