Summertown High highlights gains in test scores, attendance and campus upgrades

Summertown High School representatives reported significant academic and attendance gains at the Lawrence County School Board's April 21 meeting.

Mr. Burleson, the Summertown High School representative, told the board the school earned a letter grade of A for the past school year and has shown growth across achievement measures. "We grew in each one of those areas," he said, adding that the school had been recognized as a reward school. He said the chronic absenteeism rate fell from about 18.04% in 2024 to roughly 3.5% recently, crediting clearer policy understanding, improved parent communication and targeted incentives.

Burleson outlined college- and career-readiness efforts, noting a 100% pass rate among students who took AP exams last year and describing industry-certification options (CNA, MOS, OSHA and others) and dual-enrollment partnerships. He said the district is aiming for an ACT composite goal of 21 and reported a projected composite near 20'20.5 for the current cohort.

The presentation included facility updates and images of recent campus work: renovated classrooms, a remodeled weight room (Burleson said the weight-room project cost about $40,000), upgraded parking and a new auxiliary gym. "We're very proud of our classrooms now," he said, and thanked donors and staff who contributed to the improvements.

Board members asked what had driven the absenteeism improvements. Burleson pointed to a stronger understanding of the attendance policy (including partial-day attendance), robust parent outreach and incentive programs (such as reimbursements for ACT fee increases and small rewards for participation). The district said it would continue tracking these programs as it prepares for next school year.

The board did not take formal action on the report; it moved on to agenda items after questions and brief comments.