NORWICH – According to a New York Upstate article published February 1, Norwich City School District ranks among the 50 worst school districts in the state based on academic and student life data.
A Niche.com study gave NCSD an overall grade of C based on its methodology that considered New York State school districts' academics, teachers, culture and diversity, parent and student surveys, health and safety, resources and facilities, clubs and activities, and sports.
NCSD Superintendent Gerard O'Sullivan said while he is sure the rating is using accurate data, there are additional conflicts and data that should be considered.
"There is a lot more to a school district than three or four data points put together to make a headline," said O'Sullivan.
"One of the conflicts would be that for the past two years the State Education Department has classified Norwich as a 'District in Good Standing,'" said O'Sullivan. "There are other districts that are classified as 'Focus Districts' or 'Local Assistance' districts that are not on the newspaper list."
The study reports NCSD has a graduation rate of 77 percent, and that just 46 percent of students are proficient in math, and 36 percent proficient in reading.
O'Sullivan said this isn't necessarily an accurate reflection of the district when up to 50 percent of students or more in grades third through eighth opt not to take the Math and English Language Arts regents exam.
