There's been a lot of talk lately about school performance with the recent struggles some parents are having with changes at the Central Valley Academy in Ilion.  During an interview with WIBX's First News with Keeler, Superintendent Dr. Richard Hughes explained that when it comes to performance, Central Valley is ranked 35th out of 36 local schools, just ahead of Proctor.

So, where do these ranking results come from? The answer is a Buffalo publication, Business First, which has been ranking Buffalo area schools for several years and more recently they expanded their focus to schools throughout New York State.

According to the publication's website, the most recent results from June of last year, encompass results from 2011 to 2014.  New Hartford Central School ranked first and Herkimer, Central Valley and Proctor of Utica ranked at the bottom, 34th through 36th.

Hughes told WIBX that changes need to happen quickly because for example, students who struggle in reading by the time they reach 3rd grade, struggle into their adult lives according to statistics.

More than 100 parents attended a heated public meeting on Monday questioning a new strategy approved by the Board of Education that is designed to assist low performing students.

Hughes said the administration will continue to hear from parents and teachers before implementing the change in strategy.

The top performing Herkimer County school was Town of Webb which ranked 6th among area schools.

Here are the Business First results for the Mohawk Valley:

  • • 1. New Hartford (Oneida County)
    • 2. Clinton (Oneida County)
    • 3. Cooperstown (Otsego County)
    • 4. Whitesboro (Oneida County)
    • 5. Sauquoit Valley (Oneida County)
    • 6. Town of Webb (Herkimer County)
    • 7. Holland Patent (Oneida County)
    • 8. New York Mills (Oneida County)
    • 9. Sherrill (Oneida County)
    • 10. Oriskany (Oneida County)
    • 11. Oneonta (Otsego County)
    • 12. Westmoreland (Oneida County)
    • 13. Milford (Otsego County)
    • 14. Laurens (Otsego County)
    • 15. Camden (Oneida County)
    • 16. Worcester (Otsego County)
    • 17. Waterville (Oneida County)
    • 18. Gilbertsville-Mount Upton (Otsego County)
    • 19. West Canada Valley (Herkimer County)
    • 20. Morris (Otsego County)
    • 21. Cherry Valley-Springfield (Otsego County)
    • 22. Little Falls (Herkimer County)
    • 23. Edmeston (Otsego County)
    • 24. Poland (Herkimer County)
    • 25. Schenevus (Otsego County)
    • 26. Mount Markham (Herkimer County)
    • 27. Remsen (Oneida County)
    • 28. Unatego (Otsego County)
    • 29. Adirondack (Oneida County)
    • 30. Dolgeville (Herkimer County)
    • 31. Frankfort-Schuyler (Herkimer County)
    • 32. Richfield Springs (Otsego County)
    • 33. Rome (Oneida County)
    • 34. Herkimer (Herkimer County)
    • 35. Central Valley (Herkimer County)
    • 36. Utica (Oneida County)

G. Scott Thomas is Buffalo Business First's projects editor

Get the complete list of results and additional information here.

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