During a recent school board meeting, educators from Waynesboro Primary School presented significant advancements in student performance and school growth strategies for the 2023-2024 academic year. The meeting highlighted the school's commitment to improving educational outcomes, particularly in reading and math, and fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff.

Dr. Gerald, the principal, outlined three primary goals for the year: exiting low performance status, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring that every student is supported by highly effective educators. He emphasized the importance of retaining qualified staff and providing professional development opportunities to sustain continuous growth.

The presentation showcased impressive data trends, particularly in kindergarten through second grade, where proficiency rates have risen significantly. For instance, kindergarten proficiency increased from 59% to 79% over three years. However, Dr. Gerald noted some declines in specific areas and mentioned the implementation of summer school and tutoring programs aimed at closing achievement gaps.

In third grade, reading and math scores showed incremental improvements, with reading proficiency rising from 19% to 20% and math from 27% to 48%. Dr. Gerald acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic but expressed optimism about the school's trajectory, particularly in math, where they nearly doubled their proficiency from the previous year.

The school also participated in the Cognex National Accreditation Review, achieving a score of 325, well above the average of 253, marking a significant milestone in their educational quality. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the school improvement team, community members, and students over the past six years.

Waynesboro Primary's overall composite score reached 43, the highest since the North Carolina accountability results began in 2013, and the school improved its rating from an F to a D. Notably, the school met growth targets across all subgroups in reading and math for the first time, demonstrating a commitment to equity in education.

As the meeting concluded, Dr. Gerald reiterated the importance of sustaining growth and maintaining a supportive learning environment, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.