Three elementary principals presented school‑level data and improvement plans to the Fitchburg School Committee on Nov. 4, describing targeted strategies for instruction, attendance and social‑emotional learning.

Crocker Elementary Principal Casey Bolak said Crocker’s accountability percentile is 32% and that progress‑toward‑improvement rose from 53% to 64. “Our accountability percentile is at 32%,” Bolak said, noting particular strength in math achievement and growth while acknowledging chronic absenteeism (more than 31% of students classified as chronically absent) remains a major challenge.

McKay Principal Sue Tengus described a new leadership “house” structure that assigns administrators to grade bands so they can be more frequently and directly involved in classrooms. Tengus said McKay remained at the 6th percentile but highlighted math gains and targeted small‑group instruction; she also reported a substantial drop in ACCESS (English‑language proficiency) scores that the school is investigating with bilingual staff and district supports.

Rheingold Principal John Mendez outlined his school improvement goals aligned to district strategic goals, including a target of 10% student growth on assessments (DIBELS, i‑Ready, HMH, MCAS). Mendez and assistant Dr. Chris Jeffcoat described a stepped attendance protocol (calls after three absences, a home‑school liaison intervention after five absences, home visits and formal letters at higher thresholds). Mendez said Rheingold’s year‑to‑date attendance rate is 95.3% and chronic absenteeism is down 2.8 percentage points year‑to‑date.

Across the presentations principals emphasized professional learning communities (PLCs), use of Panorama for data and family‑engagement events. Committee members asked about state target setting and requested additional detail about grant compliance and how Title funding supports interventions.

The presentations concluded with the committee thanking the teams; no formal action was taken beyond the informational reports.