Administrators and staff reported early positive results after pilot implementation of a house incentive system inspired by professional development at the Ron Clark Academy.

Shannon Ryder, assistant principal at Timberlake Middle School, and Mike Minty, vice principal at Timberlake Middle School, told the board the house system groups students across grade levels and awards points for desired behaviors. The district said the system is intended to build cross-grade peer mentoring and increase student attendance and engagement.

Administrators reported early indicators of progress: Timberlake staff said an individual who previously struggled with regular attendance had not missed school since being assigned to a house, and that overall attendance and student participation rose after the pilot. School leaders also said the program supported targeted instructional strategies they observed on a visit to the Ron Clark Academy and that those strategies had helped secure a $10,000 state grant tied to ISAT performance work.

Costs and implementation: The district identified one recurring cost if it uses a vendor app to track house points — approximately $1,800 per year. The board heard that the app is optional and that other schools could run a house program without it. Administrators said they had involved families at some sites; at other sites, parents expressed concern about how the initiative was communicated and wanted clearer engagement before rollout.

Why it matters: The house system is a behavioral/engagement framework that administrators say complements instruction and supports attendance improvement. Board members asked administrators to continue community communication as they expand the initiative.

What’s next: Staff said they will continue to refine implementation, expand parent outreach materials and report back on measurable attendance and disciplinary outcomes.