Black Lake Elementary reports significant growth under interim principal Linda O'Shaughnessy

The Tumwater School District Board meeting on April 24, 2025, highlighted significant educational progress and leadership changes at Black Lake Elementary. The meeting began with a presentation on student performance data, revealing impressive growth in foundational skills among kindergarten students, who improved from 19% proficiency in the fall to 84% in the winter. This upward trend was noted across various grades, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, although concerns were raised about the lack of intervention resources for upper-grade math students.

Misty, the presenter, emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges district-wide, indicating that the district currently lacks a comprehensive intervention curriculum for math. She expressed her commitment to facilitating the development of such resources in her new role as elementary director, aiming to enhance support for all students across the district.

The meeting also recognized the contributions of interim principal Linda O'Shaughnessy, who played a crucial role in maintaining stability during a challenging year. Her leadership has been pivotal in fostering a positive environment for students, staff, and families at Black Lake Elementary.

As the meeting progressed, board members engaged in discussions about the data presented and the need for further solutions, particularly in math intervention strategies. The board paused briefly to address disruptions affecting communication during the meeting, ensuring that all voices could be heard.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to educational improvement and the importance of strong leadership in navigating challenges. The focus on data-driven decisions and resource development is expected to have a lasting impact on student success in the Tumwater School District.