Superintendent presents accreditation update; chronic absenteeism drops notably

School leaders presented a preliminary accreditation update and SOL (Standards of Learning) data showing division-level improvement compared with the 2022–23 school year. Presenters said the number of Level 3 indicators fell from 14 to 4 and Level 2 indicators also decreased, evidence they characterized as progress toward the division’s goal to "go for the green."

The presentation emphasized a sharp decline in chronic absenteeism after targeted interventions; staff credited coordinated attendance efforts division-wide and named an attendance specialist as a key contributor. For chronic absenteeism the division reported a marked improvement versus the prior year, though leaders said the division remains slightly above pre-COVID levels.

Two schools — Elkton Middle School and Lacey Spring Elementary — remain accredited with conditions tied to science performance. The presenter explained that science is evaluated differently (students take science tests only in specific grades) which makes year-to-year growth measures less applicable and creates a higher bar for meeting accreditation thresholds in science.

To sustain progress, the division highlighted several strategies: aligning knowledge and skills with SOL expectations, ongoing literacy work with reading comprehension emphasis, expanded periodic assessment using Mastery Connect, unlimited after-school tutoring funded through a state program, and monthly principal-administrator meetings to monitor progress.

Board members asked for additional historical score comparisons (including pre-pandemic data) and requested test-score detail on World Geography and the new performance-based assessments. Staff agreed to provide those data in follow-up materials.