District reports tested gains, tree‑planting partnership and a 86.6% graduation rate for 2025

Principal Matthew Hall reported to the board that Table Mound Elementary showed notable mid‑year gains on i‑Ready assessments: reading proficiency increased from about 33% to about 53% and math proficiency from about 20% to 50% (fall to winter reporting). Hall described changes to group students by skill rather than schedule, a roughly 42% drop in office referrals compared with the prior year, and strong family engagement at recent community events.

In committee reports, board member Bradley described the Branching Out Dubuque neighborhood forest program — a city‑district partnership that aims to plant 5,000 trees across the community — and said Marshall, Audubon and Kennedy elementary schools are participating with tree plantings and prairie plots. Bradley also described approval in the consent agenda of a seven‑year purchase of "Learning Without Tears" materials for district preschools and partner providers, calling it an opportunity to integrate early literacy and math supports across preschool settings.

Associate/Executive Director of Secondary Education Mark Burns presented preliminary 2025 graduation-rate data from the Iowa Department of Education showing the district four‑year graduation rate at 86.6%, near the pre‑pandemic 86.7% level. Burns highlighted improving subgroup trends — notably students of low socioeconomic status and students with disabilities — and credited staff and community partnership for the gains.

The board encouraged continued community engagement on program rollout and legislative advocacy to prevent unfunded mandates that could affect district resources.

Sources: Remarks by Matthew Hall, committee summary by Bradley, and presentation by Mark Burns at the April 13 board meeting.