LMSD Earns 'Great Pennsylvania School' Distinction From PA School Boards Association​

LOWER MERION-NARBERTH, PA — The Lower Merion School District was named a "Great Pennsylvania School" by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

Districts that provide students with access to rigorous academics, serve as community hubs, demonstrate strong financial health, and show resilience in the face of challenges are honored with the designation.

"On behalf of our staff, administrators and Board of School Directors, I’m grateful to PSBA for honoring our District with this designation," LMSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli said in an email to Patch. "As we prepare for the start of a new school year, it serves as a reminder of the importance of our work to prepare our students for an ever-changing and challenging world."

To earn the Great Pennsylvania School distinction, districts must meet established criteria in four key areas:

• Academically Rigorous Programming: Districts must confirm that 100 percent of their teachers are certified and that students have access to opportunities such as career and technical education, gifted education, advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses, and JROTC.
• Community-Centered Approach: Districts should act as the centerpiece of their communities by offering innovative programs, celebrating student and staff achievements, and providing a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
• Resilience & Student Support: Districts must show evidence of strong planning, including the implementation of emergency preparedness measures and mental health supports for students.
• Fiscal Responsibility: To demonstrate financial health, districts are required to conduct annual independent audits, make their budgets publicly available prior to adoption, and follow state guidelines when purchasing goods and services.

According to the Great Pennsylvania School website, the district boasts a 96.77 percent graduation rate, and 88.12 percent of graduates plan to attend a college or university.

The Lower Merion School District has a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, with 730 teachers for its 8,525 student enrollment across its 11 schools.

Learn more about the district on the Great Pennsylvania School website here.