Southmoreland Middle School honored with 2025 Blue Ribbon; board praises sustained gains

Southmoreland Middle School was announced as one of 13 schools in the Commonwealth to receive the 2025 Blue Ribbon Award, Principal Mr. Clue told the Southmoreland School Board at its Oct. 21 meeting.

The principal said the award reflects sustained progress rather than a one-year spike, noting that ‘‘when you look at our data from the past two years, the story is clear’’ and highlighting gains across grade levels. He told the board that sixth-grade math proficiency rose to nearly 68 percent and that algebra I students exceeded expectations by 11 percentage points. The principal also said the building-level state score rose from 64.5 in 2023–24 to 76.3 the following year.

Mr. Clue also described cultural improvements at the school: discipline referrals dropped from nearly 500 to under 200 (a roughly 60 percent decline), attendance problems decreased, and teacher sick days fell by about 30 percent from 2022–23. ‘‘This recognition belongs to all of us,’’ he said.

Board members and parents joined in praise. A board member who introduced the presentation thanked the principal and staff; a parent told the board, ‘‘I can't thank you enough for the work you guys do.’’

The award and the district—s reporting of multiple academic and cultural indicators were presented as evidence of sustained improvement and will be included in district communications and upcoming conference presentations by staff.

The presentation and board remarks were delivered during the superintendent—s report portion of the Oct. 21 meeting; no formal action was required or taken on the presentation itself.