Bassett, Hilliard Named Blue-Ribbon Schools

Westlake City Schools earned a big honor on Monday as Bassett and Hilliard Elementary Schools were named winners of the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award.

They are two of only 13 schools in Ohio to earn the honor, which is given by the U.S. Department of Education.

Both Bassett and Hilliard were among the top schools in state assessments, received the top score of Excellent on their state report cards, and earned a high Performance Index Scores. 

Bassett earned the top score of Excellent on the most recent state report card and a Performance Index Score of 110.4, which reflects the achievement of every student. Hilliard also earned an Excellent on the state report card and posted a Performance Index Score of 108.2

"We're thrilled," said Westlake City Schools superintendent Dan Keenan, who went to each school Monday to congratulate students and staff. "It's a validation of all the hard work our staff and students put in."

Keenan added that it was also the work of former Bassett principal Tim Rickard and former Hilliard principal Mary Flanagan that helped get the schools where they are today.

Bassett principal Ben Hodge and Hilliard principal Kim Conley will attend the national Blue Ribbon ceremony in Washington around Veterans' Day. They are each bringing a staff member -- Hilliard media specialist Kim Geletka and Bassett counselor Sandy Erdman.