Rock Hill Schools report overall gains on 2024–25 state assessments; three elementary schools remain below average

Rock Hill Schools showed gains on its 2024–25 state report cards, district staff told the board on Nov. 11, but three elementary schools were rated below average and will be focal points for targeted support.

Assistant Superintendent (transcript: "Christina Dinky") presented state-released data that showed an increase in the number of schools with average-or-above ratings and a decline in below-average or unsatisfactory ratings across South Carolina. In Rock Hill, the presentation noted no schools had an "unsatisfactory" rating; 64% of the district's schools increased their overall scores and the number of schools rated good or excellent has more than doubled over the last three years.

The presentation singled out three elementary schools—Ebenezer Elementary, Richmond Drive Elementary and York Road Elementary—as currently below average. Staff emphasized student progress (growth) as a primary indicator and said their strategic-improvement work will focus on alignment, high-quality instruction and professional learning.

Board members commended the district for measurable gains while acknowledging the difficulty such ratings pose for school communities. Members asked for budget-alignment discussions and targeted supports in upcoming budget planning and small-group work sessions. Superintendent and staff pledged ongoing reporting and follow-up to clarify the supports and measures that will be deployed in impacted schools.

The board will receive continued updates as staff move from data presentation to program- and budget-level recommendations.