The East Kingston School Board convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning the district's educational progress and operational updates. The meeting began with a report on kindergarten enrollment, which has increased to 24 students since the last meeting, maintaining a total enrollment of 113 students across all grades.

The board celebrated the success of the recent annual field day and family barbecue, acknowledging the contributions of staff and parent volunteers who made the event a success.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on academic performance data. The principal presented preliminary school-wide data, noting a slight dip in math proficiency from 70% to 68% this year, while science proficiency rose from 37% to 58%. English Language Arts (ELA) scores showed a remarkable increase from 52% to 72% proficiency. The principal emphasized the importance of these results, attributing the improvements to effective tiered instruction and targeted interventions.

The board discussed the I Ready assessment results, highlighting that 84% of students are now reading at or above grade level, a significant improvement from earlier in the year. In math, 90% of students are also performing at or above grade level. The principal noted that these gains reflect the effectiveness of the Orton-Gillingham instructional approach implemented for younger students.

Concerns were raised regarding a 2% drop in math proficiency on the SAS testing compared to the previous year. The principal acknowledged the challenges posed by unexpected staffing changes mid-year but remained optimistic about the overall growth and progress of students.

Looking ahead, the leadership team plans to enhance intervention strategies for the upcoming school year, focusing on scheduling and professional development for teachers. The board also discussed ongoing training for staff in Orton-Gillingham methods and the importance of data-informed decision-making in improving student outcomes.

In terms of staffing, the board reported progress in hiring a part-time art teacher, with contract negotiations underway. The meeting concluded with discussions on potential meal price increases, indicating ongoing efforts to manage the district's budget effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to academic excellence and proactive measures to support student learning and staff development. The board plans to continue monitoring progress and implementing strategies to maintain the momentum of improvement in the coming school year.