DCPS To Receive “What Parents Want” Award

The Daviess County Public Schools district has been selected to receive the “What Parents Want” Award from SchoolMatch/Public Priority Systems Inc. for the 11th consecutive year. 

The 21st annual award is based on an independent survey of more than 15,570 school systems across the country. SchoolMatch, an educational consulting and research firm, examines data from sources such as county and state auditors, state taxing authorities and state boards of education. The consulting firm also surveyed parents across the nation about what they look for in schools and whether schools meet the needs of their children. Only 16 percent of the nation’s schools meet the criteria for this recognition. 

The 2012 “What Parents Want” Award was presented to 2,400 school systems in the United States. DCPS is one of only 17 school districts in Kentucky to earn this designation. 

SchoolMatch, based in Columbus, Ohio, was established to help corporate employee families find schools that meet the needs of their children. Their services are available through national, regional and local chambers of commerce; economic development offices; real estate firms and multiple listing services; and other sites. 

In order to receive the “What Parents Want” Award, a school district must meet the following criteria:

• Solid academics, competitive test scores, and appropriate levels of rigor
• Accreditation
• National recognition for excellence
• Competitive teacher salaries
• Above-average ratings in instructional expenditures, based on national percentiles
• Above-average expenditures for library/media services, based on national percentiles
• Small class size 

“Our schools and our parents have a tremendous relationship because we are all working toward the same goal,” said Mike Gray, DCPS interim superintendent. “Parents want their children to receive an outstanding education that will prepare them to succeed in life. The Daviess County Public Schools district provides that education, and we are very proud to receive this award affirming our work toward this commitment.”