The PXU Governing Board convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and infrastructure within the district. The meeting highlighted significant developments in school facilities, academic goals, and attendance strategies, reflecting the board's commitment to enhancing student experiences and performance.
One of the most notable decisions made during the meeting was the approval of a contract for the renovation of baseball and softball fields at North High School. This long-awaited project aims to improve safety and accessibility, allowing for simultaneous games, which had previously been a logistical challenge due to space constraints. The board expressed gratitude for the efforts of the logistics and construction teams, emphasizing the importance of these upgrades in providing a safe environment for student athletes.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the board reviewed preliminary data on the 2024-2025 academic goals. Superintendent Andrade presented updates on the district's performance metrics, focusing on the growth of students exceeding their predicted ACT scores. The board aims to increase the percentage of students surpassing these benchmarks, particularly among Black, African American, and Native American students. While the district saw overall improvements, specific targets for these demographic groups were not fully met, prompting discussions on the need for targeted interventions and support.
Attendance was another critical topic, with the board addressing chronic absenteeism rates. Despite efforts to reduce absenteeism by 5% across campuses, the district reported a 4% increase in absenteeism overall. The board acknowledged the complexities surrounding attendance, including external factors affecting student engagement. Plans for the upcoming year include a multi-strategy campaign to enhance attendance, involving parents and staff in proactive communication and support.
The meeting concluded with discussions on the evaluation process for the superintendent, with a proposal to shift the evaluation timeline to align with the academic year. This change aims to provide a more accurate assessment of performance based on relevant data.
Overall, the PXU Governing Board's meeting underscored a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the district, with a focus on infrastructure, academic achievement, and student attendance. As the board prepares for the upcoming school year, these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the district's strategies and goals moving forward.