Lockland Local School District is celebrating major academic success after being named a recipient of the 2025 Momentum Award by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - an honor recognizing significant gains in student achievement and continued academic growth.
Adding to the excitement, Lockland Junior/Senior High School was also named a Momentum Award recipient!
The Momentum Award is presented to districts and schools that increase their Performance Index by three or more points and earn a 4-star or higher Progress (Value-Added) rating on the Ohio School Report Card.
Lockland Local exceeded those benchmarks - and then some.
Among approximately 610 school districts in Ohio, Lockland School District ranks as one of only 20 districts statewide to earn this award. Even more impressively, the district recorded the second-highest Performance Index gain in the entire state of Ohio, highlighting the extraordinary level of academic improvement achieved in just one year.
At the building level, Lockland Junior/Senior High School is among just 238 buildings out of more than 3,600 statewide to receive the Momentum Award.
Superintendent Bob Longworth shared his pride in the district’s accomplishment:
"This is absolutely astounding and something our entire community should celebrate," he said. "To be recognized not only as a Momentum Award winner, but also as one of the fastest-improving districts in the state, speaks volumes about the dedication of our students, staff, families, and partners."
This recognition builds on the district’s recent report card success, where Lockland improved from 2 Stars to 3 Stars overall and earned 4 Stars in Progress, demonstrating both higher achievement and strong academic growth.
The district’s improvement is rooted in intentional strategies that prioritize both academic success and student well-being. A key driver has been the continued expansion of the Student Wellness Department, which supports the whole child through mental health services, attendance initiatives, and family engagement.
Student Wellness Department Director Jenny Bole emphasized the importance of this work in driving student success.
"As our capacity grows, so does our impact," she said. "We are focused on removing barriers for students and families so every child has the opportunity to succeed. When students are supported, they are able to show up, engage, and achieve."
Efforts to address chronic absenteeism, expand college and career readiness opportunities, and provide high-quality instructional materials and professional development have also contributed to the district’s upward trajectory.
Lockland’s strong network of community partnerships - including collaborations with The Healthcare Connection, Valley Interfaith Resource Center, the Metanoia Center, Hamilton County ESC, and many others - continues to strengthen support systems for students and families.
"We are proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about where we’re going," Mr. Longworth said. "This is just the beginning."
Lockland Local Schools remains committed to building on this momentum and continuing to equip, engage, and motivate every student to achieve and succeed.