MICHAEL D.

DOVILLA
7 TH DISTRICT ______

VERN R IFFE CENTER

77 S OUTH HIGH S TREET, 13 TH F LOOR COLUMBUS, OH 43215-6111
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P OLICY AND LEGISLATIVE O VERSIGHT, CHAIRMAN F INANCE & APPROPRIATIONS H IGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE M ILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

T: (614) 466-4895
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F: (614) 719-6957

Ohio General Assembly

House of Representatives Columbus

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REP07@OHIOHOUSE. GOV

For Immediate Release: November 7, 2013

North Royalton Middle School Teacher Recipient of Milken Educator Award

NORTH ROYALTONState Representatives Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) and Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) are pleased to announce that Sarah Franko, a fifth grade science teacher at North Royalton Middle School, today received the Milken Educator Award for Ohio from the Milken Family Foundation. Since first being presented to a dozen California teachers in 1985, the Milken Educator Awards program has grown to become the nations preeminent teacher recognition program, having honored nearly 2,600 K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists. More than $136 million in funding, including over $64 million in individual $25,000 awards, has been devoted to the overall program, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients careers. From local to state to national and even international levels, the exponential impact of Milken Educators strengthens American K12 education. Ms. Franko, this years Ohio recipient, has realized great success in the classroom. The first year that Franko taught fifth-grade science, her students science scores jumped from 76 percent to 86 percent, a singular accomplishment. Using inquiry-based instruction to engage students in a myriad of science topics, she creates flexible grouping based on student mastery of content and builds in opportunities for students to achieve learning goals. I am delighted that Sarah Franko was recognized with the Milken Educator Award, said Dovilla. Ms. Frankos mantra, Whats best for the kids, encapsulates her remarkable commitment to educating Ohios children. Our continuing strong support of high-quality teachers stands as a testament to the great value our community places on education. I offer my congratulations to the North Royalton Middle School for their talented teachers and dedicated administrators, Rep Anielski said. I was honored to be present along with the students to see a very surprised Mrs. Sarah Franko receive her well deserved national recognition for being an outstanding educator.

With todays award, Ms. Franko joins an elite group of Americas top educators. Alternating yearly between elementary and secondary educators, the Milken Awards are sourced through each participating state department of education, which appoints an independent blue ribbon committee to confidentially review candidates for recommendation to the Foundation. -30For more information, contact Hallie Stadvec in Rep. Anielskis office at (614) 644 -6041 or Rep06@ohiohouse.gov or Chris Ventura in Rep. Dovillas office at (614) 466-4895. Editors Note: Please find attached a picture of Represetnatives Dovilla and Anielski with Ms. Sarah Franko, Dr. Jane Foley of the Milken Foundation, and Dr. Richard Ross, Superintendent of Public Instruction.