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Newberry Schools report gains in ELA and Algebra; district adopts I-Ready math and wins one-year mental-health grant
Summary
District officials reported ELA and Algebra gains, outlined adoption of I-Ready math instructional materials, and said a Stronger Connections grant of roughly $400,000 will fund additional mental-health staffing and interventions through June 2026.
District leaders presented assessment results and curriculum updates, and described a nearly $400,000 one-year grant to expand mental-health services.
The presentation showed ELA achievement at a five-year high: "We were at 32.6% meets and exceed in 2021 and now in 2025, 52.9," the presenter said, noting the district cut the gap with the state average. Math scores have grown more modestly; the district’s share of students meeting math standards rose from 29.8% to 38.9%. The district also reported a sharp increase in Algebra 1 end-of-course pass rates, rising to about 82% this year after lower rates four years ago.
Superintendent or instructional staff explained the district has adopted I-Ready mathematics as its high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and has conducted teacher professional development. The presenter said Oct. 9 training for teachers yielded an 85% favorable rating (4 or 5 out of 5) and outlined further implementation sessions and school-site coaching. A parent flyer and QR-linked video are posted on the district’s I-Ready resource site for families.
Separately, the district announced it was awarded the Stronger Connections grant to expand mental-health access, enhance MTSS/pyramid behavior supports, implement the Ripple Effects program in elementary and middle schools and contract external evaluation. The presenter said the grant is for one year and the budget includes salaries, fringe, purchase services (Stepping Stones and Ripple Effects), evaluation, supplies and indirect costs (total cited as $395,692). The district plans to contract Stepping Stones for a mental-health interventionist and hopes to hire a district intervention specialist through grant funds; external evaluation will be conducted by Dr. Hicks at Clemson (Innovative Research Solutions).
Board members asked how billing and sustainability will operate; staff said Stepping Stones bills Medicaid-eligible services and the district would cover costs for non-Medicaid students when budgeted. Trustees also probed measurable outcomes: staff confirmed the grant includes measurable targets and that monthly data collection on absenteeism and behavior will be part of the evaluation.
The district emphasized the grant runs through June 2026 and that sustainability beyond that date will depend on further grant funding or reallocation of other non-general-fund resources.
