Principals report improved state scores and falling chronic absenteeism at several Galesburg schools

Principals from across Galesburg CUSD 205 briefed the board on Illinois School Report Card results for the 2024-25 cycle, highlighting academic gains in multiple buildings and ongoing efforts to address chronic absenteeism and support students with disabilities.

Galesburg High School's principal told the board the high school received a commendable designation for 2025, citing a rise in ELA from 4.14 to 7.18 (on a 7.5 scale) and mathematics growth from 2.85 to 4.37. The principal noted long-term graduation trends that show improvement: a three-year cohort rate moving from 78.5% in 2023 to 87% in 2025.

The junior high received a targeted designation; the principal reported math proficiency increases and a drop in chronic absenteeism from 27.51% in 2024 to 23.18% in 2025. School leaders said they are targeting supports for students with disabilities and refining targeted instruction and interventions.

Elementary principals reported mixed results: King moved from targeted to commendable status with growth attributed to staff training (science-of-reading) and improved collaboration; Steele highlighted SRSD writing and a new math curriculum for grades three and four as factors in rising proficiency. Repeated concerns about chronic absenteeism led principals to cite outreach, coaching with parents and coordination with regional ROE staff as part of the response.

Board members asked how metrics are calculated and whether transfers or missing records affect graduation rates; presenters clarified the state tracks cohorts across five years for graduation measures and that data handling affects reported rates.

The board received the reports for information; principals said they will continue targeted supports and return with updates.