Marlington schools improve state report card scores, project balanced 2025-26 budget

The Marlington Board of Education met Oct. 9 following a work session the previous day to discuss the district’s financial forecast and to review recent improvements shown on the state report card.

Curriculum Director Ranee Kaley presented an overview of the 2024-25 Ohio School Report Card, noting Marlington’s Performance Index rose to 80.9%, up from 78.1% last year, ranking the district 13th out of 23 area districts. Marlington maintained a 3.5-star overall rating; an 85% Performance Index is needed for four stars.

Achievement improved to four stars, reflecting student performance on state tests in third grade through 12th grade. Kaley credited new instructional materials adopted in recent years — including Benchmark K-6 for literacy and Envision K-7 for math — for the gains.

Progress remained at two stars, indicating modest year-over-year growth in student achievement. Kaley said professional development focused on literacy strategies and assessment practices is planned to help improve this component.

Marlington earned a five-star rating for Gap Closing, which measures whether students from all backgrounds are meeting state standards in English/language arts, math and graduation rates. Kaley said the district’s focus on monitoring early warning indicators and addressing chronic absenteeism — which dropped from 20.5% to 14% — contributed to the strong performance.

Graduation earned four stars while Early Literacy received three, showing the district meets state expectations in helping struggling readers and advancing third-graders to the next level. College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness earned four stars.

“The local school report card is a valuable tool, but it is just one part of the data story,” Kaley said. “By looking at multiple sources of information, we can better celebrate successes, identify needs and make informed decisions for the future.”

Treasurer Bob Foss presented the district’s fall 2025 financial forecast, which projects a balanced budget with a $348,932 surplus at the end of fiscal year 2025-26, followed by a projected $547,000 deficit at the end of 2026-27. Foss also announced receipt of a $43,000 Career Tech Grant. All other financial items were approved without discussion.

The board approved all personnel matters including the upcoming retirement of Transportation Director Sheri Sickles in July 2026. Superintendent Dan Swisher said the district will seek to hire her replacement early to allow for training.

The board also approved an out-of-state field trip for the high school boys basketball team to participate in a holiday tournament in Weirton, West Virginia.

Policy updates received their first reading following the recent passage of Ohio House Bill 96, and student Kaden Tucker, son of Julie Ryan and Jason Tucker, was recognized as the Elk High School Student of the Month.

In Ohio School Boards Association news, member Cathy Krupko reported Gov. Mike DeWine’s property tax review group continues to meet regularly.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the DLZ at Marlington High School.