Delaware City Schools receive preliminary 4-star state rating; district shows gains in achievement and graduation

District leaders presented preliminary results of the Ohio state report card at the Sept. 8 Delaware City Schools board meeting, reporting an overall 4-star rating and progress across multiple components.

Dr. Swanger and other staff said the district is currently at a 4-star overall rating under the state’s star system, which the district said means it is meeting or exceeding state standards. Staff reported that 37 of 41 component indicators met or exceeded standards when including recently added progress data.

"Assuming all goes as planned, Delaware City Schools will be 4 stars," Dr. Swanger said. Assistant staff elaborated on component results: achievement increased to 4 stars, reflecting gains on statewide tests and a district performance index that rose to 81.7 from roughly 79.8. Staff reported a weighted graduation metric of 94.2 (a 60% weight on 4-year rate and 40% on 5-year rate), citing a 92.7 four-year graduation rate for the class of 2024 and a 96.4 five-year rate.

The district noted one area for growth: the new College, Career, Workforce & Military Readiness metric (CCWMR), where the district earned 2 stars. Staff said 271 students met the district’s CCWMR threshold this year, up from the low-200s in recent years, and listed district steps to improve that measure, including a career-tech equipment grant, creation of a coordinator of career pathways and a FAFSA grant for the high school.

Other component results presented:

- Early literacy: maintained a 3-star rating; district leaders reported implementation of a new core ELA program at K–5 and no typical "implementation dip." - Gap closing: maintained or improved ratings, with a 5-star result for closing achievement gaps across federal subgroups. - Progress/value-added indicators: described as strong across grades and buildings, credited to MTSS, targeted interventions and curriculum work.

District staff cautioned that some metrics remain preliminary and that the state’s accountability model has changed in recent years (moving from letter grades to star ratings). Superintendent Pomeroy and other staff emphasized that the district will focus on what is educationally best for students rather than chasing measurement changes.

"We are not going to chase their measures. We're gonna focus on what is best for children, period," one district staff member said, summarizing the district’s approach to changing state metrics.

Board members asked few immediate questions. Staff said official state data would be released in about one to two weeks and promised additional detail at a future meeting.