Buena Vista and Shadow Hills present gains; board recognizes students, staff and retirees

Principals from Buena Vista Elementary and Shadow Hills Magnet Academy presented accountability reports highlighting attendance and assessment data and campus initiatives at the May 5 Palmdale board meeting.

Buena Vista Principal Ms. Streeter reported attendance improvements (year-to-date attendance from 90.6% to 92% and chronic absenteeism reduced from 30.4% to 28.1%) and described interventions such as Saturday Academy, after‑school recovery and independent study. She cited Smarter Balanced results showing roughly 27% of students meeting or exceeding ELA standards and math growth trending to 30% in 24‑25.

Shadow Hills Principal Dr. Spaights reported subgroup gains (African American students and students with disabilities), steady ELA recovery, and expanded math acceleration sessions serving nearly 100 students daily. He outlined campus climate strategies (AVID, CKH) and partnerships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the Genius Initiative to address marginalized student outcomes. Shadow Hills reported a year‑to‑date attendance rate of about 93.38% and recovery of roughly 380 hours in attendance interventions.

The board also held several recognition items: student performances (Buena Vista kindergarten and Shadow Hills drumline), Cyber Quest team awards (multiple schools and grade divisions), ACSA regional awards for administrators, and a retirement recognition honoring dozens of staff, including one member with 46 years of service. Trustees and students were recognized and applauded throughout the meeting.

Board members thanked teachers, administrators and classified staff and reiterated community‑school partnerships and upcoming events.