By Betsi Werling

On Tuesday, October 14, the Ada School Board held its annual planning meeting. Employees of the Ada Exempted Village School District presented plans for proposed projects and information about Ohio School Report Cards results. https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/district/home/045187

ATHLETICS
Athletic Director Ken Jochims discussed putting student athletes in leadership roles. He reported that the Coach Retreat and Athletic Council have returned. The department continues to work with all levels of athletics, including youth sports. Jochims shared a proposal for a facelift for the 1971 Gymnasium. The project is estimated at $380K. This would include floor refinishing, all new banners, shock clocks, scoreboards and painting. 

ACADEMICS
High School Principal Dan Lee talked about the district’s report card, which has seen growth from 4.0 to 4.5 in some areas. The overall goal is to be approximately 10 percentage points ahead of state averages or 80% overall in any given measurement. This year, Ada was 269 percentage points above the state average. 

Two areas where significant success occurred were Gap Closing and Graduation Rate. The graduation rate was 100% last year. CRS is a state system that can tell districts how individuals are achieving. This system will help teachers work with students who might need assistance. A new assessment his year is College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness. Ada received a 2; however, much work has begun to address this area. All students in grades 9-12 will have a career plan that both students and parents can access. Lee also reported that Ada students earned 874 CCP (College Credit Plus) credits. In addition, Ada was recognized as one of the best high schools by US News and World Report. Finally, AP History had a 100% passage rate for all students who took the test. 

Vice Principal Britton Devier, who directs school transportation, reported that Ada is currently fully staffed with drivers and provides competitive pay. Currently, 307 students ride buses to school; this does not include extra miles for field trips and athletic competitions. Devier shared that the schools usually purchase a new bus every other year. This year, a request has been made to buy a second 10-person passenger van. Devier said the schools will apply for a new State of Ohio Safety Grant. While the grant does not allow for the purchase of new buses, it will allow schools to retrofit the current fleet. 

Ada Elementary Principal Angela Maag reported that the elementary school received 4.5 stars on the Ohio School Report Card. In achievement, the elementary school set a SMART reading goal of 85% and a SMART Math goal of 80% for next year. Early Literacy lost a star, going from 4 to 3, and this will be a focus of the elementary school. In addition, they will be working with students with disabilities and helping all students in the area of growth. All teachers are using data gathered by a monitoring system that can help students receive assistance where they need it most. The elementary school has begun an initiative with Positive Behavior Interventions and Support. This has gotten off to a great start with fewer negative referrals to the office. 

TECHNOLOGY
Technology Coordinator Nathan Freed reported on goals for the next 5 years. He shared that he plans to focus on response times, remote management and standardization of equipment. He outlined costs associated with upgrading technology and equipment. He explained there would be a rebate for all monies spent that would come back to the district. He plans to perform many of the upgrades himself to save labor costs. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Becca HIbbard, Public Relations Coordinator, shared that a Parent and Family survey had gone out to the district. The 199 respondents indicated that the three most important ways to communicate are the Remind App, the school website and social media platforms. She reported that she has been meeting with different constituencies to revamp the website. The Remind App will be discontinued this year, and she will be working to make a replacement recommendation.

SPECIAL EDUCATION
Robin Vanbuskirk reported on Special Education within the district. There are six intervention specialists, two resource rooms, 77 students on IEPs and 57 pre-k students enrolled in Ada. She is utilizing the early warning system, so students are receiving assistance. Vanbuskirk explained that some students exit specifically designed instruction during the year, so the number of students on IEP may fluctuate. Students who are on IEPs go on to be employable, and some attend college. She emphasized that students in special education are students first, and it is important to remember that. 

FACILITIES
Lance Dearth, Facilities Coordinator, reported on needs including the shingled roof, sidewalks and exterior brick work. Two trees will need to be removed due to disease and beautificaion of the school entrance is being considered. Parking lots need to be put into a rotation for things like crack filling. An auction for old equipment begins this week and should open up the garage space.