Beatrice High reports fewer failing grades, proposes freshman online ACT day

Beatrice High School administrators reported measurable improvement in student outcomes and proposed a one‑day change to support ACT testing at the district’s Feb. 9 Board of Education meeting.

Mister Ford presented charts showing a decline in failing‑list numbers from a high of 142 to 72 by the end of the first semester; he said that compared with last year’s first semester the school saw about a 50‑student reduction, which he described as “a 40% reduction in terms of… students on the failing list.” He said the school reached roughly 87% (short of a 97% goal) but called the drop a notable step forward driven by staff implementation of intervention plans.

Ford also described plans for ACT testing on March 24. To maximize an optimal testing environment for juniors and to provide targeted practice for sophomores, he proposed a freshman online learning day so staff already at the high school could proctor and support testing without borrowing staff from other buildings. He said the practice day would also serve as preparation for sophomores and allow afternoon tutoring when needed.

Board members voiced no objections and encouraged Ford to continue planning; he said staff would finalize procedures and communicate details to parents once plans are set. The proposal is presently at the administrative planning stage and requires no board vote at this meeting.