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Kent County Middle School leaders report sharp drop in referrals and gains in math after culture shift
Summary
Calcutta Middle School (KCMS) leaders told the board they have reduced teacher referrals from 155 to 25 year‑over‑year, restructured schedules, expanded restorative practices and targeted intervention time, and reported algebra gains tied to the turnaround work.
Principal Mark Buckler and Assistant Principal Kelly Morgan presented an 18‑month transformation plan for Kent County Middle School emphasizing proactive discipline, restorative practices and focused intervention time.
Buckler described the shift to a unified six‑period day, targeted "win time" interventions that use platforms such as Lumis and ALEKS, and training (Orton‑Gillingham) for special‑education staff. Kelly Morgan and other presenters said restorative circles and a values framework (KCMS values) have been embedded to reduce reactive disciplinary measures.
The presentation included concrete data: teacher referrals at this point last year numbered 155; this year the presenters said referrals are 25. Buckler also highlighted mathematics gains, noting an increase in Algebra 1 proficiency for a recent cohort "from 13% to 45%" and other MAP/NCAP growth percentiles in grades 6–8.
Trustees asked about sustaining training and whether consultant services (Polymath/Polly/Polymath) would be retained; presenters said initial consultant work established a foundation and that building internal capacity through "champions" enables the school to continue the work even if outside contracts end. Board members encouraged regular reporting of progress and suggested periodic screenshots or dashboards showing academic mapping and progress monitoring.
Administrators framed the effort as a multi‑year turnaround that pairs climate and culture improvements with instructional changes; they asked the board to consider sustainment funding and staffing priorities to preserve gains.
