IRVING, Ky. — District administrators on May 15 reported gains on recent assessments across Estill County schools, outlined plans to expand a reading‑mastery program in elementary grades and said they remain ready to begin site preparation if pending state funds are released.

Jeremy Brock, staff member, opened the reports by reviewing testing and enrollment: district attendance was reported at 92.36 percent (up from 91.51 last year), and Brock said kindergarten registration had 25 students “currently enrolled in kindergarten through the registration process” though board members noted enrollment typically increases in June.

Principals presented school‑level results. At West (West Irvin Elementary), the principal reported I‑Ready and KSA testing growth: the percentage of students reading on grade level rose from 18 percent in the fall to 56 percent; math on‑grade‑level performance rose from 10 percent to 49 percent. The principal also reported a substantial decrease in students two or more grade levels below expectations (tier‑3) and said the data support expanding a purchased reading‑mastery program to other grade levels next year.

At the high school, administrators said testing is largely complete, senior ceremonies and graduation were scheduled (baccalaureate May 18, senior breakfast May 21, graduation May 23 in the gym), and the district has received six applicants so far for an open high‑school principal vacancy.

At the middle school and the Success Academy, leaders reported completed testing, growth across I‑Ready measures, extracurricular events, and successful transitions for fifth graders moving to middle school. Success Academy representatives said 15 of 16 students will move on to the next grade and 14 of 16 are expected to return to their home schools; two Success Academy students are graduating.

Brock also told the board the district is positioned to begin site preparation and blasting for a capital project if the state releases the expected grant funds; he emphasized the district would not award contracts until the money is “in the bank.”

Administrators discussed staffing needs: several elementary positions remain open and the district is actively recruiting candidates; the high‑school principal search will continue as applications are evaluated.

Board members and administrators asked for and reviewed program data; the district said it will use the results to make purchasing decisions for next year and to plan summer enrichment and site work if funding arrives.