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Deckard Elementary principal reports student growth, family‑engagement programs and recent safety upgrades
Summary
Principal Megan Gear told the Franklin County School Board Deckard Elementary has made growth on ELA and math measures, increased family engagement activities and added security measures including new cameras and vestibules; she also noted staffing experience levels and zero office referrals from a recess initiative.
Megan Gear, principal at Deckard Elementary, told the Franklin County School Board that her school has seen measurable growth this year and described new family‑engagement and safety initiatives.
Gear said ELA data is based on the percentage of students who scored above the 20th percentile in AIMSweb, and she described the math data as the percentage of students scoring proficient or above "as reported" in the district materials. She said Deckard showed growth from fall to winter in both the K–2 and grades 3–5 groups and that the school is working toward a 60% proficiency goal.
Gear noted staffing challenges: 11 of the school's 23 core teachers have three years or less of experience, which she said has increased the emphasis on internal capacity building and coaching. "Therefore, we recognize that we need to build capacity within ourselves and in our leaders to strengthen each other," she said.
To support instruction, Gear described weekly collaborative planning, biweekly visits from district ELA and math curriculum coaches and monthly professional development for educational assistants. She said the RTI team meets monthly with grade teams and specialists to review student progress and interventions.
On family and community engagement, Gear listed events and programs including a back‑to‑school bash, "disco with the info," Pastries with your Peeps, Clokalooza (monthly club time), Play with a Purpose and other events that she said have driven parent participation. The school uses a QR‑code system to track parent attendance and award incentives, including a "lunch on the lawn" and reserved seating at end‑of‑year events.
Gear highlighted a recess initiative she called Play with a Purpose and said it has led to zero office referrals from recess so far this year. She also described celebrations and student recognition, including a weekly attendance dance and an "All Stars" program.
On safety, Gear said the school recently installed new cameras, vestibules and card‑key access; she also noted window protection at the front entrance. "We are working towards making Deckard Elementary super safe for our students and we are excited about it," she said.
Gear invited board members to visit the school and participate in collaboratives and events. Her presentation was informational and no board action was required.
