West Hamlin students pitch digital marquee as LSIC review highlights gains and needs

West Hamlin Elementary students and school leaders presented the school’s 2025–26 Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) report and a student-led facilities proposal during the Lincoln County Board of Education meeting on Nov. 18, 2025.

The presentation, introduced by school staff, outlined six LSIC goals for the year including improved school culture and climate, 90% student proficiency in essential learning applications by June 2026, 5% gains in state assessments for ELA and math, a 65% response rate on school communications, and raising attendance from 91% to 95%. Jessica Roberts, introduced as an LSIC member, joined school leadership in explaining how instructional programs such as I-Ready diagnostics, ASHLOFT reading strategies, Reflex Math and Four Square writing are being used to support those goals.

"We support 118 students in special education and 108 students identified as homeless," a school presenter said, citing those figures as part of the school’s planning for targeted interventions. The presentation noted recent gains: ELA proficiency increased 6% and chronic absenteeism dropped 10% year over year, and the school highlighted extracurricular successes including a County Elementary Math Field Day win.

Fifth-grade student officers then presented a facilities-need assessment and a fundraising plan for a digital marquee to replace the current marquee on the front lawn. Naomi Means, the class secretary, and Jasmine Skeens, the student council vice president, described completed fundraisers and the goal to buy a programmable LED sign to improve school-to-family communications. "We have raised a total of $1,100 towards the digital marquee," treasurer Jay (Jace) Hoover told the board. Student presenters said the marquee being proposed measures roughly "119 inches by 36 inches" and is priced at $4,489; they said they aim to raise $5,000 to cover the sign, shipping and concrete.

Board members asked technical and logistical questions. One asked whether the proposed sign was double-sided; staff confirmed it was. A board member asked whether the $4,489 included electrical work; staff replied that the price did include electrical. On the playground gate request, staff said no formal quote had yet been obtained and the board asked for a maintenance work order so facilities staff could evaluate moving or adding a gate.

Student presenters closed by thanking the board. The board thanked the students for their preparation and effort and indicated it would consider how to support the fundraising and facilities requests.

The student presentation and LSIC report were delivered as part of the board’s regular agenda; no formal vote was taken on the marquee request during the Nov. 18 meeting.