Mr. Oswald updated trustees on professional learning community (PLC) sessions and the recent release of AQuEST data, noting movement among school ratings: three schools improved from 'good' to 'great' while two moved from 'excellent' to 'great,' which Can reflect the impact of growth metrics used by the state accountability system.

He said the district is proactively evaluating reading screeners listed by the state under the Nebraska Reads Act and has three screeners that rose to the top for local consideration while awaiting the state's final narrowing of the approved list. "Fancy way to say it is reading assessment, so a test," Oswald said when asked to explain the screener by a board member.

In student programs updates, Lynette reported work on alternate assessment monitoring (the federal target is to be under 1% of students taking alternate assessments): historically in the 'twenties' for the district, the number is now down into the 'teens' after staff review and updated guidance, though Lynette said the district was over the 1% threshold in science this spring and will submit required documentation to NDE. Lynette also announced the hiring of a Native American liaison, Matthew Sasma, who has begun outreach to Ponca and other families.

Health screenings for PK–4 and grades 7 and 10 proceeded smoothly, and roughly 100 people received flu vaccinations at a recent clinic. Trustees and staff discussed targeted interventions to address areas where proficiency dropped or growth lagged.