East Liverpool Superintendent Talks to BOE on Strategies to Improve State Report Grading

EAST LIVERPOOL – East Liverpool City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig began his Thursday report to the Board of Education by expressing his satisfaction with attendance at parenting conferences. A total of 1,292 conferences were held throughout the district.

Ludwig and Ryan Willis, director of curriculum and school improvement, then discussed the state’s reporting assessments and shared improvement goals and strategies. They also highlighted the significant achievements made across the district.

Highlights of Ludwig’s presentation included a reduction in chronic absenteeism, an upward trend in recent graduation rates, and detailed strategies for the district to ensure continued improvement throughout the district.

“While we are proud of our progress, we fully recognize the areas that require improvement.” he said. “Our report card highlights both our achievements and opportunities for growth, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement. We know where we are and we know where we want to be. Stakeholder collaboration is essential to ensure that every student attends school and receives the high-quality education they deserve.”

Graduation rates, reported with a one-year lag, showed the class of 2023 achieved a four-year graduation rate of 78.9% and the projected rate for the next graduating class is 90%.

Absenteeism dropped from 58.2% to 51.4%, with the district now at 32%.

Willis shared insights about development initiatives and how the district is preparing teachers to meet students where they are to help them excel academically.

Ludwig concluded his presentation with a call to action for everyone involved in the district.

“To reach new heights, we need the collective support of our entire community: students, parents, teachers and staff.” he said. “Every day a student is in school counts, and together we can ensure our students are prepared to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

After Ludwig’s presentation, the board continued its usual business and approved the treasurer’s report containing financial and appropriations statements, amended certificates, cash statement, cash received reports, and disbursement and receipts reports.

Board members approved the treasurer’s requests to establish an engineering club and high school account and to amend the ESC contract.

During the staffing segment, the board approved the resignation of Patty Milhoan, a food service employee serving the two-hour class; on September 27 and Karen Smith, a bus driver who retires on December 31.

The Board approved numerous additional classified and replacement employees; volunteers and salary adjustments. They also approved the creation of a new art/social club at East Liverpool High School, which will be overseen by Margert Myers.

Approval of a new policy to ensure the district complies with state law and best practices moved to second reading.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee will meet on November 4 at 8 a.m

The following committees will meet on November 4: Human Resources at 2 p.m., followed by Curriculum and Technology at 3 p.m.

The Athletics Committee will meet on November 6 at 3 p.m

The East Liverpool Board of Education meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the district administration building. In observance of Thanksgiving, the next regular meeting will be held on the third Thursday, November 21.

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