It is often easy to criticize struggles when it comes to city school districts across New York state. New Dunkirk Superintendent Brian Swatland, however, is finding the silver linings when it comes to recent test results.

Swatland, took the position in July, spoke with the OBSERVER last week regarding improving standardized test scores in grades three to eight. “We saw growth in this district that we never saw before this year, in terms of proficiency,” he said.

Swatland noted eighth grade math went up 21% for 2024, so that 44% of the class was deemed proficient. That’s the state average among eighth-grade math classes. Four years ago, Dunkirk’s proficiency rate was just 6%.

Eighth-graders now surpass the state average in science proficiency, according to statistics. Some 50% of eighth-graders in the city schools achieve the designation, compared to 47% across the state.

“What’s important for this year is our starting point is a lot higher,” Swatland continued. “We need to make sure our instruction meets that.”

Troubles, too often, make the headlines or social media. That’s human nature.

Pointing out the positives, however, can sometimes get lost. Swatland needs to continue to promote all that’s good in the city schools.

It matters to not only the staff and students, but the community as well.