MANSFIELD — The Ohio Department of Education has offered 18 recommendations for Mansfield City Schools in six different categories.
Clairie Huff-Franklin, Director of Academic Distress Commissions and Education Reform, noted the ODE identified areas of needed growth in preparing the recommendations. The six areas include Leadership, Governance and Communication, Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment and the Use of Data, Human Resources and Professional Development, Students Supports and Fiscal Management.
Within the recommendations under Leadership, Governance and Communication was the addition of a central office administrator. This position would be responsible for overseeing curricula to increase accountability between the district and school levels.
The addition of a central office administrator was previously suggested by board member Chris Elswick who said in December that superintendent Brian Garverick needed a support staff.
Under Curriculum and Instruction, ODE recommended the district assemble a team of administrators and teachers to develop a curriculum for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade that aligns with Ohio’s Learning Standards.
Under Human Resources and Professional Development, ODE recommended the district implement a systematic process for annual evaluations of all employees and provide opportunities for professional growth.
ODE recommended the district provide middle school students with “foundational skills in literacy, mathematics and science to be prepared for rigorous high school studies.” The review found that sixth, seventh and eighth grade students performed below state averages in both reading and mathematics.
The graphs show reading performance scores for seventh grade to be below the state average scores by 17.1 percent. The same grade level scored 22.4 percent below state average in math.
Also within its recommendations, was a call on the district treasurer to develop a comprehensive capital plan.
“When higher funds are allotted for employee benefits, the district might not be able to maximize its resources to get the best return on investment for student achievement,” the ODE report states.
ODE drew its conclusions based on interviews with interim treasurer Trevor Gummere and a 2014 Cupp Report, which indicated the district spent nearly 22 percent of its operating budget on employee benefits.
According to the Cupp Report, the district spent more than other comparable school districts (19.3 percent) in Ohio and on state averages (21.5 percent).
ODE’s report also showed the district spends nearly $3,000 more per pupil than the state average.
ODE organized its report by listing the district’s strengths and challenges.
As outlined in the graphic, the district received a “C” grade in its Performance Index, a “D” in value added for students with disabilities and an “F” in Indicators Met, Annual Measureable Objectives.
Mansfield’s board of education expects to meet with ODE representatives in the next six months to discuss the recommendations.
To read ODE’s district review in its entirety, click on the PDF document attached at the bottom of this story.
The entire Ohio Department of Education district review for Mansfield City Schools.
