FAIRFIELD – The past twelve months have been like no other in the Fairfield City Schools.
That was the overriding message brought by Superintendent Billy Smith in his annual State of the District presentation.
But despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, much of the activities went on – albeit in a different way.
“They were wearing masks, they were socially distanced, but you could tell they had their routines down,’’ Smith said of his visits to the school.
The district moved forward with its plan to expand the academy to middle school students, fast-tracked its plan to provide a laptop to every student, is piloting a superintendent sit down video program, expanded counseling opportunities, and added cultural competency equity and social justice programs.
“It would be very easy for everyone to say, ‘Hey not this year…’ we’re not going to do anything new this year because we’re in the middle of a pandemic,’’ Smith said. “But we haven’t done that. I’m really proud we haven’t.”
This school year, he said, has been challenging.
In particular, he pointed to test scores being below expectations – a phenomena he said other districts are experiencing.
From fall 2020 to winter 2021 students in grades 1,2,6,7, and 8 failed to meet growth expectations in math test scores. In reading only students in grades 2,7, and 8 met growth expectations.
“The data gives us something to work from,’’ Smith said. “We’re not going to ignore this year (data) – this year has been like no other – we still want to move forward.”
To do that the district plans to offer summer school this year and take advantage of a grant program offered by General Electric to address widening gaps in math scores.
“We still want to talk about steps we can take to move forward,’’ Smith said.
The technology initiative was fast forwarded so that every student in grades 5-12 has a laptop as well as some students in grades three and four. The others will be receiving them soon, he added.
Throughout the pandemic students needing laptops for remote days have received them and hotspot devices providing internet access have been given to families requesting them.
Students have continued to excel outside the classroom and given back to the community:
- Six students were named national merit finalists
- Freshmen collected 1,000 items for the high school food pantry
- Students were named to Cincinnati Symphony’s Youth Orchestra, Butler County Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Cincinnati Junior Strings, Orchestra and Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble.
“I believe the state of our district is strong. It’s strong because of our people,’’ Smith said.
“Every day our people put our kids first and do whatever it takes to provide the very best educational program for each and every student.”
