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Columbia CUSD 4 highlights high test scores and expanding vocational pathways
Summary
Assistant superintendent reported three schools rated exemplary and one commendable after October school report cards, noted high ELA and ACT results and identified gaps between certain grade transitions; administrators outlined vocational expansions including student-built projects, a new speech team, workforce 'lunch-and-learn' sessions and potential pharmacy tech placements.
The Columbia CUSD 4 assistant superintendent reported strong district results in the October school report card, saying three schools earned an "exemplary" designation and one received "commendable." She noted the state recently adjusted cut scores and walked the board through changes in IAR/ISA and ACT baselines while urging continued focus on moving students from proficient to above-proficient performance.
The report called out specific transition gaps for attention: fourth- to fifth-grade math (a drop the assistant superintendent described from the fourth-grade level to fifth-grade outcomes), and seventh- to eighth-grade math; the assistant superintendent recommended vertical-alignment conversations across grade levels and continued ACT support through the Horizons program.
Building-level highlights included multiple athletic achievements (boys soccer state trophy, girls volleyball state championship), a second-place state golf finish by Avery Arendelle, the establishment of a speech team, and community-service work by the Key Club. The district’s construction class presented recent projects — rehabilitating a bridge for wheelchair access, refinishing historic desks at an off-campus schoolhouse and renovating softball sheds — described by teacher Art Frisch as hands-on work that gives students experience in estimating, budgeting and crew leadership.
Administrators also described workforce-pathway efforts: a new "workforce Wednesdays" lunch-and-learn series that drew 56 students to a session on apprenticeships and a reported potential cohort for a pharmacy technician program negotiated with a partner institution.
Board members praised staff and administrators; the chair thanked the superintendent team for day-to-day operations. The board requested continued updates on alignment strategies and vocational partnerships as the district considers local alternatives and regional career-center options.
