Board adopts Option B for alternative-school accountability model for 2025–26

The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education voted 6-0 April 14 to adopt the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's "Option B" modified accountability model for the district's alternative schools for the 2025–26 cycle.

Under Option B, district staff explained, alternative schools' accountability is weighted more heavily toward student growth (60 percent) with remaining points split among student persistence and school achievement (each described as 20 percent by staff). The district presented recent Northview Academy results showing a "maintaining" status under the model.

Why it matters: DPI allows districts to select among accountability models for non-traditional and alternative schools. District administrators said Option B is preferred because it emphasizes student growth, a better match for schools that enroll students who are behind or at high academic risk.

Board action: Laura Elliott, presenting the item, said the district historically selected Option B for its alternative schools. Board member Anita Kern moved to accept Option B; Brian Sloan seconded the motion. The board voted 6-0 in favor of adopting Option B for Northview Academy and the Discovery School.

Implementation note: Administrators said the model will be applied for the 2025–26 accountability year and that growth-weighting is intended to reflect progress for at-risk populations. Staff also said the district will continue to report school-level indicators and provide updates to the board at future meetings.

Ending note: Board members said they favored the growth-focused approach because it better reflects the mission of alternative schools to move students forward academically and to keep them enrolled.