Another ‘excellent’ rating has board members proud

The district meets state
proficiency levels in new
categories for eighth-grade science and social studies.

By ANGIE SCHMITT

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

LOWELLVILLE — School board members were in a celebratory mood at their meeting Wednesday, hot off their sixth consecutive “excellent” ranking by the Ohio Department of Education.

“It’s a tribute to our community, our staff and students,” said Superintendent Rocco Nero. “It’s a difficult task, and they need to be commended.”

The district met 28 out of a possible 30 performance indicators, losing ground — like many districts statewide — on the added tests for science and social studies.

Lowellville students met state proficiency indicators in the newly introduced categories for eighth-grade science and social studies. But sixth-grade pupils fell just below the 75 percent standard in the same subjects, according to Ohio Department of Education reports.

Showing pride

“I’m proud of the fact that they threw more indicators at us, and we still achieved excellent status,” said Nero. “Many of the areas of deficiencies throughout the state — not just us — were areas where new tests were introduced.”

The district’s graduation rate remained at a full 100 percent.

Board members spent the evening preparing for the start of a new school year Sept. 4. Elementary Principal Sam Ramunno announced open office hours for pupils to pick up their schedules Aug. 28 and 29. Orientation will be held Aug. 30, beginning at 6 p.m. for seventh-graders and 7 p.m. for new pupils. Elementary and high school pupils’ open house will be held Aug. 30 as well, at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. respectively, he said.

aschmitt@vindy.com