FCS exceeds standards in report card rating

FINDLAY — Findlay City Schools scored a 4-star overall rating on the 2024 Ohio School Report Card, a half a star below their 2023 score but still exceeding state standards. A statement from the district last week states the rating "reflect(s) continued progress and a strong commitment to academic excellence" while the district also acknowledges areas "where improvement is needed." Ohio School Report Cards are meant to provide parents, educators and policymakers information about district and school performance, according to the Ohio Department of Education's School Report Card website. The statistics and scores, on a 1 to 5-star rating scale, are supposed to provide transparent reporting to "drive local conversations on continuous improvement and identify schools that need intensive supports," the site states. FCS exceeded state standards with a 4-star score in the category of Progress for the second year in a row, and took home a 5-star rating in Gap Closing for the second consecutive year as well. "Achieving and sustaining this top rating in Gap Closing reflects the district's commitment to equity and inclusion for all students," the district's statement reads. The district scored 3 stars in Achievement, which meets state standards, and 4 stars in Graduation, which exceeds standards. The statement noted Early Literacy as an area for needed improvement in the district, which fell from 4 stars in 2023 to 3 stars this year. "While 3 stars still meets state standards, it is necessary for the district to take proactive steps to address early reading proficiency and ensure that young learners receive the support they need to succeed," the statement reads. Superintendent Andy Hatton was optimistic about the district's 2024 results, but also recognized where improvement can be made. "While we celebrate the many areas of strength in this year's report card, we also recognize the importance of addressing the challenges we face, especially in Early Literacy. We remain committed to working with our dedicated staff, students, and community to ensure thatFindlay City Schools continues to provide high-quality education for every student." Other school districts Around Hancock County, Liberty-Benton improved from 4.5 stars overall in 2023 to a 5-star rating for 2024, scoring 5 stars in Achievement, Gap Closing and Graduation, and 4 stars in Progress and Early Literacy. Van Buren retained its 4.5-star rating from last year, scoring 5 stars in Graduation and 4 stars in Achievement and Gap Closing, but 3 stars in Progress and Early Literacy. Arcadia kept its 4-star overall rating from last year, and Arlington slipped from 4.5 to 4 stars this year; Cory-Rawson went from 3.5 stars overall to 3 stars, and McComb stayed steady at 4 stars overall between 2023 and 2024. Riverdale and Vanlue each scored 3 stars overall in 2023 and 2024. Every school in Hancock County attained an overall rating that is considered to meet or exceed state standards, and all districts in the county scored either 4 or 5 stars in the Graduation category. For more in-depth rating information for area school districts, visit https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov. The state report card website notes the ratings are only one piece of each school district's puzzle, and don't give a complete picture of schools' academic successes and failures. "To get a more complete picture, it is essential to visit schools, talk to educators, parents and students, and review school or district websites," the site states.