Don’t expect Ripon Unified to try and hide its report card.

Only one of Ripon’s elementary schools didn’t meet California’s target API goal of 800.

And while some slipped in their rankings from last year – including a 54-point dip by Ripona Elementary that put them just below the measured threshold – the district, overall, remained healthy in an era of budget cuts and transition at the district level.

The Academic Performance Index (API) measures the academic performance of each school through California’s STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) testing process, which was aligned statewide in 2003. Grades between 200 and 1000 are assigned to schools based on those testing results, and the mark set by the State of California of 800 is often celebrated.

The district as a whole still cleared the 800 mark, even though it cumulatively fell 10 points from 830 to 820.

Ripon Elementary was the only school that saw a jump in the numbers, rising 24 points from 808 to 832. Ripona Elementary fell from 848 to 794 – the biggest drop in the district – while Weston Elementary dipped from 837 to 830. Park View Elementary, which had the highest score in the district last year with 898, fell to 889. Ripon High School saw a slight drop from 785 to 783.

The district, which started the 2013/14 school year two weeks ago, is currently in an administrative transition. Former Superintendent Louise Johnson left to assume the top leadership post at the Nevada Joint Union High School District. Former Banta Elementary School District Superintendent Bill Draa has come out of retirement to fill the post temporarily.

To contact Jason Campbell, email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call (209) 249-3544.