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Alma School District praises K–2 assessment gains, recognizes staff and approves $600 contracted‑staff bonus
Summary
Dr. Wood reported positive K–2 summative and screener results — including a 97% pre‑K kindergarten‑readiness rate — and explained individualized reading plans. The board recognized staff and approved a $600 December bonus for contracted employees.
District curriculum leader Dr. Wood presented kindergarten through grade‑2 assessment results and the district’s early‑year screener data, saying the district is generally at or above state comparison bands on many measures. She explained the assessment levels (1–4), that state accountability counts students at levels 3 and 4, and how the screener breaks early reading into strands so teachers can target interventions.
Dr. Wood highlighted that "97% of the students attending our pre k last year scored ready on the kindergarten screen," noting that figure covered 32 students. She described individualized reading plans (IRPs) for students identified at potential risk and said teachers and specialists use short testlets and progress checks to guide interventions. Dr. Wood said the K–2 summative and screener data will help the district identify students who need early support and inform third‑grade promotion conversations.
The board also spent time recognizing staff. The board acknowledged Caitlin Ferguson for painting curriculum‑themed murals and for leading an AP ARC portfolio program that the board said produced high AP results. Coach Joey Potts was honored for longstanding contributions to middle‑school activities, and bus driver Joanie Brewer received an "air doll affirmation" from a student and praise for daily kindness.
On compensation, the superintendent recommended a $600 bonus to be paid in December to all contracted staff. After a motion and second, the board approved the $600 contracted‑staff bonus; substitutes and some outsourced workers were identified as not contracted and therefore not eligible under this motion.
What happens next: Dr. Wood said assessment results and screener reports will be posted on the parent portal and mailed home for parents; IRPs and interventions will continue to be implemented by teachers and specialists.
