At the recent Columbus City School District Board of Education meeting, a significant focus was placed on student growth and achievement, particularly in the context of improving school attendance and academic performance. With 31% of the district's 9,092 students identified as English learners and 17% receiving special education services, the need for effective educational strategies is clear.

Highlighting the district's commitment to enhancing school climate, it was reported that 16 out of 22 schools received recognition from the Ohio Board of Education for their implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This marks an increase from the previous year, showcasing a growing commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment.

A key achievement discussed was the reduction in chronic absenteeism, which has dropped to 44.7%, a 13% decrease from last January. This improvement is attributed to a Fall Attendance Challenge led by several school principals, with Alpine Elementary School emerging as the standout winner, achieving a remarkable 6.2% reduction in absenteeism.

In terms of academic performance, the district reported positive growth in reading and math across all grade levels, as measured by the I Ready assessment. Notably, 7% of students have already reached their stretch growth in math, while 11% have done so in reading. Additionally, there was a 6.5% increase in students scoring proficient or above on the fall third-grade Ohio State Test.

Alpine Elementary was particularly celebrated for its exceptional performance, being one of only 13 schools nationwide to have over 55% of its students achieve their annual stretch growth in both reading and math. This achievement underscores the dedication of the school's staff, students, and parents.

As the meeting concluded, the emphasis on collaboration among administrators and staff was evident, highlighting the collective effort to drive student success in the Columbus City School District.