The St. Cloud Public School District held a Board of Education meeting on December 4, 2024, to discuss the progress of its achievement integration plan. This plan aims to address racial disparities and improve student integration over three years, from 2023 to 2026.

The district's strategies focus on enhancing academic achievement for historically underserved students, increasing access to diverse teachers, and promoting racial and economic integration. Specific initiatives include targeted interventions, family engagement efforts, and professional development, all with measurable indicators of success. The plan also emphasizes collaboration with neighboring districts and community stakeholders, including the NAPAC group.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the progress made in the first year of the plan. They set two main achievement goals: improving graduation rates and increasing third-grade reading proficiency among students of color. The goal for graduation rates was set at 85% for Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and multiracial students by 2026. However, current data shows that only 61.2% of Black students, 48.3% of Hispanic students, and 40% of multiracial students graduated last year.

For third-grade reading proficiency, the goal is to reach 50% by 2026. Currently, only 22.5% of Black students and 13.8% of Hispanic students meet this standard.

On a positive note, the district has exceeded its goal for access to concurrent courses, achieving 28% participation, surpassing the target of 25%. Additionally, the goal to increase the percentage of teachers of color from 6.38% to 8% has also been met, with the current figure at 8.5%.

Lincoln Elementary, identified as a racially identifiable school, has specific goals for improving reading proficiency among students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. The target is to increase proficiency from 16.7% in 2022 to 36% by 2026, but the current rate stands at only 14.7%. However, Lincoln has successfully met its integration goal, ensuring that all new families feel supported through social-emotional learning meetings.

Looking ahead, the district plans to implement various initiatives to boost progress, focusing on safety, belonging, and excellence across all schools. New instructional practices and increased family advocate positions are among the strategies being considered to enhance student outcomes.