Alachua County schools report mixed summer ESY outcomes; board calls for stronger attendance push

Alachua County Public Schools staff told the school board at a Sept. 16 workshop that the district's 2025 extended school year (ESY) and credit-recovery programs produced uneven results, and board members urged staff to provide more student-level data and to develop an attendance campaign for the new school year.

"Our ESY program this summer kept our students engaged, reinforced core skills, and ensured continuation of learning to prevent summer slide," said Dr. McClooney, the curriculum presenter, as she summarized the districtwide effort that concentrated on literacy and targeted supports for exceptional education and English learners.

Board members and staff focused on three practical concerns: the district's stated key performance indicators (KPIs) versus actual outcomes; the relatively low percentage of third graders who earned "good cause" promotion after ESY; and attendance and follow-up for students who still require promotion or credit recovery.

What staff presented Dr. McClooney told the board ESY operated for 15 instructional days with an intensive literacy focus for elementary students, supplemental STEAM activities at non-Title I sites and credit-recovery ("CROP") options for middle and high school students. Teachers received districtwide ESY preplanning training on…