Ashland City Schools earn four out of five stars on state's report card - what it means

Ashland City School District's overall four out of five-star report card rating by the state for the 2022-2023 school year is "a true testament to the excellent staff and leadership that we have throughout the district," said Ashland City School District Superintendent Steve Paramore at Monday evening's board meeting.

The state now uses stars, not letters, for measurement, Paramore said, breaking down for the board and the public the components of the overall rating.

Four out of five stars in achievement "speaks volumes of our students of every subcategory," Paramore said, praising not only the students, but also the work of teachers, paraprofessionals and all others who impact the students. "This rating is something we should be very excited about."

Puzzled about one ranking

However, the rating of just two out of five stars for the progress ranking has district personnel puzzled.

Paramore described what he called the state's "formulary enigma within progress" and its different factors. The state's calculation of progress is "a little murky," he said.

Paramore shared his concern the board or the public might think the district is not making academic progress.

"We work every day to get our students to progress and our staff to progress," he said. "We gather data every day," leading the district "to drive instruction in certain ways. We really are making progress, despite two out of five stars."

Board member Zack Truax explained that from his research of the issue, progress compares how well a district did in the year being evaluated with how well it did the previous year. He said it is easier for a struggling district to make measurable gains, while, for example, four stars one year compared to four stars the next year doesn't show a lot of improvement.

Linda McKibben, deputy superintendent, pointed out "a little bit of inconsistency" on the part of the state.

District did very well in achievement and gap closing

It is difficult to understand the district not getting a good progress score when it did so well in achievement and gap closing, McKibben said.

"We're going to be attending some meetings (to understand it better)," she said. "We have some people we're talking to."

Board member Brandon Wells asked if there is any kind of funding tied to report card scores.

"If they want to attach funding to our progress, we've got a good chance of getting some more money," Paramore said.

Other positive scores earned by the Ashland district were five out of five stars for gap closing, and four out of five stars for graduation rate.

The Ashland district's three out of five stars for early literacy is no doubt higher than the ranking of many other schools because Ashland is "at the tail end of two literacy grants," Paramore said, adding, Ashland is way ahead of the curve, "even touching on it at the preschool level."

Board member Pam Mowry said everyone associated with the Ashland City School District should be commended for the district's performance on the state report card.

Internet safety forum

Paramore's report to the board included a review of a Sept. 12 presentation in Archer Auditorium on Internet safety and Your Child, sponsored by the county Prosecutor's Office, detailing ways in which predators prey on individuals.

Paramore said there is even a calculator app with a secret chat room.

The session was attended by only about 20 people, although it was very well publicized, Paramore said, citing many other activities going on as a possible reason.

"Despite low attendance, the message was loud and clear," he said. "Take some time to look at your kiddos' phone and devices."

Homecoming weekend

Paramore reviewed a successful Homecoming weekend, including a well-attended dance and alumni band.

This year's distinguished alumni − Jennifer Gottfried, class of 1996; Kim Knight Jacobs, class of 1975; Dr. Anand Murthi, class of 1987; Cheryll Sponsler Welch, class of 1963; and the late Sanford Keith Bowen, class of 1937− were honored.

Being back in their hometown "resonated" with those in attendance, Paramore said, particularly in looking for ways to do something special for a place that is special to them.

Dr. Anand Murthi is planning to establish a scholarship or scholarships in memory of his parents. His father was a longtime pediatrician in the community.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: ACSD earns four stars on state report card and which ranking is puzzling