The Locust Valley Central School District’s 2022-23 New York State school report card was presented at the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, offering a detailed look at district performance metrics. Janine Sampino, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, delivered the report, which highlighted trends in enrollment, student achievement and curriculum initiatives.
Sampino began by acknowledging the support of her administrative team, noting their critical role in interpreting the data. She explained that while the state requires districts to review report card findings annually, the process of analyzing the data is complicated by shifting state standards, testing protocols and external factors like the coronavirus pandemic.
One significant trend is the district’s declining enrollment. Sampino noted that from the 2015-16 school year to 2022-23, enrollment dropped from 2,087 to 1,822 students, which effectively increased the percentages of subgroups including students with disabilities, those who are economically disadvantaged and those eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.
“Although the raw numbers in these subgroups have remained relatively stable, the shrinking denominator has caused their percentages to rise,” Sampino explained. For example, the portion of economically disadvantaged students increased from 18 percent in 2015-16 to 22 percent in 2022-23.
The report highlighted mixed results on state assessments across grade levels and subjects. In eighth-grade math and science, a relatively small number of students took the exams, and over 90 percent of those who took the algebra Regents achieved proficiency, scoring at least a 3 out of 5 on the exam. Proficiency rates on the new eighth-grade science exam, however, were lower, reflecting the test’s length and complexity.
High school students in the district outperformed regional averages on most Regents exams, but Sampino stressed that the district is “always working to get better,” and continues to look for ways to improve test preparation and curriculum.
She also outlined changes in state graduation requirements, including a move toward a single high school diploma option and a possible reduction in the number of required Regents exams. These changes, still in development, are part of a broader effort to align state standards with workforce and higher education expectations.
“The state is exploring multiple pathways for students, including Career and Technical Education and Seal of Civic Readiness programs,” Sampino said, noting that Locust Valley already offers a range of options, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and dual-enrollment courses.
Improving literacy remains a cornerstone of the district’s academic strategy. Sampino praised elementary teachers for integrating reading, writing and grammar into their instruction, and highlighted plans for targeted professional development in middle school.
In math, the district is in its second year of implementing the Reveal Math program, designed to deepen students’ conceptual understanding. And shifts in staffing have allowed for more small-group instruction, a key component of the district’s multi-tiered systems of support, known as MTSS.
The district is also emphasizing professional development to support its “whole child” approach. This includes training on the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which fosters social-emotional learning and character development.
“All pre-K through 12 teachers are focusing on crafting strong objectives and effective assessments,” Sampino said, adding that those efforts are led by school principals and administrative staff.
She concluded her presentation by looking ahead. Upcoming changes to Regents exams and the continued evolution of state standards will require ongoing adjustments. The district, she said, remains focused on improving academic achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.
“Our work is never done,” Sampino said. “We are always looking for ways to improve and provide the best education possible for our students.”
The presentation set the stage for further discussions on how to adapt to a rapidly changing educational landscape.
