During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the challenges facing the local school district, particularly in transportation and academic performance. Transportation Director Stacy Hendon highlighted a critical shortage of applicants for substitute bus aides, noting that her daughter is currently filling in to help address this gap. This situation underscores the broader issue of staffing shortages within the district.

Superintendent Ridgeway announced his attendance at the upcoming superintendent conference from September 17 to 20, emphasizing his commitment to remain engaged with district operations while off-site.

The meeting also featured a report from student board member Sam, who provided feedback on the recent changes to the school’s cell phone policy, reflecting student perspectives as the new school year begins.

Curriculum updates were presented by Mrs. Williams, who discussed the distribution of state assessment results. She acknowledged a decline in performance metrics, with 16 out of 22 student groups showing decreases compared to the previous year. This decline raised concerns among board members, particularly regarding the proficiency levels in subjects like social science, where only 10% of students were deemed proficient.

Williams explained that the district is actively working on curriculum improvements, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, to better support teachers and enhance student engagement. She noted the importance of high engagement strategies in classrooms to combat student boredom and improve overall achievement.

The board expressed serious concerns about the academic performance, particularly in light of the low proficiency rates, and emphasized the need for immediate and effective interventions to support both students and teachers. The discussions highlighted a collective commitment to addressing these pressing issues as the district moves forward.