Valley High School Exits Priority Status

Valley High School has officially shed its status as a priority school, according to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).

KDE Commissioner Stephen Pruitt notified the school this week that he had accepted the recommendation of the Accountability Appeals Committee and adjusted Valley’s performance judgement, “effectively removing Valley High School from Priority status.”

“I commend Valley High School and its students, staff and parents for its tireless effort in pursuit of continuous school improvement,” Commissioner Pruitt added.

“I’m tremendously proud of the entire Valley High School family,” said Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “This decision validates the work and progress that Valley has made – and continues to make – to improve the learning environment within the school, and boost student outcomes.”

Valley had asked the state to reconsider its status following the release of its most recent test scores which showed the school had made significant progress since it entered priority status in 2010.

In appealing its status, Valley Principal Rob Stephenson wrote that his school had met its goal for four consecutive years, was no longer in the lowest five percent based on overall score, and had a graduation rate of 79.8.

Valley is the third JCPS District school to exit priority status.  Waggener and Fern Creek high schools have also shed the label.