Martinsville City Public Schools is marking 10 consecutive years of full accreditation, with new state performance results showing academic gains, improved attendance and the removal of both elementary schools from federal targeted support status.
Under the Virginia Department of Education’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF), Martinsville High School earned a Distinguished rating for the second consecutive year. Martinsville Middle School, Albert Harris Elementary School and Patrick Henry Elementary School each received a Meets Expectations rating.
The results represent a significant change for Albert Harris and Patrick Henry elementary schools, both of which were identified last year for federal Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) based on performance among students with disabilities.
Both schools have now exited that designation, leaving no Martinsville City Public Schools campus federally identified for targeted support under this year’s results.
“Ten consecutive years of full accreditation represents a decade of hard work and a sustained belief that our teachers and students can meet and surpass any bar set before them,” said Superintendent Zebedee Talley Jr. “What I’m most excited about is the growth behind those ratings. Our students are making significant progress, and the dedication of our staff is making a measurable difference.”
Three of the division’s four schools increased their overall SPSF scores compared with the previous year.
Martinsville Middle School recorded the largest overall increase, rising 6.1 points from 80.4 to 86.5. Patrick Henry Elementary improved by 5.5 points, from 78.9 to 84.4, while Albert Harris Elementary increased 2 points, from 79.1 to 81.1.
Student growth indicators showed particularly strong gains at the elementary level.
At Patrick Henry Elementary, the reading growth indicator increased 15.8 points, from 67.2 to 83, while the math growth indicator climbed 17 points, from 62.96 to 79.96.
Albert Harris Elementary recorded a 5.78-point increase in its reading growth indicator, reaching 79.95, and a 9.83-point increase in math growth, reaching 82.97.
Martinsville Middle School also made gains in mathematics. Its math growth indicator increased 14.67 points, while its overall math performance indicator rose 4.24 points to 90.7.
Some of the largest improvements occurred among students with disabilities, the student group whose previous performance resulted in the two elementary schools being identified for federal targeted support.
At Albert Harris Elementary, the math growth indicator for students with disabilities increased 36.88 points, from 53.12 to 90. Reading growth for the same student group increased 17.3 points.
Patrick Henry Elementary recorded a 26.67-point increase in math growth and an 18.33-point increase in reading growth among students with disabilities.
“Moving both elementary schools out of federal identification took focused work from our staff, students, and families,” said Angilee Downing, assistant superintendent of instruction. “Our teams took a close look at the data, identified where students needed support, and responded with targeted instruction and interventions. We still have work ahead as we return to pre-pandemic levels of success, but this progress shows those efforts are working.”
Attendance also improved across the division, with all four schools reporting declines in chronic absenteeism.
Martinsville Middle School recorded the largest reduction, with its chronic absenteeism rate falling from 12.04% to 6.12%, a decline of approximately 49.2%.
Patrick Henry Elementary’s rate decreased from 6.94% to 4.35%, while Martinsville High School’s rate declined from 22.74% to 20.51%. Albert Harris Elementary recorded a smaller decrease, from 16.41% to 16.14%.
At Martinsville High School, the four-year graduation rate increased from 85.80% to 87.07%.
The graduation rate among Black students rose from 88.73% to 96.42%, while the rate among students with disabilities increased from 68.75% to 76.47%.
The division also reported regional recognition for two schools.
Martinsville Middle School ranked among the top five middle schools in VDOE’s Region 6 for gains in overall SPSF score, English learner progress and readiness based on chronic absenteeism.
Martinsville High School ranked among the region’s top five high schools for overall 3E readiness, a measure of students’ preparation for enrollment, employment and enlistment after graduation.
“While these results are an important measure and we want to celebrate our progress, we also know that there’s still more work to be done,” Downing said. “We will continue using this data to understand what’s working, where there are challenges to address, and how we can better support every student.”
Talley attributed the division’s sustained accreditation record to the combined efforts of students, families and employees.
“Ten years doesn’t happen by accident,” Talley said. “It happens because students, families, and staff members in every role remain committed to success. We are proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about what we’ll achieve moving forward. Our work continues, one learner at a time.”
