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Lee Elementary principal shares reading gains, PBIS initiatives; public commenters praise TK and raise transparency concerns
Summary
Lee Elementary principal reported literacy gains and program highlights; public commenters recognized student achievements and raised concerns about transparency after an administration memo about reducing written FOIA‑style communications.
Lee Elementary principal Sarah D. updated the Thornapple Kellogg board on March 9 about the school's profile, student progress and community engagement activities.
Sarah D. said Lee is a second‑and‑third grade building and reported several literacy metrics: "78% of our kids are reading with 90% accuracy" in second grade and "94% of our students have increased their oral reading fluency from the fall to the winter" in third grade. She described a 22‑words‑per‑minute average improvement from fall to winter in second grade and said 61% of students showed "ambitious growth." The principal also highlighted PBIS rewards, a book‑vending machine reward system and plans for zones of regulation and calming corners to support social‑emotional learning.
During public comment, teacher Miss Hamlin recognized FFA students who advanced to state and listed several student awardees. Parent and educator Stephanie Winger praised district communications and livestream access and urged civility during board disagreements. Lori Buchanan urged greater transparency and read a portion of a Jan. 22 memo from the superintendent about adjusting how he communicates with the board to reduce staff FOIA‑style burdens; she said the approach limits public access and asked for clearer public disclosure.
The board acknowledged and thanked students, staff and community members and closed public comment before moving to committee reports and the rest of the agenda.
