Chesterfield County schools achieve state honors

The state honored 42 county schools earlier this month with Virginia Index of Performance awards.

"This recognition validates the good work occurring on a daily basis in Chesterfield County Public Schools," said Chesterfield Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome. "Teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members are making great things happen."

The Board of Education approved the three-tier Virginia Index of Performance in July 2007 in response to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's call for a way to recognize schools and school divisions that exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards.

Four Chesterfield schools earned the highest honor, the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence: Gordon Elementary, Grange Hall Elementary, Swift Creek Elementary and Midlothian Middle were among 89 Virginia schools recognized for meeting all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two years in a row and meeting the governor's goals for achievement in elementary reading, enrollment in Algebra I by eighth-grade, enrollment in college-level courses, attainment of advanced diplomas and industry certifications and participation in the Virginia Preschool Initiative, if eligible.

Twenty-five Chesterfield schools earned the second-tier award, the Board of Education's VIP Excellence Award: Alberta Smith Elementary, Bensley Elementary, Bettie Weaver Elementary, Bon Air Elementary, Clover Hill Elementary, Crenshaw Elementary, Crestwood Elementary, Ecoff Elementary, Enon Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, Jacobs Road Elementary, Marguerite Christian Elementary, Providence Elementary, Reams Road Elementary, Robious Elementary, Salem Church Elementary, Spring Run Elementary, Watkins Elementary, Wells Elementary, Woolridge Elementary, Swift Creek Middle, Clover Hill High, James River High and Midlothian High. Statewide, 475 schools won this award by meeting all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two years in a row and making significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunity set by the governor and the Virginia Board of Education.

Thirteen Chesterfield schools earned the third-tier award, the Board of Education's VIP Competence to Excellence Award: Beulah Elementary, Chalkley Elementary, Davis Elementary, Falling Creek Elementary, Gates Elementary, Harrowgate Elementary, Hening Elementary, Matoaca Elementary, Bailey Bridge Middle, Robious Middle, Matoaca High, Monacan High and Thomas Dale High. Statewide, 322 schools won this award by meeting all state and federal benchmarks for at least two years in a row and making progress toward VIP objectives reflecting the goals of the governor and the board.