Karcher Middle School principal Nick Grama and several teachers briefed the Burlington Area School District board on Nov. 11 about the school’s year and curricular and culture goals.

"I get to work with all these great staff and many more not here tonight," Grama said at the start of the presentation. He reported current enrollment at Karcher of about 776 students and a staff of about 75.

Teachers described academic goals and intervention strategies: the school set a reading benchmark goal of 66% of students at or above benchmark (up from 62% in 2024–25) and a math proficiency goal of 64% (up from 60%). Staff said they use a 30-minute targeted grouping period called "I time," common vocabulary strategies and PLC time and late-start Wednesdays for collaborative planning and interventions.

Presenters also reviewed culture and extracurricular items. Laura Hoffman said restorative-justice strategies and PBIS are being used to boost school climate; Wendy Lyon described Friday Night Live, which engaged 46% of the student population at the first event this year. Andrea Hancock described the Karcher Cupboard, which raised more than $13,000 at a district fundraiser and serves an estimated 30–40 (possibly up to 50) students daily with food and basic needs support.

Staff celebrated student achievements including the one-act play advancing to state Nov. 21, a National Merit commended student at the high school and college-and-career experiences funded by a counseling grant. The board thanked the staff and encouraged the Karcher team to remain involved in board meetings as presenters.

What happens next: staff will continue implementation of the intervention and culture programs and the board will maintain oversight through committee updates and regular superintendent reports.