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Interim Superintendent Hightower says 87% of WESD schools rated excelling or highly performing; recommends enrollment and behavioral support work
Summary
Interim Superintendent Doctor Hightower reported progress on an entry plan: she cited classroom visits, student and family survey results, 87% of schools rated excelling/highly performing, and recommendations including a compensation/compression study, more systemic behavioral supports, facilities prioritization and enrollment-growth strategies.
Interim Superintendent Doctor Hightower updated the board on the district entry plan, summarizing early accomplishments, survey feedback, and interim recommendations.
Hightower said 87% of district schools were rated "excelling" or "highly performing" in the latest letter-grade release and that she has visited more than 1,500 classrooms since starting. She described the Superintendent Student Advisory Council work and multiple advisory groups reestablished during her interim term, including a business advisory, parent advisory and administrative leadership team.
Survey results she presented showed students and families value an inclusive learning environment and dedicated staff; students requested more enrichment and individualized instruction, and families and staff asked for stronger behavioral supports in some schools. Hightower recommended continuing focused implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for both academics and behavior, accelerating facility work in a few sites that need immediate attention, conducting a compensation/compression study (procurement in progress), and implementing enrollment-growth strategies (the district currently has about 10% of students from out of district).
Hightower also urged the board to consider structural budget changes aligned to declining enrollment and noted interest-based negotiations for staff will start soon. Board members praised her visibility at schools and the work of cabinet and staff; several encouraged continued focus on the enrollment committee's recommendations and succession planning for leadership roles.
