The Iowa Department of Education recently released the Iowa School Report Cards for each school building for every school district. One West Central Valley school found itself on the “commendable” list. Dexter Elementary was designated a “commendable” rating, while the other three buildings all received “acceptable” ratings.

While Dexter Elementary scored four points lower than in 2016, the school still received a commendable ranking with a score of 67.2. The school received an 84.3% rating in academic proficiency, and a 96.2% rating in attendance. Stuart Elementary was also a commendable school last year, but fell nearly five points in the report to an acceptable rating. Even with the lower classification, the school’s proficiency is still near 90%.

West Central Valley Middle School was also a commendable school last year. However, the school fell just three tenths of a point short of maintaining that rating. Principal Anthony Lohse is disappointed by the result, but is still pleased with the students’ performance. “I was pleased with the acceptable rating. Of course we always want to be achieving at our highest. I think we’ve done a great job in the last five years. The middle school has went from 62% proficient to 87.5% proficient. Next year I’m sure we can hit that next level.”

West Central Valley High School also fell by just over two points from the previous year, but maintained the acceptable designation. To hear more from Lohse, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.