Caldwell board adopts Option B accountability model for alternative schools for 2025–26

The Caldwell County Board of Education on July 14 approved the 2025–26 modified accountability model for its alternative schools, selecting Option B — 20% persistence, 20% school achievement and 60% growth — and directed staff to submit the selection to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction by Aug. 1. Dr. Katrina McKellen presented the recommendation to the board and asked for approval.

The model applies to the district’s alternative programs, Gateway and Horizons, and will determine how those campuses are held accountable under state rules. Dr. Katrina McKellen, assistant superintendent, told the board that if either school lacks enough scores for the state measures, the district would return students’ scores to the schools those students came from.

The board approved the recommendation by voice vote. The motion was made and seconded during the meeting; the transcript does not record the full names of the members who moved and seconded the motion. The board chair called for the vote and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The district must pick an accountability model annually and report it to the state by Aug. 1; the model determines how growth and achievement data are weighted for these schools and how missing data will be handled. The selected Option B places the greatest weight on growth measures.

Background and next steps: The district submits the selected model to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Board members will review how the choice affects reporting and supports for students at Gateway and Horizons during upcoming sessions.