On Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, the S.C. Department of Education (SCDE) and the S.C. Education Oversight Committee (EOC) released the 2022–23 School Report Cards. Available online at www.screportcards.com, the Report Cards provide information about each school and district, including test performance, teacher qualifications, student safety, and other accountability measures.

Summary of Lexington One School Report Card Results
More than half of the district schools earned good or excellent ratings. Seven Lexington One schools improved their overall rating including two schools that increased to excellent, and 10 schools retained their excellent or good ratings. Additionally, 60% of our high schools rated good or excellent on college- and career-readiness, as well as graduation rate.  

Highlights of 2022–23 Accomplishments
In 2022–23, students enrolled in Lexington One’s 31 schools excelled in academics, the arts and athletics. The 2023 high school graduates earned more than $128.3 million in scholarships. Four Lexington One seniors earned National Merit Scholarships, one senior was named a Presidential Scholar. In addition, 158 bilingual students across the district earn the South Carolina Seal of Biliteracy.

Lexington High’s cheerleading and cross country teams, and River Bluff High’s baseball teams won state titles; River Bluff High’s “We the People” team again placed first at state-level competition; Pelion Elementary’s archery team earned a world title; Carolina Springs Middle was named a national “School to Watch;” Lake Murray Elementary was named Palmetto’s Finest; River Bluff High student’s artwork was selected for the College Board AP Studio Art national exhibit; district nursing director was named the state’s top nursing administrator; a high school career specialist was named specialist of the year; a library assistant was named Paraprofessional of the Year; an assistant principal was named SCASA Assistant Principal of the Year; and the district’s Music Education Program earned the Best Communities for Music Education recognition for the fifth year in a row.

How Lexington One Uses Data
The district is utilizing information from local and state assessments that are used to calculate the Report Card ratings to implement district and school work plans. Building on the accomplishments of our students and employees during the 2022–23 school year, Lexington One continues to push for increases in the number of students performing on grade level and meeting growth goals; graduation rate; number of seniors meeting college/career readiness indicators; and engagement.

Looking beyond this current school year, district leaders are focusing on four key elements to guide us in developing and refining our mission and vision for the next five years. First, the district has adopted the Lexington One Graduate Profile, which outlines what we want Lexington One graduates to know and be able to do when they leave our system. 

Next, Lexington One has increased our focus on key instructional elements, making sure every teacher and instructional leader possesses a repertoire of skills for effective teaching. Third, Lexington One is working to update curriculum and renew an emphasis on classroom management, including discipline and attendance — to ensure our teachers feel supported, respected and honored in the classroom. 

Finally, Lexington One has begun developing a new strategic plan. This bridge year allows district leaders to build on the foundation of the Profile of the Lexington One Graduate and chart the district’s strategic path forward.