“I know how powerful rumors are, so having the right information is important,” stated Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Mike Berta, addressing a group of local real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers at a Lunch and Learn meeting held at Prudential Executive Group on April 11, 2013. The topic of discussion was one that comes up often between those in the housing industry and their clients: What About The Schools.
“In your positions in the community, it is important for you to have this information,” Berta went on to say. “I don’t put a lot of credence in into ranking and sorting but would rather give information that is accurate and what Valparaiso schools are all about.” The Superintendent continued his presentation by offering data on the population served by the school system, along with the academic data, including ISTEP+, graduation rates, SAT and ACT scores, and numbers on the VHS-PNC Dual Credit program. “The kids are demonstrating above the mean for the state,” he shared.
The VHS-PNC Dual Credit program was focused on in particular, as a relatively new program that is allowing high school students the opportunity to achieve college credit in classes which they already participate. With 25 classes offered, 295 students have already received 1,741 credits applicable to their college career. Also offered is the 1+3 program, where over the course of their high school career, a student can earn enough credits to count towards a year of college, at only $25 a credit hour, thus leaving them with only 3 years to go towards a bachelor’s degree.
Berta also touched on some of the numerous recognitions the school system has received over the past year:
- Porter County Career Center- Energy Project. Students and staff designed and deployed solar power units that not only benefits the school’s usage, but also is sold to NIPSCO as additional funding for the school. “What a valuable experience for high school aged kids!”
- Northview Elementary- National Blue Ribbon. “Northview has been nationally recognized as a school of excellence.”
- Jane Strayer- Indiana Academic Coach of the Year. “Out of the entire state, this teacher is right here with us.”
- Pat Cummings- Indiana Outstanding Art Educator
- Redevelopment Commission- provided funding to upgrade the technology throughout the corporation
- Central Elementary- Indiana Academic Spell Bowl Champions
- 3 other elementary schools placed top 10 in the State Spell Bowl competition
- TJMS- Academic Spell Bowl State Champions
- BFMS- Spell Bowl State Finalists
- 3 elementary schools placed top 10 in the Science Bowl competition
- First semester VHS GPA- 3.03
- Fall athletics GP- 3.4
“You can use this information to demonstrate to mom and dad that their kids will receive the care they deserve, as well as a quality experience…quality means our services meet the needs of kids, families, and there is a market for it…I’ve tried to demonstrate some of the activities, data, results, that work to provide kids of Valparaiso a quality experience.”
“We deal with relocation,” stated Larry Hitz, Broker and Owner of Prudential Executive Group, praising Berta for the presentation and emphasizing the value of knowing these numbers and facts when dealing with clients. “We have people comparing us to Chesterton, to Schererville…we deal with this every day. The school system is a huge draw.”