SOLON — The Iowa Department of Education released performance ratings for the 2023-2024 school year last month marking the first time new state school performance ratings and federal designations have been determined using an updated state plan for school accountability and support.
“Our performance profiles provide critical, transparent information for families, educators, and communities on how our schools are serving all students,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Built with the feedback of thousands of Iowans, our new, worldclass accountability system celebrates school success and supports continuous improvement, focusing resources on the classroom and what has the greatest impact on student achievement and growth.”
The Solon Middle School (SMS) earned the highest rating – “Exceptional,” placing the school firmly in the top-16 in the state (top 1.25% of all Iowa schools). Last Friday, the school started their day by celebrating that achievement and Principal Mike Herdliska.
“What does it mean to be an Exceptional School?” asked School Counselor Heather Pentico to kick off the celebration. “They look at how well do in language arts, mathematics, science, and our composite scores. They rate us on our attendance and conditions for learning.” She reminded the students of a survey they took about their experiences as a student of the Solon Community School District including questions about safety and physical and mental wellness. The Dept. of Education also looked at the experience of the teaching staff, and retention of teachers, she said.
“I think you’ve heard me preach more than anybody that it’s important that you all know when you walk into this building that you are an important part of our family and you belong. If you weren’t here, the school would be different. It would not be the same. You (students) are the reason we (staff) come here. We believe that you are the future leaders of America and we need you to be exceptional. We need you to do the great things that you are going to do, and we as educators and staff, believe in you guys, and you will do it.”
Pentico turned her attention to the SMS staff and their longevity not just within the district, but in the middle school in particular. “I think it would shock you,” she told the students. Several current SMS teachers started as Solon students. Pentico had those teachers raise their hand to the amazement of the students. “Take a look. That’s pretty cool. These people not only were students here, they loved it so much they came back to teach. And I want you to know something about this staff,” she added. “I have no doubt there’s not one member of this staff that would not do anything in their possibility to ensure that you have an exceptional experience here.”
Pentico then turned to Herdliska, sitting in front of the students with balloons, a T-shirt, and a small replica of the leg lamp from the 1983 comedy movie “A Christmas Story,” which was presented to him on behalf of the students and staff by seventh grader RJ Smalley.
“We also have an exceptional principal,” she said. “We believe that Mr. Herdliska is the leader of our school and he provides an environment for all of us to become the best version of ourselves as educators and as students. He puts students first and he puts staff first, and that’s why people come here and stay here.”
“We’re honored, we’ve known for some time that we have something really special here,” Herdliska said. “You don’t go into this business for recognition and awards but it’s nice to be acknowledged and to be in the top 1.6% (of all schools) in the great state of Iowa. We think that’s pretty special.”
Herdliska has been an educator for 33 years and is in his 24th year at Solon. Looking at the number of SMS staff who were his students is “humbling and an honor,” he said. “It’s an honor and it’s nice to see them share the profession and work with them day-in-and-day-out.”
Herdliska looks at several factors for SMS’s exceptional rating beyond the data compiled by the Dept. of Education, including results on the yearly assessment exams (considered by many as a “snapshot” of one particular day’s performance during the academic year), such as staff retention.
“They choose to be here and they create an environment where the kids want to be here. Staff retention and student attendance go hand-in-hand, in my eyes. Academically, Solon as a district has always performed quite well and we just happened to hit them at the right time when they’re improving and showing good scores.”