Principals report test-score gains, improved attendance and lower suspensions at David G. Mellon and Desert Rose

Principals from two Palmdale schools presented detailed accountability progress reports at the Jan. 21 board meeting, highlighting academic and climate improvements the sites attribute to targeted instructional shifts and student-support strategies.

At David G. Mellon Law and Government Magnet Academy, Principal Melissa Contre told trustees the school is guided by the Palmdale Promise and credited PLC-driven instruction and teacher professional development for recent gains. Assistant Principal Allison Baker reported that ELA remains the school's highest-performing area while math and science are showing upward momentum; she said math proficiency rose from 9% to 12% in the 2024'25 assessment cycle, a three-percentage-point gain. Baker also reported ELPAC results showing "over 62 percent of our English learners are performing in the top two tiers, with 17 percent reaching full proficiency, level 4," and said expanded tutoring and PD are priorities to support continued growth.

Desert Rose Principal Melanie Pagliaro presented site data showing a 4% increase in ELA (CAASPP/SBAC) and a 7-point increase in math; she reported overall attendance up about 1% year-over-year and chronic absenteeism down by more than 10%. Desert Rose staff described use of MTSS, PBIS and a house system that includes incentives, raffles and field trips to build culture. On discipline, staff reported office referrals are nearly 50% lower and suspensions year-to-date have fallen dramatically: "35 down to 2," one presenter said, crediting restorative practices and peer advocacy.

Both principals thanked staff, families and students and highlighted partnerships and extracurricular opportunities (band, esports, athletics, mock trial). Board members and the superintendent praised student performances that opened the meeting and thanked site leaders for progress.

Why it matters: the sites described measurable improvements in multiple accountability measures and credited sustained instructional changes, targeted interventions and culture-building programs; trustees expressed support and congratulated staff. Next steps identified by site leaders include continued tutoring, professional development and implementation of incentive programs to sustain growth.