Freeport Area superintendent thinks national recognition serves as confirmation of district's decisions

As Freeport Area High School’s recent ranking by a national publication boosts community pride, Superintendent Ian Magness says it could be a reality check for some.

In late August, U.S. News & World Report released its assessment of 24,000 high schools throughout the United States with 18,000 judged on six performance-related academic factors.

Freeport Area placed 12th among schools in the 10-county Pittsburgh metropolitan area; 44th among highs schools within the state; and came in at number 1,469 nationally. Based on the magazine’s scoring system of 100 points, Freeport Area tallied 91.79 points.

The rankings apparently did not take district finances into account and that, combined with the high school’s academic showing, is where the reality check lies in Magness’s view. Particularly for residents of the district who have criticized its financial operations.

“These rankings also solidify, in my mind, that the community is getting a pretty good deal,” Magness told the school board at its Sept. 10 meeting.

He emphasized that the district spends about $17,500 per student as its cost of education, while the statewide average is $21,000 per student.

Also, among the other 11 school districts in the metro area’s top 12, only one — No. 11 Neshannock — has a lower cost-per-student basis and only by “a few dollars”, according to Brad Walker, Freeport Area’s business manager.

Magness said all of that information can be circulated by board members when interacting with residents in the district. He indicated it all serves as proof of the diligence by the board, the teachers and the administration in trying to hold down costs while producing a quality education.

“This is hard data for you to use,” he said.

He reminded everyone of the “criticism the board, the administration and teachers have received in meetings like these.”

The board recently approved a $55 million upgrade to the high school which remains much the as it was when it opened in 1960. To help finance it, the board approved a 5.3% real estate tax increase for Buffalo Township and 4.9% for Freeport and South Buffalo, all of which spurred criticism by some residents.

“This (ranking) is academics,” Magness said. “This is what we do every day. This is amazing stuff, and it’s happening right in our schools.

“Join me in congratulating our faculty and staff. We are being responsible in giving kids what they need to succeed.”