District presents end-of-year academic data and staff 'student voice' survey results; leaders vow to focus on trust and system alignment

Cedar Springs Public Schools leaders on July 13 presented end-of-year academic metrics and a staff/student "student voice" survey that together shaped the district's near-term priorities.

A district administrator told the board that iReady scale scores show typical annual growth across grades but that "we're not closing the gap," noting that students often start behind and the deficit compounds as they progress through grade levels. The administrator recommended focusing on system alignment—vertical curriculum coherence and consistent instructional practices—rather than isolated classroom fixes.

The presenter summarized projected proficiency on state assessments and explained the difference between proficiency percentages and scale-score growth; she said those measures “do fall within those expected growth bands,” but emphasized the district must accelerate progress to close multi-year gaps.

Separately, staff and student survey results showed strong staff-student connections (nearly 90% of staff reported feeling connected to students), high student-reported safety (about 86%), and areas needing attention, particularly trust and communication. The presenter listed five pillars of focus drawn from the survey: trust, student support, communication, leadership visibility and teacher voice, and said the district will "listen with intentionality" and increase presence and follow-up at building levels.

Board members asked for plans to present indicator priorities to staff in the fall. The administration said it will share findings with building teams, incorporate priorities into professional learning and report back on implementation progress.