Lake Ridge Elementary highlights academic gains, Montessori program at capacity
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Summary
Lake Ridge Elementary principal presented midyear campus data: 430 students, 24 teachers, a 14-point STAR gain year-over-year, high attendance and a Montessori program operating at capacity; the campus outlined supports for math and reading, including a new Bluebonnet math curriculum and targeted intervention time.
Dr. Amanda MacArthur presented a midyear spotlight on Lake Ridge Elementary at the board meeting, reporting what she described as notable academic and engagement gains and setting out actions to address gaps in proficiency.
MacArthur said Lake Ridge serves 430 students with 24 teachers and a roughly 24-to-1 student-teacher ratio. She highlighted a 14-point year-over-year gain on the STAAR test and a 95% attendance rate this year (target 96%). Beginning-of-year NWEA MAP data showed about 33% of students at or above the 60th percentile in mathematics and roughly 38% at or above the 60th percentile in reading; the campus is using individualized learning pathways, weekly teacher coaching cycles and an intervention block (Longhorn time) four days per week to accelerate students. MacArthur also noted that the campus's Montessori program is at capacity and remains a strong family draw.
MacArthur acknowledged staffing challenges: the campus reported about 33% staff turnover tied primarily to certification issues and a reduction in interventionist positions (from two to one). Her action plan includes strengthening tier-1 instruction, focused PLC work, coaching for new teachers, weekly check-ins for identified scholars and family literacy partnerships such as a book-bag initiative for second- to fifth-grade students reading below grade level.
Trustees asked for clarifying data and next steps; MacArthur said the campus will continue monitoring midyear data and report back as part of the district's continuous improvement plan.