Palos 118 schools garner impressive accolades

Palos School District 118 is the first school district in the South Cook region to ever achieve a perfect score on the district evaluation, staff licensure, and health/life safety inspection during its State compliance visit. Each Illinois school is required by the Illinois Administrative Code to have a compliance visit to ensure they are meeting state operational requirements and all applicable state and federal regulations, and Palos 118 came out on top.

The significant compliance achievement comes only weeks after the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) awarded all three Palos 118 schools top performance ratings on the State’s accountability system. Two schools received exemplary ratings, while a third garnered a commendable rating. According to ISBE, these “summative designations” help families and communities understand how well schools are serving all students.

“Palos 118 has historically been a district of distinction, and these recent achievements are a testament to that,” explains School Board President Nadine Scodro. “They are a reflection of the growth and success of the entire school community.”

Also notable are the district’s financial awards, having received a Meritorious Budget Award for 10 consecutive years, and the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 17 years from the Association of School Business Officials.

“These accolades don’t happen by chance,” said Superintendent Dr. Scarsella. “They’re only possible through our collective efforts. I’m proud of the hard work our students, staff, parents, and board of education have done to maintain our status as a premier school district in Illinois.”

The district is comprised of three schools; Palos East Elementary (kindergarten-grade 5), Palos West Elementary (preschool-grade 5), and Palos South Middle School (grades 6-8). With over 60 clubs, athletic teams, and activities to participate in, Palos 118 offers more than a rigorous academic program.

“I hope that every member of the Palos 118 community - including our students, parents, staff, administrators, and taxpayers who help fund our schools - feel the same sense of pride that I do in being a part of this special learning community,” said Scodro.