District reports rising test scores, first hire from local teacher pipeline and 2% salary increase on agenda

Morgan County Schools leaders told the board that student achievement measures are improving and highlighted steps to expand the teacher pipeline and maintain staff pay. The superintendent credited recent literacy initiatives and multi-year instructional improvements for rising outcomes and told board members the district has its first hire from a local teacher program at the tech park.

Addressing academic data, the superintendent said the district’s ACT composite and subject-area scores (math, science, ELA) are trending up, and reported third-grade reading increased from 91% to 94%. He added that the state raised the cut score in October 2024, which affects year-to-year comparisons and, he said, means teachers deserve credit for the gains. "We've done that with the elementary new literacy act... and we're starting to see that move up into our high schools, too," the superintendent said.

On workforce development, the superintendent described a teacher-recruitment program that allows recent graduates to serve as auxiliary teachers in pre-kindergarten while completing certification coursework; he said Dr. McCain secured the district’s first hire from that program.

The superintendent also noted the salary schedule on the agenda includes a 2% raise for employees that has been budgeted by the district and is consistent with state approvals. Capital outlay items such as greenhouse projects and the Clark Drive logistics issue were mentioned as tied to the broader capital plan.

The board did not vote on personnel items during the work session but members agreed in principle to meet for a personnel-only session on July 30 at 4:30 p.m. to address personnel matters and consider construction drawings as requested by administration.