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Schulte principal reports literacy progress, plans full K–8 academy and new building transition
Summary
Schulte School administrators reported gains in early literacy and math, described strategies to raise proficiency, and outlined plans for adding eighth grade, a full-day 4K, and managing the move into a new building next school year.
Damon Jackson, directing principal at Schulte School, and assistant principal Bianca Howell told the Racine Unified School District board on June 16 that the school made gains on multiple assessments this year and is preparing to become a full K–8 academy as it moves into a new school building in the fall.
Jackson said the school exceeded its ELA goal on the Forward exam and set internal targets for MAP and early literacy. He reported spring MAP proficiency for 2023–24 at 33% in ELA (fall entry dipped to 24.5%) and noted math showed growth year over year. For attendance, Jackson said Schulte finished the year “just a hair over 92%.”
Jackson and Howell described early‑literacy work aligned to the district’s 75% proficiency target for 4K through third grade. Schulte met or exceeded proficiency in 4K and kindergarten letter ID and sounds; first through third grade oral reading fluency scores lagged the target and will remain a focus. Howell, who served this year in a combined role as early‑literacy coach and assistant principal, described monthly grade‑level meetings, individualized reading plans for the bottom 25 percent of readers, and plans to add a dedicated early‑literacy coach this summer.
Board members asked about PLC implementation, vertical alignment for students transitioning to high school, and support during the new‑building move. Jackson said staff turnover remained low (three teacher resignations this year) and that the school will add a full‑day 4K program next year. He described extensive planning for routines, procedures, and staff onboarding to manage the influx of new students and the transition to a much larger facility.
Several trustees complimented Schulte staff and administrators for the reported academic gains and for managing the logistical challenges of the building move and grade‑span expansion. The presentation was informational; the board did not take formal action on Schulte during the meeting.
