Rock Ridge High principal outlines goals after sharp drop in discipline referrals

Rock Ridge High School Principal Scott Manning told the board the building has three aligned goals for the coming years: increase middle‑school reading growth to an average of 1.4 years, cut participation in PSEO (Post‑Secondary Enrollment Options) by half by strengthening Rockridge University and in‑district online offerings, and eliminate the emails and phone calls the board receives about negative student behavior.

Manning said the middle‑school plan includes returning to more traditional language‑arts instruction (moving eighth grade back to paper‑and‑pencil work, a book study and focused interventions). To reduce PSEO enrollment, the school has branded ‘‘Rockridge University’’ and launched ‘‘Wolverines Online’’; Manning said 103 students are enrolled in Wolverines Online, many taking it part‑time rather than leaving for PSEO.

He cited discipline data as evidence the changes are working: he reported a drop for seniors from 195 discipline referrals to 40, which he described as roughly a 70 percent decrease; juniors and sophomores also showed large declines in referrals for classroom misconduct and cell‑phone violations. Manning credited the district’s updated alternative program, focused interventions and practical measures such as lockers for students.

Board members praised the improvements and asked follow‑up questions about how the gains would translate into academic outcomes. One member asked whether improved behavior should lift grades; Manning said the expectation is that better behavior will support higher achievement and that plans are in place to monitor growth measures.

Manning invited board members to visit the high school to observe student behavior and instruction firsthand.