District reports show testing gains, grant reimbursement and RUS DLT installation schedule

District administrators told the board they are seeing encouraging early achievement data and provided updates on grants, staffing and upcoming installations for broadband/technology grants.

Shannon Hudson said preliminary results show improvement in math and reading and fewer students marked in the lowest categories: "We're seeing a lot less red and a lot more green and yellow and blue," she said, adding that improved early reading instruction and after‑school work are contributing factors. Hudson also summarized two parent and student surveys (3–5 and K–2) with the K–2 survey closing later in the week.

Lindsay reported the district received a previously missing RUS force‑receipt payment of $463,000 and has resubmitted paperwork to obtain this year's RUS DLT grant funds. Lindsay said the RUS DLT contractor will arrive May 29 and begin installations May 30, with completion work continuing into the first week of June.

Other operational items: the district reported 99% completion of state testing in one school over five days and high‑school attendance around 96% for the reporting period, while illness affected attendance districtwide. Administrators also discussed a pre‑K handbook submitted to the state (not yet board‑approved), maintenance RFPs for a waterline project, and plans to advertise for temporary maintenance help over the summer.

Next steps: staff will publish survey results to the community when compiled, proceed with RUS DLT site work as scheduled, and return to the board with RFP scores and vendor recommendations for facilities projects.