Results recently made available from state testing last spring show both school districts in Ouray County are “accredited with distinction,” meaning the schools scored above the 74 percent threshold in performance indicators in academic achievement and growth set by the state.

Out of Colorado’s 181 districts, Ouray was sixth and Ridgway seventh. The region as a whole scored well, with neighboring district Telluride placing first in the state.

Despite optimism expressed over the positive re...