Alma School District officials cite strong reading and math results, report full pre-K interest

At a board meeting, district presenters reported assessment gains, saying about 80% of students are on grade level in reading and roughly 78% are on grade level in math. A presenter noted the district had 48% of students scoring proficient in math compared with a reported state average of 23%.

A second presenter said that of the 43% of students the district recorded as proficient in reading, 25% scored at level 4 (advanced), which she described as evidence the district is both closing gaps and extending learning for higher-performing students. "It speaks to our team," the presenter said, praising the 3rd grade teachers and support staff for reviewing data and refining curriculum.

On enrollment, a staff member reported 2,985 students in kindergarten through 12th grade and 60 students in pre-K. The staff member said the district had received more than 80 expressions of interest in pre-K and had scheduled approximately 30–40 eligibility appointments so far; final seat assignments and the exact number of enrolled pre-K students were to be confirmed in a later report. "We're still full of pre-K," the staff member said, noting parents sometimes return later with missing documents.

The staff member also briefed the board on the state legislative session, saying it had begun with primarily budget reviews and that any major legislation outside the financial scope would require a two-thirds vote in each chamber to be taken up during the three-week period. The staff member said the board would receive updates if significant bills affecting the district emerged.

The meeting included a brief recognition exchange about a statewide assistant coach of the year and a surprise reception for the coach.

The board adjourned after returning from executive session.