Local teams honored; school construction and testing updates given at Mercer County meeting

Unidentified speaker opened the meeting by recognizing the high school softball team and coaches for winning the district and the district’s first regional championship and invited members forward. "We've got our softball team here that won the district and the school's first ever, regional championship," the presenter said, naming players and coaches including head coach Darren Ransdell.

The same presenter also recognized a student who won a state track title and listed members of the track team. The recognitions were followed by brief public applause and a short exchange praising the students’ achievements.

School staff reviewed start-of-year operations and assessment plans. A school representative said teacher orientation and professional learning had prepared classrooms for instruction and reiterated district goals: 60% efficiency in all classes, fewer than 10% novice in any subject, and 75% of students meeting growth targets. Staff also said iReady testing was nearly complete and the district will use preliminary results at the building level; ACT testing for some students is scheduled for October.

Separately, the presenter showed drone footage of construction at a new elementary school, reporting that blasting for site work is complete, footers are in place in the area described as "Section 8," and masonry is expected to begin shortly after Labor Day with contractors scheduled to mobilize around Sept. 3. A contractor representative noted there is still substantial dirt work and that foundation walls are weeks away from rising.

The meeting closed this portion with a reminder that the September board meeting will be held in the high school auditorium.