Superintendent details student achievement gains and plans to systematize after‑school supplements for tier‑2 supports

Superintendent Dr. Ross told the Lexington‑Richland Five board on Sept. 22 that the district is first in The Midlands on multiple end‑of‑course (EOC) cohort measures and on career‑readiness subtests, and he outlined a plan to systematize supplements to expand after‑school tier‑2 academic and social‑emotional supports.

"Our vision is that we love and grow our students," Ross said, describing the district strategic plan and state goals. He highlighted cohort results where, he said, “in algebra 1, Lexington and Richland 5 cohort is first in The Midlands,” and similar language for biology, English II and U.S. history EOCs.

Why it matters: Ross framed the supplement schedule change as a way to provide consistent funding and structure for after‑school and weekend academic supports that he said will help struggling learners. The administration proposes five supplement schedules (arts, athletics, academics, department heads and site‑specific/grant‑funded) so that districtwide roles (for example, department heads or district arts positions) are paid consistently across schools while special‑duty and grant‑funded supplements remain site specific.

Key details discussed - Supplements and salary schedules: District salary schedules remain unchanged. Ross described four salary calendars (teacher, administrative, hourly support staff and bus drivers) and three prior supplement schedules; the proposal separates supplements by function and creates a distinct grant‑funded category for time‑limited supplements. - Grant‑funded supplements: Ross and Chief Financial/HR staff explained grant‑funded supplements are usually short term (often one year) and would be handled outside the recurring district supplement schedule; the board was told such supplements will be revisited if they recur and should be folded into the annual budget. - Input and implementation: Trustee questions prompted staff to confirm principals and faculty advisory groups were consulted on the new supplement classifications and that principals would allocate site‑level class A/B/C/D allotments for special duties.

Quotes from staff and trustees included clarifying how grant funds would be treated and the administration’s commitment to bring a formal supplement schedule and any budget changes to the board for approval.

What’s next: Staff will return with the proposed supplement schedules and any budget implications; principals will receive guidance on how to allocate site‑level allotments once the board approves the revised schedules.