Washington Local Schools in Toledo, Ohio Rock
I attended a program about what Washington Local Schools has to offer its students last week with their Superintendent Patrick Hickey as speaker. Glad that I did because I hadn't know all that is so special about the system.
Superintendent Patrick Hickey has been on board for a number of years and is a Saint Johns' graduate. He has guided the system in a number of ways:
- A Mission Statement with numerous principles was adopted that is rigorously followed making all education student centered and based on research.
- Each building runs somewhat autonomously with decision-making at each being more bottom up rather than administration down. Each school has a council made up of administrators, teachers, support staff and parents deciding day by day policies.
- Parents are now encouraged to actively help in the school buildings in lots of ways. Great for the teachers and so helpful for parents living in Washington Local to understand the concepts and behavior the schools are teaching.
- Washington Local Schools provide the UT Guarantee fo a free college education at the University of Toledo for students who have financial need and a 3.0 GPA.
- Washington Local Schools have a full day kindergarten which is so important for families with both parents working outside the home.
- The Washington Local rating on the Ohio School report cards have increased greatly under his tenure.
