EAST LIVERPOOL –East Liverpool City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig started off his report to the Board of Education Thursday saying how pleased he was at the turnout for parent teacher conferences. There was a total of 1,292 conferences held across the district.

Ludwig and Ryan Willis, director of curriculum and school improvement, then discussed the state report card grade and shared goals and strategies for improvement. They also highlighted the significant achievements made across the district.

Some of the highlights from Ludwig’s presentation was the reduction in chronic absenteeism, an upward trend in recent graduation rates along with detailed strategies for the district to ensure continuous improvement across the district.

“While we are proud of our progress, we fully recognize the areas where improvement is needed,” he said. “Our report card highlights both our achievements and growth opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement. We know where we are, and we know where we want to be. It takes stakeholders working together to ensure every student is attending school and receiving the quality instruction they deserve.”

The graduation rates, which are reported a year behind showed the class of 2023 achieved a four-year graduation rate of 78.9% and there is a projected rate for the next graduating class of 90%.

Absenteeism dropped from 58.2% to 51.4 %, with the district currently at 32%.

Willis shared insights on growth initiatives and that the district is equipping teachers to meet students where they are to help them excel academically.

Ludwig closed his presentation with a call to action for everyone involved in the district.

“To reach new heights, we need the collective support of our entire community: students, parents, teachers and staff,” he said. “Every day a student is in school counts, and together, we can ensure our students are prepared to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”

Following Ludwig presentation, the board continued with its normal business and approved the treasurer’s report including the finanancial reports and appropriations, amended certificates, cash summary, cash received reports and disbursement and receipt reports.

Board members approved the treasurer’s requests to establish a high school engineering club and account and amend the ESC contract.

During the personnel portion of the meeting the board approved resignations for Patty Milhoan, two-hour food service staff person; effective Sept. 27 and Karen Smith, bus driver, who is retiring effective Dec. 31.

The Board approved multiple supplemental, classified and substitute employees; volunteers and a salary adjustment. They also approved the creation of a new Art/Social club at East Liverpool High School which will be supervised by Margert Myers.

Approval for the new policies keeping the district in line with state law and best practices were placed on second reading.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee will meet Nov. 4 at 8 a.m.

The following committees will meet Nov. 4: Personnel at 2 p.m., followed by Curriculum and Technology at 3 p.m.

The Athletic Committee will meet Nov. 6 at 3 p.m.

The East Liverpool Board of Education meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the district administration building. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday the next regular meeting will be held on the third Thursday, Nov. 21.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com