SEE WHAT’S GOING ON IN AREA DISTRICTS
West Carrollton Schools is currently working in conjunction with Wright State University (WSU) to compile data as we look to improve reading and literacy for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. We know that a balanced literacy program is as important as a balanced diet for our students. You have to have the right ingredients for maximum performance!
The WSU team will be investigating our needs by doing classroom observations, focus groups with teachers, interviews with principals and noting the resources available to teachers. Data will be compiled and a report prepared for the school district at the end of January that will give the district insight into what we are doing well, and what are our opportunities to improve. The data received will guide professional development for our teachers and the resources we need to strengthen literacy for our students.
Increasing student achievement in reading and writing is a district goal as well as the foundation for other learning. We are excited to be collaborating with the WSU faculty team as we create a plan for success in literacy.
The district is also working with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to determine the needs of our buildings. An initial walk-through in 2007 by the commission provided a report stating the updates needed and that a remodel would be more costly than construction of new buildings.
The seven schools in the district were constructed from 1913 to 1968. Even the newest building does not adequately support the electrical and technology needs that our classrooms require today. Other building challenges are plumbing, parking, office locations and energy efficiency.
The commission plans another walk-through in early 2018, and we don’t expect their findings regarding the buildings to change. They will also be completing a 10-year enrollment assessment to give us a picture of what they believe our schools will need in regard to classroom space.
A pre-bond architect has been employed to review findings from the commission. If new buildings are recommended, this would be the first step in a multi-year process that would include input from district residents, parents, staff, students and leaders from Miami Township, Moraine and West Carrollton.
The school board has approved our collaboration with the commission, and although it is far too early to make any determinations, we have discovered the state would pay the majority of the cost needed to construct new buildings, which would be a huge savings to our residents.
It’s an exciting time to be in West Carrollton schools, and I’m excited to be a part of the many planned improvement projects for learning and our facilities!