New report cards: How did Mason do?

The Enquirer reported last week that only 19 of the 49 districts in Greater Cincinnati — Mason included — avoided getting any D’s or F’s on new state district report cards. Here’s a more detailed look at Mason’s performance.

Mason Schools ranked seventh in the state when ranked by the Performance Index, perhaps the most important measure in Ohio’s new report cards. The index is a composite of student test scores.

• Mason Biggest High School in Ohio

For now, each school and district receive up to nine letter grades in various categories, but no overall grade. Those do not come until 2015.

Here’s how the district scored for the 2012-2013 school year:

• Performance Index: A
• 4-Year Graduation Rate 2012: A
• 5-Year Graduation Rate 2011: A
• Value-Added Overall: A
• Value-Added Gifted Students: A
• Value-Added Lowest 20% in Achievement: B
• Value Added Students with Disabilities: A
• Annual Measurable Objectives: B

Mason has long received consistent Top 10 academic rankings among Ohio’s 614 schools systems and “Excellent” rankings in the state’s previous rating system. Earlier this year, Mason High School celebrated a record number of National Merit finalists – 19 – second in the region, behind Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills High School.

Of the state’s top 10 performing schools, Mason spends less — $10,413 — to educate the most amount of students, school officials pointed out. That’s lower than the Ohio per-pupil average of $11,222 during fiscal year 2011.

Enrollment for the district doubled from 1999 to 2009 but has topped out in recent years at just under 11,000 students.

Madeira, Wyoming and Indian Hill scored highest, second highest and third in the state when ranked by the Performance Index. On average, the three districts spend about $13,204 to educate 1,696 students, according to state data.

“Our teachers and administration continue to set the bar high,” said Kevin Wise, school board president. “We have great students and very supportive families. It is gratifying to see that we consistently deliver the kind of value that our community expects.”

Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline cautioned that even with Mason’s higher than average grades, the new report cards do not give a comprehensive picture.

“Rankings matter, but they often don’t tell the whole story. While we’re proud that our children are performing at some of the very highest levels in the state, there is more to a high-quality education than what’s measured on the state tests,” she said.

“It is increasingly important that we personalize education for each student. We need to meet students where they are and maximize their potential,” she said.

Mason report cards by school

Mason Intermediate Elementary School

Mason Middle School

Western Row Elementary

Mason High School

Mason Early Childhood Center:  Not rated

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