Garfield Heights principal cites test-score gains, new "culture of excellence" at high school

At the Garfield Heights City School District board meeting on March 16, Principal Samuel Valters told the board the high school has adopted a "culture of excellence" that he said is tied to recent structural changes, more-targeted instruction and student-recognition efforts.

Valters said the building was reorganized so ninth graders are on the third floor, 10th and 11th graders on the second and seniors on the first to improve learning environment and supervision. He described staggered, grade-specific lunch periods and weekly teacher-based teams (TBTs) that meet to focus on tailored instructional strategies and student data.

"These focused strategies lead to better student achievements," Valters said, noting the school holds weekly TBT meetings and has introduced events such as a 4.0 luncheon to celebrate students who achieve top grades.

Valters presented recent results as evidence of progress: he said Biology proficiency has risen from 24 to 38 to 44 and that U.S. History scores improved from 43 to 58, with a goal of 63. He described plans to continue data-driven instruction and to explore expanded College and Career Technical Education pathways in the middle school.

The principal also described changes to commencement plans — including band processional music and invitations for eighth graders to participate — and said several seniors proposed wearing caps and gowns for in-school walkthroughs to promote graduation culture.

Superintendent Dr. Reynolds introduced the presentation and praised the high school team for accomplishments and for engaging families. The board did not take any formal vote on Valters' presentation; it was presented as an informational update.

What happens next: Valters said the district will continue monitoring course-level data and present a new course of study for board approval at a future meeting.