Pasco Makes History, District Earns an A.
News Release (July 15, 2008)
The Florida Department of Education released school grades and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results last week. While the District has a historic record of solid performance, for the first time ever, the District School Board of Pasco County has received the top ranking of an A. Additionally, our current graduation rate of 76.5% is above the state average. These outstanding achievements are the culmination of many years of hard work on behalf of Pasco’s students, teachers, staff and parents.
The District School Board of Pasco County enjoys broad-based community support. These partnerships have contributed to the success of the District, enabling Pasco to become one of the top-ranked school districts in the State of Florida. Working in tandem with industry leaders, Pasco is striving to equip students with the tools they need to be competitive in the global market place. With a strong emphasis on career education and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, the Pasco school system is serving as a catalyst for the development of a highly-skilled work force.
Individual school results also reflect academic excellence. Over 72% of Pasco’s schools earned an excellent grade of A or B, and over half are eligible for school recognition funds. Maintaining this level of achievement is a considerable accomplishment given the rapid growth the district has experienced in recent years. Pasco middle schools continue to top the charts, with 92% either improving or maintaining their school grades. Thirteen Pasco schools increased by one grade and Quail Hollow Elementary School improved by two letter grades. Additionally, many high schools in Pasco made significant improvements this year, with six high schools earning a B. The District has outlined its progressive vision for building upon these significant achievements through its Five-Year Strategic Plan.
“A high-quality educational institution serves as the cornerstone of progress, as the sustainability of a superior school system is paramount to the future success and economic health of our community. Therefore, we will continue our efforts to develop a strong coalition of education stakeholders committed to building a solid foundation for student success,” stated Superintendent Fiorentino. “I am extremely proud of the remarkable performance of our students, teachers and staff this year. I look forward to utilizing these results to further strengthen our District’s efforts to meet the individual needs of every student,” she added.
Contact: Heather Fiorentino, Superintendent (813) 794-2651