The Orting School District held its Regular Board Meeting on June 5, 2025, focusing on student literacy and academic performance across various grade levels. The meeting began with a presentation from Dr. Westover, who discussed the district's literacy initiatives and the importance of early reading skills. Dr. Lee followed, providing insights into the K-12 system's overall performance and growth metrics.

The board examined preliminary data on student performance, noting that while the data is not finalized, early indicators show promising trends. For instance, the average growth in English Language Arts (ELA) across grade levels increased from 1.6% last year to 7% this year, with significant improvements noted in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. Dr. Westover highlighted that six out of seven grade levels demonstrated improvement, with fourth graders showing a remarkable 9.5% increase and fifth graders achieving a 10% increase.

The discussion also included the introduction of a new literacy program developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), aimed at enhancing foundational reading skills for students in kindergarten through second grade. This program was implemented mid-year due to identified needs, and early feedback from teachers and students has been positive.

In addition to literacy, the board reviewed math performance data, which indicated growth across most grade levels. Notably, the average growth in math shifted from a negative 5.4% last year to positive growth this year. The board acknowledged that while some grades, particularly seventh grade, did not show comparable growth, overall trends indicate a positive trajectory for the district.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring student progress and refining instructional strategies to ensure all students receive the support they need to succeed. The board expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the importance of ongoing data assessment and targeted interventions to address any gaps in learning.