Saucon Valley High drops in rankings

Who knows? Perhaps it’s all part of some perverse, unconscious plan to make sure I’ll never be re-elected to Saucon Valley School Board, but it’s very freeing when one can learn to speak freely without fear of political repercussions.

I realize, I just don't care about being politically palatable on this blog—and I’m not willing to lie to voters.

Which my way of throat-clearing to say this: Our high school ain’t doing so well.

Since 2023’s rating, Saucon Valley High has dropped almost 1,000 places in US News & World Reports annual national ranking of schools. We were ranked at 1,887th—now we’re 2,744.

Parkland is #2,557. Southern Lehigh High is #1,901. Nazareth Area #2,302 in National Rankings.

OK, it could be worse. The school that the late novelist John Updike graduated from in Shillington, Pa. is so far down the rankings, Updike must be rolling over in his grave as he munches on his favorite Planter’s Peanut Bars.

But being below any other area high schools sticks in my craw, and I hope I’m not alone. (Side note: What’s a craw?)

My own public high school in Ohio is ranked #396. Nice. But I don’t live there any more.

The good news is, this topic is now on the front burner in Saucon Valley. The big pot of simmering pasta water has been moved towards the district “chefs.”

I mentioned the ranking issue in several meetings recently (kind of a humble brag there, I know), and it’s getting attention. It’s on our next agenda, actually.

And not to let myself off any hook, but the current ranking has likely nothing to do with the board I’ve personally served on for two years. The problems leading to the lower ranking would go years back.

But that’s shouldn’t matter too much. There are lots of other red flags, too. Our district rep has undeniably slipped over the last 10 years.

It would be great if we can take a break as a community from yelling at each other about the latest cultural outrage or perceived insult by so and so, and focus on working with our children to read, write and prove geometry statements.