Mayfield Intermediate principal highlights community engagement and attendance gains

Dr. Donald Frischkorn, principal of Mayfield Intermediate School, told the council that community partnerships and targeted programming have supported improved student engagement and attendance.

Why it matters: the school emphasized culturally focused family nights, a student support block (Bobcat block), after‑school clubs and an algebra readiness initiative for sixth graders — programming the principal credited with a measured reduction in chronic absenteeism.

Presentation highlights - Signature events: Mayfield combines its back‑to‑school night with Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. timing) to boost family participation; the school mounts an annual Black History Month celebration and a Career Day for fifth and sixth graders to expose students to local jobs. - Student supports: the school runs an algebra readiness program for sixth graders, a Bobcat block that provides targeted support “by name and by need,” and a principal‑led attendance outreach effort. The principal stated the school realized a 4.5‑point reduction in chronic absenteeism. - Staffing and recruiting: Dr. Frischkorn said teacher recruitment is the school’s top concern; several long‑time staff members are retiring and the school is actively interviewing candidates.

Council response Council members praised the school’s family engagement and community‑led events and asked about teacher recruitment and retention; Dr. Frischkorn said the school leverages community ties in recruitment and showcases staff commitment as part of interviews.

Ending: The principal invited businesses and residents to participate in Career Day and said the school will keep partnering with community groups to sustain improvements.