Hillsborough School Grades Show New Strategy Paying Off

TAMPA, FL -- The Hillsborough County School District's strategy to lift up its low-performing schools appears to have paid off, according to Superintendent Jeff Eakins.

After setting an all-time graduation rate record, the school district learned this week that schools with previously performance problems are back on track.

"Our district is excited to announce four schools that were set to be run by an external operator this fall are now off that list, earning a C grade," said Eakins. "Two of those schools, Potter Elementary and B.T. Washington Elementary, both went from an F to a C grade."

Additionally, Hillsborough County topped the number of A- and B-rated schools over last year.

The results of the 2017-18 school grades were released June 27 by the Florida Department of Education. Some of the highlights include:

• 53 traditional schools graded “A” in 2018, up from 51 in 2017
• 40 traditional schools graded “B," up from 38
• All high schools earned either an A, B or C
• Three traditional schools improved their grade from an “F” to a “C” - Potter Elementary, B.T. Washington Elementary and Sullivan Partnership School

Seven schools were set to be run by an external operator this fall, as directed by the state. Four of those schools, Potter Elementary, B.T. Washington Elementary, Mort Elementary and Memorial Middle School, have now come off that list, all earning a C grade.

“I am proud of our teachers, administrators and staff. A few of these schools in particular have had challenges they have been trying to overcome for years. It is great to see the huge progress they made,” said Eakins. “With the help of our community partners, support from our families and a laser focus on students’ needs, these schools made significant gains.”

Eakins acknowledges there is still much more work to be done. The district is going through the data to determine what supports are needed at schools that slipped downward this year. The district’s goal is to provide the resources for these schools to make gains like many other schools in the district.

Major steps have been underway for months to improve the district’s lowest-performing schools. An entirely new structure has been put in place for the upcoming school year that directs intense support and resources to the schools that need it most. Fifty Achievement Schools have been selected using performance data.

The district’s leadership structure and hiring methods have been overhauled to ensure these schools are staffed by highly effective teachers and leaders.

To see all the school grades, click here.

Image via Hillsborough School District

Principal Melanie Hill and PTA President Rosezine Pringle are surprised at Potter Elementary School for jumping two school grades in one year.

Patricia Sullivan Partnership School Principal Daphne Fourqurean and her staff receive congratulations for raising the school's grade by two.

Principal Woodland Johnson and his staff at Mort Elementary School celebrate their C grade.