Hillsboro elementary nets national award
Staff writer
Hillsboro Elementary School is one of two schools in the state to be named an Elementary and Secondary Education Act distinguished school in 2022.
The award is based on academic achievement over the last couple of years and academic growth, principal Nathan Hiebert said.
It is given only to Title I schools, where more than 40% of students qualify for free or reduced meals. At Hillsboro Elementary, 47% of students meet the income criteria.
Schools also qualify as Title I school based on the number of English language learners and students who are homeless.
“We’ve been a Title I school for several years,” Hiebert said.
Although the award is national, schools are selected by the state Department of Education.
School staff will attend a national conference in February because of the award.
“We’re working on a promotional video that looks at some of the reasons why our school has been successful,” Hiebert said.
Hillsboro schools have won several awards, Hiebert said.
In addition to students and teachers working hard, Hiebert said community members help schools as well.
“We’ve got a lot of strong stakeholders,” Hiebert said.
Parents, businesses, and Tabor College are among community partners for the school.