Floyd schools report improved SOL rankings and warn proposed cut‑score changes could lower pass rates

School officials briefed the Floyd County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 that division academic rankings improved in state results released this year, but warned that pending changes to state cut scores could sharply reduce reported pass rates. A school division representative told the board that the division’s overall ranking rose from 64th of 131 to 49th in recent raw SOL results and said local math pass rates were 71% in 2025 under current standards. The representative said the State Board of Education is considering raising the passing cut score (the example cited was a potential new passing score near 479), which would reduce pass rates statewide and could affect next year’s accountability labels. "We're paying close attention to that," the school division representative said, noting the change could affect students who test in the fall versus spring because adoption timing matters. The board was also given highlights of a summer farm‑to‑table enrichment program for grades 3–7 in which 36 students participated; the program combined culinary, agriculture, STEM and classroom activities and is planned for expanded sessions next year. Officials said divisionwide membership (enrollment) was 1,616 as of Aug. 31 and that higher-than-expected enrollment will help offset this year’s overages in HVAC spending. The school representative said the division had a strong start to the school year and noted other routine matters including overnight field‑trip approvals, special education advisory committee meetings, and athletics. Supervisors asked about the likely effect of cut‑score changes on pass rates and accountability metrics; the representative said the state had not finalized new cut scores and that any change would be phased and monitored. No board action was taken; supervisors asked staff to monitor state board decisions and requested a follow‑up briefing if the state adopts new cut scores for spring testing.