Submitted photo Warren City Schools Jefferon PK-8 first-grade teacher Kaitlyn Helminiak reads to her students during a recent class. The district maintained its overall 2.5-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card, which was released on Monday by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

WARREN — The Warren City School District maintained its overall 2.5-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card for the second consecutive year, prompting district leaders to reflect on progress and outline plans to improve student outcomes, particularly in career readiness and attendance.

Superintendent Steve Chiaro expressed disappointment with the stagnant rating, but highlighted strides in specific areas.

“It saddens me that we remained at 2.5 stars,” Chiaro said. “Three out of five buildings moved up a half-star, but it wasn’t enough to bump us to three stars. I believe the low progress rating at the high school held us back.”

The district earned three stars in graduation rates and college and career readiness, reflecting efforts to prepare students for post-secondary success. Chiaro noted that Warren has been ahead of the curve in offering career-focused programs.

“Since before the pandemic, we have been building opportunities for students that were only previously offered at the Career and Technical Center,” he said.

Programs like welding simulators, a reinstated wood shop and a rigorous metal shop have been introduced at Warren G. Harding High School to spark student interest in skilled trades.

Wendy Hartzell, Chief Academic Officer, discussed the district’s targeted approach to addressing chronic absenteeism, which dropped from 54.9% to 46% of students missing at least 10% of instructional time.

“We’ve decreased absenteeism over the past three years,” Hartzell said. “We’re working with families to reduce barriers and make personal connections to get students in school.”

The district has partnered with the Cleveland Browns Foundation to promote attendance, including billboards and incentives like game tickets for students with strong attendance records.

Carly Polder, K-5 Assistant Curriculum Director, highlighted the success of these incentives.

“We have eight students going to a Cleveland Browns game because they had 95% or better attendance,” Polder said. “The kids are excited, and parents love it, too.”

Despite the steady overall rating, individual schools showed improvement. Jefferson PreK-8 rose from 2.5 to 3 stars, and McGuffey PreK-8 climbed from 3 to 3.5 stars, earning a state Momentum Award for the second year in a row. However, Warren G. Harding High School, which moved from 2 to 2.5 stars, faces challenges in improving its progress rating.

Chiaro stressed the importance of intentional focus on student data to drive improvement.

“We’re looking at specific students and where they need to move, whether from limited to basic or basic to proficient,” he said.

The district also is rolling out new initiatives, including a mobile STEM lab, an outdoor learning pavilion at Jefferson and a comprehensive literacy grant to enhance teacher training.

Virginia Shank, the district’s public relations chief, noted the district’s efforts to engage families.

“Community liaisons in each school reach out to families to encourage attendance,” Shank said. “Events like our attendance incentive celebration bring families together and show the importance of being in school.”

With economic development on the rise in Warren, including new businesses like Kimberly-Clark, Chiaro discussed the need for an educated workforce.

“Attendance builds routines like being on time and prepared, which are critical for jobs,” he said. “Our three-star rating in career readiness shows we’re preparing students for these opportunities.”

As Warren City Schools continue to analyze data and implement targeted strategies, leaders remain optimistic.

“We were so close to three stars,” Chiaro said. “Our staff is receptive, and they want it. We just need to keep pushing forward.”