Merrill Elementary School unveils Continuous Improvement Plan to boost student performance

The Beloit School District's TLE & Pupil Services Committee held a regular board meeting on July 15, 2025, focusing on the Continuous Improvement Plan for Merrill Elementary School. Principal Regina McAllister presented the plan, highlighting the school's goals, strategies, and demographic data aimed at enhancing academic performance.

Merrill Elementary serves approximately 270 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with a significant portion—85.6%—identified as economically disadvantaged. The student body is diverse, comprising 53% Black or African American, 29% Hispanic or Latino, and 13.7% White students. The school employs 36 staff members, including 12 classroom teachers, resulting in a student-to-teacher ratio of about 18 to 20 students per class.

McAllister emphasized the importance of fostering critical thinking and a love for learning among students, noting that many families have a long-standing connection to the school. She expressed a commitment to improving family engagement as a means to boost student attendance, which currently averages 86.9%, below the district's goal of 95%. The school plans to implement a community school bus initiative in the 2025-2026 school year to further support attendance.

The Continuous Improvement Plan outlines specific goals in literacy, math, and social-emotional behavior. For literacy, the aim is to increase the percentage of students reading at or above grade level from 30.5% to 45% by June 2025. In math, the goal is to raise proficiency from 37% to 42% in the same timeframe. The plan also addresses social-emotional behavior, focusing on reducing office referrals and improving overall student well-being.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the effectiveness of the school's strategies and the need for ongoing support from board members to achieve these ambitious goals. The board expressed interest in the school's progress and the importance of community involvement in fostering a positive learning environment.