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Superintendent cites community losses, hurricane preparedness and low STAR scores in board report
Summary
Superintendent reported multiple recent deaths in the school community, described evacuation assistance during a storm, and staff presented STAR Early Literacy and mathematics results showing low percentages of students at Level 3 or above across grades; PM2 testing window and retake dates were announced.
Superintendent (Speaker 4) opened the report by asking the community to "continue to pray for the Gaynor family" after the death of Chance Gainer at a football field in Liberty County, Florida. He said the loss was "surreal" for those who witnessed it and that the community had shown support through memorials and by wearing purple.
The superintendent also told the board the district helped evacuate vulnerable residents during recent storm threats, organizing a convoy of buses to move local nursing home patients and coordinating with neighboring counties. He highlighted that district bus drivers and volunteer groups assisted in the effort.
The board heard multiple personnel updates: school nurse Estelaine's husband died and staff member Pearl Hunter died unexpectedly; the family requested and the district approved use of Wewa High School for funeral services. The superintendent also praised staff who performed life-saving measures in a separate incident: Tony Price administered CPR to Derek Gerber and the speaker reported Gerber "is doing real good" and "expected to make a recovery."
Tracy (Speaker 8) presented STAR Early Literacy and mathematics data across elementary grades and emphasized low proficiency levels. Examples given in the meeting record include kindergarten STAR Early Literacy Level 3+ rates of 10% (state), 2% (district) and 2% (Fort St. Joe Elementary School). Grade-level examples included Fort St. Joe grade 5 ELA at 29% Level 3+ and Lewa Elementary grade 5 at 21% Level 3+. Math proficiency figures were generally lower, with several grade/school combinations at or near 0% for Level 3+. Tracy noted PM2 testing is informational and said the PM2 window opens Dec. 2 and closes Jan. 3; she also said the state extended a retake window (retake window noted as extended until Oct. 11).
Board members thanked departing trustees and praised staff work during crises; the superintendent and trustees emphasized community support and recovery work going forward.
