Mercer County reports multi-year test-score gains; board announces $322,432.87 bequest for stadium
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Summary
At its regular meeting the Mercer County Board of Education heard a multi-year instruction report showing improved state assessment results and adopted district recognitions; the board also announced receipt of a $322,432.87 bequest earmarked for stadium, weight room and tennis facilities.
The Mercer County Board of Education on Monday heard a detailed instruction report describing steady, multi-year gains on state assessments and recognized outstanding students, and the board announced a $322,432.87 bequest to support athletics and facility projects.
Mr. McAllister, the district’s instruction lead, told the board the district has implemented a consistent K–8 screener, a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and several instructional initiatives since 2020. He said the district met or exceeded goals set five years ago and noted that ‘‘out of 12 data points, 11 of them went up from the previous year,’’ citing improvements in reading and math across grade levels.
Why it matters: the presentation framed the district’s recent performance as the result of sustained policy and instructional changes, including common screening tools, teacher leadership initiatives and curriculum work that staff say made measurable gains on KSA state assessments.
Supporting details include a 100% pass rate on recent CNA exams at Joel Windsor Academy’s nursing students and a reported blue rating for the high school, which Mr. McAllister said placed the school in the state’s top 10 percent. The presenter highlighted that multiple schools achieved their highest-ever scores on several measures.
Superintendent remarks followed. The superintendent praised teachers and staff for the results and updated the board on construction of the new elementary school and stadium planning. During that report the board announced receipt of a bequest from the estate of Richard Hilton Selick. According to the superintendent, ‘‘He left us $322,432.87,’’ and the board said the money will support the new stadium, the weightlifting room and tennis courts.
Board members commended staff and teachers for the results. The finance officer also noted timing issues with tax revenues and cautioned that some December revenues may not be reflected until the February report.
The meeting included student recognitions: Kenny Cecil (Mercer County Elementary School) and Kyler West (King Middle School) were named Superior Titan Award winners; recipients receive plaques and Dairy Queen Blizzard coupons. The board did not schedule further action on the assessment report beyond continued implementation and future review.
The board adjourned after completing the agenda; next procedural steps for the facilities projects will follow state planning and budgeting processes where applicable.