Superintendent reports graduation on track; reading growth up, math remains focus

Superintendent Dr. Kamada told the board that all students expected to graduate next week are academically complete and that final preparations for graduation and senior activities are underway. "As of yesterday, everybody would be considered academically complete," she said, and noted the district has scheduled senior parade, practices and a graduation ceremony for next Friday.

On assessment data, administrators said reading growth showed substantial improvements over last year. The presentation noted a jump in the share of students demonstrating above‑expected reading growth — the presenter contrasted prior year results with this year and said several grades showed meaningful gains. District staff said 5 students met or exceeded a defined proficiency benchmark in reading categories referenced in the report and that two juniors scored above a 1,000 composite on the SAT.

Attendance and subgroup proficiency remain central concerns. The district reported elementary attendance averaged about 90 percent for the year, while middle school grade‑level rates varied (sixth grade about 88.8 percent, seventh about 93 percent, eighth about 89 percent). Administrators emphasized targeted interventions for English‑language learners (ELL) and special education students and described plans to expand the "Success for All" literacy program next year to double intervention minutes for foundational reading instruction.

Board members questioned specifics about dips in third‑grade performance and asked staff to clarify classroom‑level drivers; administrators pointed to foundational‑skills reteaching and to plans for increased literacy coaching and structured time to close gaps.

The board heard no formal motions on the academic report; staff said they would return with additional state assessment data when available.