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Matthews County reports gains in reading and math but flags low high‑school history scores; superintendent outlines supports and policy proposals
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Daniel reported aggregated 2023–24 pass rates showing reading up to 79% and writing up 15 points, with weaker history pass rates at the high school (about 30%). Administration outlined MTSS, CIP adoption plans, STAR cut‑score adjustments and an All‑In tutoring partnership with the YMCA; a civility policy was proposed for board review.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel reviewed the division’s 2023–24 assessment pass rates at the Sept. 17 school‑board meeting, reporting an overall reading pass rate of 79% (an 8‑percentage‑point increase) and a 15‑point gain in writing compared with the prior year. Dr. Daniel said math and science showed modest gains but noted a pronounced decline in high‑school history pass rates, which he said reflected the narrower subset of students who take that assessment and changes in cut scores.
Dr. Daniel told the board the figures presented are pass/fail rates using federal‑accountability rules rather than state growth metrics; he emphasized that growth measures (which can credit students who improve but still do not pass) were not part of the numbers shown. He said the division is deploying MTSS (multi‑tiered systems of support), working with coaches from the Virginia Department of Education and partnering with VCU to align interventions and school improvement plans.
Staff also described adjustments to STAR screening cut scores after changes in the vendor’s norming that inflated percentiles post‑COVID; the division recalibrated thresholds to better identify students who need remediation. Parent reports for fall STAR screening were scheduled to go home the week of Sept. 23, with a fuller STAR presentation planned for the October board meeting.
Dr. Daniel said the division is preparing to adopt the Comprehensive Instructional Program (CIP) pending MasteryConnect integration; he set a goal to have access to MasteryConnect and begin CIP implementation in late September or early October. He also described the All‑In tutoring program funded with state money through 2024–25, noting a partnership with the YMCA to address after‑school transportation and child‑care barriers so students can access tutoring.
Board members praised gains in reading and math but repeatedly pressed on history pass rates and the tension between broad content instruction and test‑aligned curricula. Several members urged faster progress and asked for continued monthly reporting on student achievement measures.
Dr. Daniel also introduced a draft civility policy for board review to set expectations for interactions between staff and the public after staff reported instances of abusive language toward employees. The board scheduled further review and potential vote at a subsequent meeting.
On operational items, Dr. Daniel reported current enrollment at 770 students (about 15 below the budgeted 785), and noted upcoming facility work funded by the county, including bathroom upgrades at Thomas Hunter Middle School. The board approved a request to use a school bus and driver for a Matthews High School reunion; the motion passed by voice vote and fuel costs were said to be calculated by Mr. Royals as part of the billing process.
No disciplinary or personnel decisions were taken in open session; the board moved into closed session later in the agenda to discuss personnel and student‑discipline matters.
