Appeal over testing lifts Litchfield district to A rating

The Litchfield Elementary School District has been designated an “A”-rated district after state education officials approved an appeal related to one of its schools.

The Arizona State Board of Education voted Jan. 26 to approve a letter grade appeal for Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School, which resulted in the district’s overall rating being raised to an A. The appeal cited adverse testing conditions during third-grade math assessments caused by a technology error.

School and district letter grades were released by the Arizona Department of Education in late October. Rancho Santa Fe Elementary initially fell short of an A rating by 0.01 points. Following a review, the state’s Appeals Committee granted the appeal and adjusted the school’s grade to an A.

With the change, Litchfield Elementary School District’s overall grade improved to an A, with a district grade point average of 3.53.

Superintendent Carter Davidson said the updated rating reflects the work of district staff and students and noted that the appeal process allowed for what he described as a more accurate assessment of performance.

Governing Board President Melissa Zuidema said the district’s rating reflects contributions from students, educators, staff and families and emphasized continued support for public education.

Litchfield Elementary School District serves students in Litchfield Park and surrounding communities in the west Valley.