Blue Ridge board reviews district letter grades and targets EL and 'bubble' students for improvement

Superintendent Roloff presented school and district letter grades and described a multi‑part plan to lift student achievement.

Roloff said the elementary school earned 71.17 points, a C under the state A–F framework, and the junior high scored about 64.63 points. The high school improved to a B with 81.79 points. He identified English‑learner (EL) proficiency and growth as the largest, recurring gaps across campuses and said the district is ‘‘targeting our minimally proficient and partially proficient students’’ to move them above proficiency thresholds.

Roloff described steps already under way: targeted EL meetings at each campus, a comprehensive curriculum review, new professional development tied to curriculum fidelity, expanded data‑team work and use of a 21st‑century grant to provide focused instruction and interventions. He noted the district has begun curriculum and programmatic conversations and intends to invite teachers and experts into any formal adoption decisions.

Board members asked about benchmark testing and curriculum adoption timelines. Staff said benchmark tests run quarterly and that the district still uses its DNA assessment platform while supplementing with classroom‑level check‑ins. A teacher in the audience (Miss Langto) was singled out as contributing energy and ideas for classroom support.

Roloff framed the work as incremental: pushing ‘‘bubble’’ students just over the proficiency line can generate substantial growth points. The superintendent said the district will continue data review and targeted supports this year and beyond.

The report closed with positive notes on extracurricular achievement and partnerships that support readiness and enrichment.