RECOGNITION — Steubenville City Schools and three of its buildings have gained overall 5-star recognition for exceeding state standards in key components from achievement and gap closing to early literacy and graduation. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Steubenville City School District and three of its buildings have achieved overall 5-star ratings for their performance from state education officials.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recently recognized exceptional performances in Ohio’s districts and buildings on 2022-2023 Report Card, and the Steubenville City School District is one of 75 districts across the state to be recognized as an overall 5-Star district. Additionally, Harding Middle School, Pugliese West Elementary and Wells Academy achieved an overall 5-star rating and were among 362 school buildings across the state to earn the distinction.

The district’s honor was based on exceeding standards by earning an overall five stars on the traditional report card for their performance across five rated components, including achievement, progress, gap closing, early literacy and graduation. The buildings were awarded for exceeding state standards by earning an overall five stars for components such as achievement, progress, gap closing, early literacy, graduation and college, career, workforce and military readiness.

ODEW Director Stephen Dackin congratulated school officials in a letter, stating the remarkable accomplishment reflected an unwavering commitment to excellence and the outstanding services provided to the students and community.

“It is a testament to your dedication, hard work and the quality of education you provide to your students,” Dackin continued. “It recognizes the devoted teachers and staff who consistently go above and beyond, ensuring that all students receive exceptional learning and instruction. Your tireless efforts in nurturing young minds, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting holistic development has not gone unnoticed. Your impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.”

He lauded teachers, administrators, support staff and students for their contributions and added that the distinction would serve as a source of motivation to inspire, innovate and make a difference in the lives of the students.

“Your dedication to excellence sets a shining example for educational institutions everywhere,” Dackin concluded.

Superintendent Melinda Young was pleased with the honor.

“The 5-star rating is the result of the dedication of our students, staff and parents,” Young said.

Harding Middle School Principal Bryan Mills said it was a concerted effort and was thankful to everyone involved.

“It’s an exciting honor and a reflection of the hard work of the teachers and the students who are willing to come to school and work hard,” he said. “The community is very supportive and the school board and Young provide us with whatever we need. It’s a reflection of the distributive leadership from the assistant principals to the custodians.”

About 780 fifth-through-eighth-graders attend HMS and Mills said the goal has been to ensure students succeed and learn.

“It’s the result of the intervention team to close gaps and accelerate student achievement. We’re using intervention to level the playing field.”

Pugliese West Principal Lynnett Gorman was equally thrilled to have her school receive the honor, saying everyone was dedicated to ensuring the 480 students in grades PreK-4 have the best learning opportunities available.

“We are very excited and honored to receive the recognition,” she said. “Our teachers work very hard to create an educational environment that engages all students. I feel our students, our staff, our teachers and our West families deserve this recognition. To be part of a district such as ours that takes pride in the students’ educational success is an honor.”

Wells Academy Principal Tommy Kotsanis echoed those sentiments, saying his school’s 340 pupils in grades PreK-4 received the best education possible to thrive.

“Consistency and structure build an outstanding program for academic success at Wells Academy,” he said.