Phoenix Elementary board approves progress monitoring reports on early literacy and middle‑grade reading and affirms superintendent guardrail on family service

The Phoenix Elementary School District Governing Board on April 20, 2025, voted to approve progress monitoring reports for interim goals on early literacy (Goals 1.1 and 1.2) and for middle‑grade reading (Goals 4.1 and 4.2), and it approved the superintendent’s guardrail number 2, a district customer‑service and family‑engagement initiative.

Superintendent Dr. Gonzales and instructional leaders presented data showing modest gains and notable gaps. For first grade in the district’s focus schools (Bethune, Edison and Heard), the district reported an increase from 30% to 32% of students “on track” in reading on winter benchmarks; the target for that interim step was 35%. The district changed its benchmark instrument for some grades this year — moving from Aimsweb Plus to i‑Ready — which staff said affects comparisons and requires a calibration period.

District leaders said they are emphasizing small‑group instruction, foundational literacy coaches at focus sites, and teacher professional learning in LETRS (language and literacy training). Dr. Lloyd, director of…