With Pirate Pride

Today, the State of Ohio released the 2025–2026 State Report Cards, and I am proud to share that Rocky River City Schools has once again earned the state’s highest rating, a five-star district.

This is an accomplishment worth celebrating. More importantly, it reflects the collective commitment of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and community to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. You can review the state report cards here: Ohio State Report Cards

When we look at this year’s results, we can see the impact of intentional work over the past several years. Our continued focus on literacy, thoughtful curriculum development and implementation, an aligned mathematics curriculum in grades K-8, and targeted professional development are helping strengthen teaching and learning across our schools.

That progress does not happen by accident, nor does it happen in isolation. It is the result of talented and dedicated educators working together, students embracing the challenge of learning, families supporting their children, and a community that believes deeply in our schools. I am grateful to everyone who contributes to this work each day.

At the same time, a five-star rating does not mean our work is finished.

One of the things I value most about Rocky River City Schools is our commitment to continuous improvement. We can celebrate what we have accomplished while also asking ourselves an important question: How can we continue to improve?

The Report Card provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify areas for growth, and establish intentional goals for the year ahead. Each year, our building and district leadership teams work alongside teachers and staff to examine our results, consider what our students need most, and determine where we can make the greatest impact.

That cycle of celebrating, reflecting, learning, and growing is an important part of who we are as a district. It keeps us focused not only on where we are today, but on where we can go next.

While the State Report Card provides an important measure of academic performance, it is only one part of the Rocky River experience. That is why we are also sharing our annual Quality Profile later today. 

The Quality Profile provides a broader and more holistic look at our schools and the many ways we support the growth and development of our students. We believe education is about more than what happens inside a classroom. It is about creating opportunities for students to learn, lead, explore their interests, build relationships, and discover something they are passionate about.

Whether performing on a stage, competing on a field, participating in a club, creating something new, serving others, or pursuing one of the many other opportunities available throughout our schools, these experiences matter.

One statistic that continues to impress me is that 80% of our students in grades 9–12 participate in a club, athletic team, or activity. And even that number does not capture the many opportunities available to students at Goldwood Primary, Kensington Intermediate School and Rocky River Middle School.

These experiences help students find their people, build confidence, develop leadership skills, discover new interests, and feel a sense of belonging. Those connections are an important part of what makes a school community strong.

I encourage you to take some time to review both the 2025–2026 State Report Card and our Quality Profile. Together, they provide a meaningful picture of Rocky River City Schools, both the results we are achieving and, just as importantly, the experiences we are creating for our students.

There is much to celebrate, and there is always more to accomplish.

Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for your continued partnership and for the pride you bring to Rocky River City Schools. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you in the most important work we do: helping our students learn, grow, and thrive.

And as always, Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,
Adham Schirg