Now that the new school year is underway, I want to update community on what West Clermont is doing to increase our effectiveness as a district of choice.
Fiscally, through the dedication and sacrifice of many, we have righted our financial ship.
Employee pay freezes, a rebounding economy and additional support from local and state governments have moved our five-year projected balances into the positive column.
This comes as a huge relief for both our district and the communities we serve. As a result of our efforts, the Ohio Department of Education just recently lifted the Fiscal Caution designation from West Clermont.
That being said, we will continue to scrutinize our expenditures looking for ways we can make the most of every dollar we receive.
According to the Ohio Department of Education Local Report Card (LRC), West Clermont earned a “B” on both student academic performance and the number of categories in which the district was proficient in 2013-14.
We also scored an “A” on moving the lowest 20 percent of our students forward in achievement. These scores come in year that saw the “proficient” bar increase by five percent. LRC results also demonstrate the need to work harder to increase achievement for our gifted students, students with disabilities, and students of color.
Improving the quality of academics is at the heart of West Clermont. As we continue to work on ways to improve performance for all students, staff is working hard to develop and implement new courses at the high school level, to increase reading scores at the elementary level and to provide a well-rounded education for West Clermont’s 8,000 students.
Elementary students now enjoy Art, Music and Physical Education, at least once per month.
Kindergarten is now half day, every day, and families have the opportunity to pay for full day Kindergarten and fee based childcare. We continue to audit our facilities to make sure that our buildings have the infrastructure to support the 21st century education our young people deserve.
While significant progress is evident, we have more work to do. Transportation of students to and from school in our 47 square mile geographic area provides opportunities for improvement.
Students must master the knowledge required to graduate from Amelia or Glen Este, as well as possess the skills necessary to meet the demands of college, careers, and the military.
Moving forward, we will engage business leaders, parents and the community at-large to help define those skills and work diligently to incorporate them in the work we do with students each day.
West Clermont will continue to look at how we can improve the business of educating students while being fiscally responsible. I am confident we are moving in the right direction. We will continue working diligently to improve the quality of education that prepares students for their future.
Dr. Keith Kline is the Superintendent of the West Clermont Local School District.