17 area school districts honored as among state's best

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Seventeen Southeast Missouri school districts were among those Gov. Bob Holden recognized on Wednesday as the state's top performing school systems.

A total of 157 public school districts were given the "Distinction in Performance" designation based on criteria established by the State Board of Education for the 2001-2002 school year. Those systems represent 30 percent of the state's 524 districts.

"Because this designation is based on the same standards used for accreditation purposes, it shows that these districts are making steady improvement in the areas that matter most," Holden said.

Being so recognized amounts to more than a pat on the back for a job well done, Holden said. By meeting high standards of academic achievement, the districts earn waivers from some state accreditation procedures.

'Doing a great job'

"Because they're doing a great job, they earned the right to bypass some administrative requirements," Holden said.

The Oak Ridge School District in northern Cape Girardeau County is among those to claim the distinction. Superintendent Cheri A. Fuemmeler said district staff and students are excited about the honor, which it receives for the second straight year.

"We have a very dedicated staff that works diligently. We have a community and school board that totally supports education," Fuemmeler said. "We are always looking for ways to improve learning for students and teaching for teachers."

Fuemmeler said the district is particularly proud of its low dropout rate and high attendance rate.

To qualify, kindergarten through grade 12 districts had to meet 11 out of 12 possible performance indicators, including all of the standards based on Missouri Assessment Program exam. Kindergarten through grade 8 districts had to meet five out of six indicators.

Holden said it was tougher to qualify for the designation this year, which resulted in a net decline of 30 in the number of districts to earn it.

Area school districts, by county, to earn the "Distinction in Performance" designation:

Bollinger: Leopold R-III

Cape Girardeau: Nell Holcomb R-IV, Oak Ridge R-VI

Dunklin: Holcomb R-III

Iron: Arcadia Valley R-II

Pemiscot: Pemiscot County R-III, South Pemiscot County R-V

Perry: Altenburg

Ripley: Doniphan R-I, Ripley County R-IV

Scott: Chaffee R-II, Kelso

Stoddard: Advance R-IV, Bell City R-II, Bernie R-XIII, Dexter R-XI

Wayne: Greenville R-II

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