Nibley Elementary praised for academic gains and inclusion efforts

Nibley Elementary School leaders visited the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee to accept recognition for academic progress and describe programs they say helped raise student outcomes. Principal Cindy King and sixth‑grade teacher Nicole Pickett told the committee the school serves 509 students in preK–6, with 33% classified as economically disadvantaged, 5% English learners and about 20% identified for special education or related services.

King said the school was removed from Targeted School Improvement status in 2024 after multi‑year gains, noting a 10.9% rise in students reading on grade level and a 5% increase in students making typical or better progress between 2021 and 2024. She credited targeted interventions, early identification, and “highly trained paraprofessional teams” that work alongside classroom teachers and multi‑tiered systems of support.

Pickett described Nibley’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program (PBIS), student leadership opportunities and inclusion efforts for students with severe disabilities who spend time daily in general education classrooms. She said extracurricular efforts such as STEAM nights, monthly recognition assemblies and an active PTA help connect families and reinforce literacy and leadership.

Chair and members congratulated the Nibley delegation and noted the presentation before moving to the committee’s budget items.

The presentation provided local context for later budget debates that touch on arts, counseling and classroom supports for which funding decisions can affect similar programs across the state.