While the Trenton R-9 School District did not meet all standards of the state’s Annual Yearly Progress report, results show student achievement improving at positive levels.
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During Tuesday night’s R-9 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Becky Albrecht presented preliminary information from the AYP, which is used by the state as its evaluation tool under the federal No Child Left Behind program. While Trenton met the AYP standards in several subgroups, it lagged behind in some other areas, although in many cases it was still ahead of the state average. Mrs. Albrecht noted that few schools within the state met the “proficient” or “advanced” status required to receive AYP designation.
Under the No Child Left Behind Program, students in Missouri were required to hit a rate in the lower 70 percent range and Trenton did do that at the high school level. However, Rissler and TMS figures, while improved, did not hit the required mark. As a result, Mrs. Albrecht said those two groups will have “consequences” associated with their results, requiring the district to notify parents of te results, place information on the school website, provide supplemental education services (such as tutoring) and sanctions on some of the district’s federal funding. Options which the district will take include making changes in the curriculum and implementing research-based professional development, both of which the district is now doing.
Mrs. Albrecht noted that the MAP testing used by the state as part of its AYP assessment is rated as one of the toughest in the nation and has expectations much higher than tests in other states. She said Congress is currently re-evaluating the No Child Left Behind Law, which requires students to be 100 percent “proficient” or “advanced” by 2014, and expects changes to be forthcoming.
The board approved the 2011-2012 district levy, which was set at $4.4285 on the $100 assessed value. This is slightly less than a year ago, but that is because assessed valuation within the school district grew just over $100,000 within the past year. The levy will generate approximately $3,146,447.88 in local taxes. Of the total level, $3.285 goes into the incidental fund while 90 cents is designated for the debt service fund to pay off bonds for the middle school and recent new construction.
The annual secretary of the board report, approved for submission to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, showed the district’s balances at the end of the 2010-2011 school year to be $5,677,860. That was just over $700,000 more than what the district began the year with a year ago.
The board, as custodian of funds, approved payments to the Grundy County-Jewett Norris Library from the Rose Hoover Fund of $72.76 and from the Jewett Norris Fund of $502.50.
Also approved was the list of students requesting graduation at semester. They include Abby Curtis, David Davis, Jacee DeVaul and Kim Kennedy Hamilton. They will be allowed to participate in prom and graduation. Gemma Gray was given permission for part-time attendance to allow her to attend classes at North Central Missouri College.
The board gave its approval to the Conflict of Interest policy, which requires action on a biannual basis. Board members reviewed goals for the upcoming year, which remain basically the same as in the past, as well as committee assignments.
Director of Supportive Services Dennis Gutshall reported that little work remains on new construction projects as the district gets ready for the start of school on Aug. 17. He said fencing around the preschool playground at the Rissler Elementary School has not been completed, but hopes that work can be done before classes start next week. There is also some work that needs to be completed on cabinets in the high school FACS room, which was recently renovated as part of the district construction project.
Gutshall also reviewed summer projects, which included work at all three of the district’s class facilities. Projects included painting, bathroom renovation, new cabinets, floor and counter replacements, door replacements, a facelift in the high school chemistry classroom and renovation of the middle school kitchen. The district office also received a concrete parking pad in front of its building.
Mrs. Albecht discussed safety concerns that will be addressed during the staff in-service workshops held prior to the start of school. New staff will report on Friday, Aug. 12, with all staff being back on Monday, Aug. 15 for two days of workshops and class work before the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 17.
Following an executive session for personnel, the board voted to hire Abby Lovell as high school assistant tennis coach and Jon Guthrie as middle school assistant football coach. The board accepted the resignations of Janet Slater and Lisa Fuller as special education paraprofessionals and hired Laurie Frisbie as a special education paraprofessional. Brian Albrecht was also hired as a custodian.