STEUBENVILLE — Pugliese West Elementary’s successful academic record has brought educators from throughout the state to its doors to learn about its effective practices.

Most recently, the school hosted groups from the Ironton City and Columbus City school districts and led officials on a tour while engaging in conversation about ways to improve education. Principal Lynnett Gorman said Columbus Area Region III Superintendent Sandy Womack Jr. was joined by eight staff members on Nov. 3 while Ironton leaders were onsite Nov. 13 to share ideas.

“The purpose of the visits was because we fared very well on the state report card. We are a high-poverty district but also high achieving. They spoke to us about our instructional practices and curriculum and toured classrooms,” she said. “At the end, they had a feedback session and engaged in educational dialogue with teachers.”

Gorman added that Womack had reached out about the visit to discuss ways of improving academic outcomes and student performance within his district, plus he hoped to partner further in the future. He was joined by staff members including a principal leadership coach, six elementary principals and two instructional coaches during the stop.

“Pugliese West Elementary school serves as a model and we believe that we can learn a great deal from observing and participating in their practices,” Womack said.

Pugliese West Instructional Coach Krystal Yourkovich said the visit was a great way to establish partnerships and relationships with other public schools in the state while Gorman was pleased to showcase the facility to other educators. She noted that Ironton had a similar demographic to Steubenville City Schools and they also learned about the local school system.

“They wanted to see what we were doing and why the kids were successful, and then they hoped to replicate the practice,” Gorman said, adding that the district’s Success For All curriculum was one aspect of its accomplishment and enables students to grow academically.

“I am proud when provided with the opportunity to show off the great instructional practices happening at the school. Here at West, we have established a culture that is data-driven and student-centered. Our staff is dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience to our students,” Gorman continued. “It is always a pleasure and an honor when other school districts recognize what we are able to accomplish here.”