During the Central School District 13J Board of Directors meeting on May 7, 2024, significant discussions centered around the district's recent funding success and its implications for student programming and academic performance. The meeting highlighted the district's receipt of $710,000 from House Bill 482, aimed at enhancing summer programs and educational opportunities for historically marginalized communities.

The funding will allow the district to expand its summer programming significantly, targeting an ambitious goal of serving 485 students—four times the usual number. This increase is made possible through partnerships with local organizations such as the YMCA, OSU Extension, and various libraries, which will contribute to a robust curriculum that includes academic and enrichment activities. The program is designed to meet specific requirements, including 80 hours of structured programming, ensuring that students receive consistent and meaningful educational experiences.

The board also reviewed long-term performance metrics, focusing on attendance and academic growth in reading and math. Attendance rates have shown improvement, with regular attendance among all K-12 students rising to 60-70% this school year, up from previous years. The district aims to increase this figure to 85% for all students and 80% for students with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

In terms of academic performance, the district reported mixed results. While there has been progress in reading and math scores among younger students, challenges remain, particularly in higher grades. For instance, only 33% of seventh graders are currently meeting reading benchmarks, compared to a national average of 534. The district is actively working on improving core instruction and has implemented new curricula to address these gaps.

The discussions underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through targeted funding and strategic partnerships. As the board moves forward, the focus will remain on maximizing the impact of the new funding and addressing the ongoing challenges in student performance and engagement. The next steps will involve closely monitoring the implementation of summer programs and continuing to refine instructional strategies to support all students effectively.