BLANCHESTER — Four Blanchester Schools received new designation from the Ohio Department of Education.

Beginning this fall, the ODE will identify schools every three years based on Ohio’s accountability system and provide a continuum of support for schools designated as Warning, Priority, Focus, and Independent.

All four school buildings in the Blanchester School District were designated as “Independent.”

Jo Hannah Ward, Director of Office for Improvement and Innovation for ODE said in a statement, “Independent schools strive to continuously improve student outcomes by supporting the whole child, ensuring equitable services for all students, and creating a culture and climate that support learning.”

Continuous improvement includes evidence-based strategies around:

• Curriculum, instruction, and assessment

• Human capital management

• School Climate and student supports

• Leadership, administration, and governance.

“Just coming off the World Series games, one could say Blanchester School District just hit four home runs!” said Superintendent Dean Lynch. “We’re pleased that ODE has recognized the efforts of our staff and building administrators by continually striving to improve student outcomes and creating a culture and climate that supports learning.”

Lynch added there is a lot of laughing and learning taking place in those school buildings throughout the school year and the community has “much to be thankful for when it comes to the educational experience their child receives.”