Ohio’s Department of Education has released this year’s School Report Cards, and results are underwhelming. Still, the ODE points out “Report Cards are designed to give parents, communities, educators and policymakers information about the performance of districts and schools — to celebrate achievement and success and identify areas for improvement.”

Locally, districts in Belmont County all either meet or exceed the state standard, but there is room for improvement.

St. Clairsville-Richland City Schools scored a 4.5 out of 5, exceeding the state standard and leading the way in Belmont County. Other local scores were:

n Bellaire City Schools, 4 out of 5 stars;

n Union Local Schools, 3.5;

n Shadyside Schools, 3.5;

n Barnesville Schools, 3.5;

n Bridgeport Schools, 3.5;

n Martins Ferry City Schools, 3 out of 5.

Parents and guardians can and should find specifics about their childrens’ school districts here: https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/

As teachers figure out how to do better for our students, no doubt there will be concerns such as “How are we supposed to focus on teaching when our schools are also caring for the physical and mental health of students, feeding them, keeping them safe, and offering a haven they might not have at home?”

There is blame to spread on this problem. The question we all must ask is this: are we ready to do our share?