Lakota's Freedom Elementary Named as 1999 National Blue Ribbon School
Congressman Boehner Congratulates Lakota School on Receiving National Award for Excellence in Education
West Chester's Freedom Elementary School, a part of
the Lakota Local School system, has been named as a 1999 National
Blue Ribbon School by the U.S.Department of Education. The National
Blue Ribbon Schools award was established by the Reagan Administration
in 1982 to identify and recognize outstanding public and private
schools across the United States.
U.S. Rep. John Boehner
(R-OH) praised Freedom Elementary's administration, faculty, students
and families for earning the national award.
"This is great
news for our community, and further confirmation of Lakota's
reputation as one of Ohio's best public school Systems," Boehner said.
"The teachers, administrators, parents and students at Freedom
Elementary can be very, very proud of this achievement."
Freedom Elementary is one of just 16 schools in the State of Ohio to
receive the 1999 Blue Ribbon Schools award, and one of just two in
Ohio's 8th Congressional District. Milton-UnIon Elementary School, in
Miami County, also received the distinction this year.
This
is the second time Freedom has earned the distinction. To qualify for
the Blue Ribbon Schools honor, schools must be recommended for
national recognition by their state department of education or
sponsoring agency. Schools go through a rigorous self-assessment
process that involves the entire school community. Nominations are
evaluated by a National Review panel, and a final decision is made by
the U.S. Secretary of Education.
"When schools, families, and
local communities work this closely together, it's a recipe for
excellence in education," said Boehner. "It's great that the federal
government has recognized everyone at Freedom for the great job they
do in preparing students for the future."
Boehner gave
particular credit to Freedom Elementary principal David Tobergte and
Lakota School Superintendent Kathy KIink for helping Freedom earn the
national distinction.