LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — “A place for every student” was the message shared Thursday at the Lima Exchange Club as Lima City Schools Superintendent Andre Rudolph outlined the district’s programs and goals.
Rudolph spoke to club members about the range of opportunities available to students, from arts and athletics to career-technical education, emphasizing that each student can find the right fit.
He acknowledged that many students face obstacles outside the classroom and said educators work to help them overcome those challenges and succeed in school.
“I tell people all the time that there's no excuse not to perform, but our students do face barriers every day, and we can't turn a blind cheek to that. So like I said, we build their confidence. Make sure that they know that they are prepared, they're more than enough and they're ready. And I like I will let the chips fall where they may, and we'll just continue getting better each and every year,” Rudolph said.
With state testing set to begin soon, Rudolph said teachers are preparing students and encouraging them to approach exams with confidence. He noted that not every student performs at the same academic level, but that does not prevent them from working hard and maintaining a positive attitude.
The district’s most recent state report card shows Lima City Schools earning two stars overall. Rudolph said the rating reflects barriers that still need to be addressed.
However, the career-technical program at Lima Senior earned 4.5 out of five stars in the most recent report.
Rudolph said the district will continue striving to improve overall performance and work toward a five-star rating.
