Superintendent’s report shows mixed SOL results, improved English‑learner progress and persistent chronic absenteeism

District officials presented the division’s spring assessment and accountability data, noting pockets of academic strength alongside continued concerns about chronic absenteeism that will affect accreditation weightings.

The superintendent and assessment staff summarized state results and local interim measures. Highlights included improved English‑learner progress on the WIDA ACCESS test (division progress from 55% meeting progress measures to 58%), and notable math gains at the middle school level. The high school maintained reading and math pass rates above the state average.

Nut graf: Board members focused on chronic absenteeism — the state’s accountability metric counts students who miss 10% or more of the school year (about 17 days). The division’s overall chronic‑absence rate fell from roughly 32% to 25%, but high‑school chronic absenteeism remains high (about one‑third of students, as discussed by staff). Members asked for comparative benchmarking with neighboring divisions and for a clear cost/benefit analysis on adding attendance staff.

Selected details staff provided: - Chronic absenteeism: division average moved from ~32% to ~25%; staff said high school’s rate was about 33% last year. The board asked staff to return comparative rates for peer divisions used in salary/benchmarking. - English learners: the division’s percent meeting progress measures on WIDA increased from 55% to 58% (target 56%); staff attributed improvement largely to adding an EL teacher in every school. - K–2 literacy screening (VALS): staff shared fall→spring screening reductions in the highest‑risk band but noted the division saw larger second‑grade at‑risk percentages that will be an instructional focus. - Accreditation timing: the state’s new accountability model delayed official accreditation results; staff said they will present divisions’ official ratings when the state releases them.

Board direction: Members asked staff to bring next week’s work session a pack of comparative attendance metrics (number of double bus routes, number of routes over 45 minutes, peer‑division attendance staffing levels) and to return refined proposals showing whether an attendance coordinator or other interventions would be cost‑neutral through improved ADM (Average Daily Membership) revenue.

Ending: The superintendent said staff will update the board as soon as the Virginia Department of Education posts official accreditation designations.