John Deere, Wilson middle schools jump to ‘commendable,’ district officials say

Moline Coal Valley school officials on Jan. 13 publicly recognized John Deere Middle School and Wilson Middle School after both schools’ state designations moved up to “commendable,” a change district leaders called rapid and unusual. District official Dr. Matt Debane opened the recognition, saying both schools had previously received a lower “comprehensive” designation and “skipped targeted, and both schools jumped up to commendable. It's unheard of. It's unbelievable.” The district credited the shift to sustained leadership and staff work at both schools. Dr. Dusty Markham of John Deere and Bob Beam of Wilson were invited to the podium with staff to accept certificates from the State Board of Education and to describe their improvement efforts. Why it matters: School ratings affect public perception, potential district supports and state oversight. District officials said the rapid upgrade reflected concentrated efforts after COVID setbacks and targeted work to eliminate underperforming student subgroups. District remarks and staff accounts described a process of setting school-improvement plans, reviewing subgroup data and expanding collective responsibility among teachers. Markham said the designation process was “a kick in the gut” in 2018 and prompted close collaboration with Wilson; she added, “Leadership is about building a team of stars, not seeking to outshine them.” Board members and the superintendent presented certificates and invited staff recognition; no formal action or change in district policy was taken at the meeting beyond the public recognition. The board scheduled no additional votes tied to the recognition; the presentation was part of the committee-of-the-whole informational session. The district said both schools now report no student subgroups that are underperforming, per district data shared at the meeting. The board praised staff and leaders for the work and asked the schools to continue sharing practices districtwide.