Area Schools Recognized By Governor, Board of Ed

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, January 21, 2011

Eleven York County schools and eight Williamsburg-James City County Schools were recognized for excellence by Gov. Bob McDonnell and the Board of Education on Thursday.

The local schools were among 728 schools and nine school divisions earning 2011 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. The incentive program, created by the board in 2007, recognizes schools and divisions that achieve excellence goals and exceed the minimum state and federal accountability standards.

The schools and divisions win awards at four levels: the highest, the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, followed by the Board of Education Excellence Award, the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award and Board of Education Rising Star Award.

“The schools and divisions earning these awards have high-achieving students and teachers and leaders who are committed to innovation and offering new opportunities for learning,” McDonnell said.

Local winners of the Governor’s Award for Education Excellence are Matoaka Elementary in WJCC and Grafton Bethel Elementary, Seaford Elementary and Tabb High in York County. To qualify for the award, schools must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and achieve goals for elementary reading, enrollment in Algebra I by eighth grade, enrollment in college-level courses, high school graduation, attainment of advanced diplomas, attainment of career and industry certifications and participation in the Virginia Preschool Initiative. Winning schools will receive display banners and a signed resolution of commendation from the governor. No school divisions qualified for the award.

The Board of Education Excellence Award was given to Clara Byrd Baker Elementary, James River Elementary, Jamestown High, Matthew Whaley Elementary and Stonehouse Elementary in WJCC. In York County, the award went to Coventry Elementary, Grafton High, Mount Vernon Elementary, Tabb Elementary and Waller Mill Elementary. To earn the Board of Education Excellence Award, schools had to meet all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and have made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the board.

Norge Elementary and Rawls Byrd Elementary, both in WJCC, and York County’s Bethel Manor Elementary, Dare Elementary and York High received the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award. The award is given to schools that met all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and are making progress toward the state’s goals.

None of the state’s “Rising Star” awards were given to schools in the Historic Triangle.