The East Lycoming School District was named among the top 50 school districts in Pennsylvania as a result of making across-the-board gains in student achievement. They were honored at a special ceremony among three other county school districts at the State Capitol last Wednesday, August 19 according to state representative, Garth Everett.

The announcement comes following the release of results from the Center for Education Policy (CEP) report stating that Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation to make universal gains from 2002 to 2008.

“This achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication put forth by administrators, teachers, students and board members in the East Lycoming and Jersey Shore Area school districts,” said Everett. “I salute this magnificent effort on everyone’s part. This is indicative of the quality of people that live and work in Lycoming County. This kind of achievement bodes well for our future locally and for the Commonwealth as the district prepares our young people well for the challenges they will face in the years ahead.”

Dr. Susan L. Bigger, superintendent, was on hand for the announcement in Harrisburg. Also represented was board member Donna Gavitt and Principal Suzanne Foresman of Ashkar Elementary School.

Dr. Bigger stated that school districts in the county have worked collaboratively with the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce to advance student achievement. She expressed how this collaboration is achieving results above the state averages and the mandatory guidelines set by the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act.

“I believe the East Lycoming School District can attribute this achievement to its intense focus on standards and raising student achievement. We have worked tirelessly at this pursuit by establishing student achievement targets as a repeated goal year after year. Student achievement is always at the forefront of our initiatives, professional development, and curriculum improvements. Our students’ performance is at the centerpiece of our work. It is the ruler we use to choose our initiatives and allocate resources,” announced Dr. Bigger.

Everett will present a House citation to the district in the near future.

The CEP has conducted a three year study profiling test score trends in all 50 states in reading/English, language arts and mathematics. The study was supported by charitable foundations and was advised by a diverse panel of national experts.

Three other Lycoming County school districts, Williamsport, South Williamsport, and Jersey Shore were also named in the list of the top 50 improved districts in the Commonwealth. “The recognition of these four districts speaks volumes to the success of the Coalition and the support of the larger business community on public education across the region,” added Dr. Bigger. “My personal congratulations and appreciation goes to the faculty and Easy Lycoming’s Board of Education. I am a firm believer that there is significant power in collaboration and shared ownership of district goals.”