School board addresses black student achievement gap and rising behavior referrals

The Lynchburg City School Board meeting on June 3, 2025, highlighted significant disparities in academic performance among students, particularly focusing on the achievement gap between black and white students. The discussion revealed concerning statistics regarding standardized test scores and graduation rates, prompting calls for urgent action.

During the meeting, it was reported that only 36% of black students passed English reading assessments, compared to 76% of white students, which is below the state average of 53% for black students. In math, the gap was even wider, with only 43% of black third graders passing compared to 81% of their white peers. The trend continued into fifth grade, where only 48% of black students passed English reading, significantly lower than the 80% of white students who passed.

The eighth-grade results were similarly troubling, with just 41% of black students passing English reading and only 27% passing math. These figures were starkly below the state averages, which were 58% and 48%, respectively. The data indicated a consistent pattern of underperformance among black students across all grades and subjects.

The meeting also addressed graduation rates, revealing that 23.7% of black students did not graduate on time last year. Concerns were raised about the lack of follow-up for these students, as board members were unable to provide information on support measures. Additionally, chronic absenteeism was highlighted, with 23% of students missing over 18 days of school.

Behavioral issues were another focal point, with a significant increase in behavior referrals from 9,135 in the 2020-2021 school year to 13,635 in 2022-2023. This upward trend in referrals raised alarms about the overall school environment and student engagement.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for the school board to address these disparities and implement strategies to support black students' academic success and overall well-being. The discussions emphasized the importance of recognizing and tackling the achievement gap to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in the district.