Newberry County School District staff reported to the board on July 21 that the number of third‑grade students projected for retention fell substantially over the school year and after summer reading camp.

Key numbers presented by staff: 253 students were initially identified in fall as not meeting third‑grade reading expectations; that number declined to 184 in winter and to 140 in spring. A final end‑of‑year review identified about 35 students who might face retention; after summer reading camp the district reported six students who will be retained in third grade. Staff said at least four of those six students did not attend summer reading camp.

Context: The presentation referenced Act 144 (Read to Succeed), the state law governing third‑grade retention and good‑cause exemptions. Staff described the categories reported by the state test results (Does Not Meet, Approaches, Meets, Exceeds) and explained that families are typically notified after winter assessments.

Why it matters: Third‑grade retention has a direct academic impact on the students involved and is governed by state statute with limited good‑cause exemptions. The district encouraged families to participate in summer reading camp and noted that attendance reduced the number of retained students.

Ending: The board heard the update, asked clarifying questions about family notification and exemption categories, and was told official, embargoed statewide data will be available in October.