Board approves Renaissance Learning purchase as district pursues benchmark testing after B report card
Summary
Trustees approved a consent‑agenda purchase of Renaissance Learning licenses for $14,763.80 to support short benchmark tests across grade levels; superintendent said the district received a B on the state report card and will use benchmarks to guide instruction throughout the year.
The Cherokee Public Schools board approved consent‑agenda items that included a $14,763.80 payment to Renaissance Learning for additional testing licenses, administration said, and the superintendent said the district will use Renaissance benchmark tests throughout the year to gain more timely data on student progress.
During the consent‑agenda review, Unidentified Speaker 3 identified the vendor payment on the check list: “The check $6.44 is almost all the way down the list there. It’s $14,763.80 to Renaissance Learning,” and explained the licenses will be used for benchmark testing across elementary, junior high and high school as part of the district’s academic improvement efforts.
The superintendent, speaking during the superintendent’s report, said the district received a B on the state school report card and described the Renaissance benchmarks as a shorter, less burdensome assessment tool that will allow staff to monitor progress and make adjustments during the school year rather than waiting for spring state results.
Other consent items reviewed included minor AC services ($13.50), an annual asbestos inspection, and approximately $6,000 in bus repairs performed at a local shop. The consent agenda motion passed; administration said the benchmarking purchase is intended to provide real‑time data to guide instruction and support efforts to raise district ratings.
