Lynchburg City Schools earns Board of Education’s VIP Competence to Excellence Award: Receives Recognition from Governor Kaine’s VIP Awards Program
Lynchburg, VA – The Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) program awards points to schools and divisions based on the percentage of students achieving at the advanced level on Standards of Learning assessments and progress made toward educational goals advocated by Governor Kaine and adopted by the Board as part of its comprehensive plan for further strengthening public education in the Commonwealth.
The following Lynchburg City schools received the VIP Excellence Award: Paul Munro Elementary, Robert S. Payne Elementary and Sandusky Elementary
Lynchburg City Schools was one of twenty-five school divisions who earned the Board of Education’s VIP Competence to Excellence Award. This award recognizes schools and districts that have met all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and are making progress toward VIP objectives reflecting the goals of Governor Kaine and the Board including increased achievement and expanded educational opportunity.
The following Lynchburg City schools received the VIP Competence to Excellence Award: Heritage Elementary, Perrymont Elementary and Sheffield Elementary
“We are proud of the work our teachers and students are doing in our schools. Everyone is working hard to meet higher standards and increase achievement. We are honored to be recognized and we know that our work is not done. As the standards increase, we must continue to work hard to meet those higher standards, said Dr. Paul McKendrick, superintendent.
“The criteria for all of these awards are rigorous,” said Board of Education President Mark E. Emblidge. “That so many schools and school divisions qualified reflects the commitment of educators across the Commonwealth to excellence and high standards.”
Schools and divisions earning the Board of Education’s Excellence Award and Competence to Excellence Award will each receive a resolution of commendation from the Board.
The Board of Education approved the Virginia Index of Performance in July 2007 in response to Governor Kaine’s call for a formal system to recognize schools and school divisions that exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards. The multi-tiered VIP program provides incentives for improved performance and opportunities for recognition regardless of where a school or school division happens to be on the journey from competence to excellence.
“Minimum standards are not enough to prepare young people for the competition that awaits them in a global economy,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Billy K. Cannaday Jr. “The VIP program provides incentives for schools to challenge students to ever-higher levels of learning and achievement.”