Superintendent Dr. Yearwood presented the Jefferson County Public Schools' latest state accountability results to the board on Dec. 9, saying proficiency rates rose in reading, math, social studies and writing for many student groups while reminding the board the district remains below the state average.

The superintendent said the district saw gains across grade levels: postsecondary readiness was about 84 percent and the graduation rate was 89.2 percent. He highlighted subgroup improvements, including a 4.7 percentage-point decrease in the gap between African American and white students in one measure and said the remaining gap in graduation rates between African American and white students was about 0.1 percentage point. "This data is not a verdict. It's a guide," Yearwood said, urging the board to treat the numbers as a starting point for targeted interventions.

Yearwood walked the board through the state accountability indicators, noting six weighted components that factor into school scores: reading and math (he said these carry the most weight), science, social studies and writing, English learner progress, and school climate and safety. He reported middle schools improved in all content areas and high schools improved in all but one subject (reading), while several elementary reading measures showed decline. He called foundational literacy a priority and identified attendance challenges and rising needs for diverse student supports as areas for further work.

Yearwood also described federal and state designations affecting schools that need additional support: he said the district has schools labeled for targeted support (nine schools), ATSI schools (18), and comprehensive support (41). He urged patience, saying meaningful school improvement can take three to five years and promising the district will pursue transparency and steady leadership to address persistent gaps.

Board members asked for further detail in later agenda items and the superintendent committed to continue providing data and context. The presentation closed with Yearwood reiterating that the numbers represent students and opportunity rather than a final judgment of the district's work.

The board did not take a formal vote on the presentation; follow-up items on data and program responses were discussed as part of future agenda planning.