Lindbergh and Mehlville are among 294 Missouri school districts that have earned the state’s prestigious Distinction in Performance Award for academic progress and achievement during the 2006-2007 school year.

This is the seventh consecutive year that Lindbergh has earned the Distinction in Performance Award.

This marks the second consecutive year that Mehlville has received the honor and the fourth time in the past six years that the district has earned Distinction in Performance recognition.

The Distinction in Performance Award is based on the 14 academic performance standards that are used in the accreditation of all public school districts. The standards are based on scores from the state-mandated Missouri Assessment Program tests, graduation rate, attendance, ACT scores and other indicators.

Both Lindbergh and Mehlville met all 14 standards and earned the High-Achievement level of Distinction in Performance.

Mehlville Superintendent Terry Noble stated in a news release, “Congratulations to our students for their high achievement scores. Distinction in Performance is a coveted honor sought by every school district in the state of Missouri.

“This impressive achievement also reflects the quality of our teaching staff. I am appreciative of the dedication of countless teachers and staff on a daily basis and out of the limelight of cameras or public attention,” Noble added. “At times like this, it is gratifying to be able to give credit and attention to these professionals on the Mehlville School District staff. I personally want to send my thanks.

“On behalf of the administration and Board of Education, I send our heartfelt appreciation and praise for their hard work and devotion to our students.”

Jerry Chambers, who served as Mehlville’s interim superintendent during the 2006-2007 school, stated, “I would like to congratulate our students for this impressive honor. Over 100 staff positions were cut in the spring of 2006, causing class sizes to be much larger in many of our schools. Other budget cuts threatened the ability of our teachers and principals to provide a quality learning environment.

“When I arrived on the scene in July of 2006, I asked our principals to not be discouraged. In meetings at every building and with each faculty in August and September, I urged teachers to focus on three priorities: safety, student motivation to learn (and) staff morale.

“I knew that if we could improve in these three vital areas, everything else could get better as well. My sincere appreciation goes out to our staff, particularly our classroom teachers, who rolled up their sleeves during a difficult time to do their best in teaching and motivating our students. They are true professionals.”