Superintendent's Article - September 4, 2008

I think we all remember "Grade Cards" when we were in school. That was usually either a day to celebrate or a day when some consequence would befall us for our lack of effort or performance (I know I may have been grounded or lost TV privileges once or twice, at least). As a parent, I believe that report cards and grades are a very important measure of how well our children are learning, and in many cases how much effort is being put forth at school. As our children continue with their education, report cards take on even greater importance with grade point averages, class rankings, honor rolls, employment or graduate school opportunities. Grade cards are not indicative of every effort put forth to achieve and surely cannot measure everything our children learn and accomplish in our schools. However, grade cards do provide a "yardstick" by which we measure learning and our children's level of success.

Recently, the Ohio Department of Education issued "State and Local Report Cards" which are really grade cards for schools. School districts work very hard to have a good report card, just like our students. When the report cards are outstanding, the students, teachers, support staff and everyone associated with the school district enjoys "the moment" and appreciates the recognition of the hours of hard work and diligent planning and preparation required for our students and schools to be successful.

Louisville City Schools recently received our report card, and we are very pleased to share with our community the great success of our students and staff. Louisville received the highest ranking possible for school districts- "EXCELLENT" with Distinction. Only three other school districts in Stark County received a similar ranking and we are very proud of the efforts of our students and staff.

There are certainly many highlights in our performance, and several grade levels or buildings deserve special recognition. At Pleasant Grove Elementary School, our students in 4th grade scored 100% on the Writing Achievement Test. That is exceptional! Pleasant Grove met all of the criteria and the building was ranked as "Excellent." Fairhope had 100% of their students pass the 3rd grade Reading Achievement Test. Fairhope also received an "Excellent" ranking, as well as North Nimishillen Elementary. Louisville Elementary also performed well and in many cases improved significantly from previous years. For example, Louisville Elementary School improved in five of the nine subject areas tested and made significant improvements in 5th grade math, science and social studies.

Louisville Middle School exceeded the state average scores in all nine areas tested, and Louisville High School exceeded the state standard in the ten subject areas tested and compiled a graduation rate of 96.3%. We are extremely proud of our students who put forth such an outstanding effort on the Ohio Department of Education mandated tests this past year. Our students and staff truly are Excellent!

It is interesting to note that Louisville spends significantly less per pupil than other school districts in our area. Only one other district in Stark County spends less per pupil than Louisville. Our taxpayers truly do receive value for their education dollars and the district works hard to utilize taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently.

Many, many thanks should go to our students, parents and staff for a very smooth opening to the new school year. We are very excited to have our students back in our classrooms and look forward to the many challenges and opportunities that will certainly be present during the coming year.

Louisville High School Band and Athletics are certainly off to a very successful season, as are our middle school programs. Please take the opportunity to attend and support all of our Leopards this fall. Go LEPS!