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Parent raises alarm over Laurel School District test scores; superintendent outlines multi‑year plan
Summary
At the Jan. 15 board meeting, parent Thomas Turnbull cited state test results—"5% proficient in math and 22% efficient in English"—and urged transparency; Superintendent Dr. Larimore said the district has identified a "movable middle" and outlined targeted, multi‑year interventions and safety steps.
Thomas Turnbull, a parent of five district students, used the public‑comment period at the Laurel School District Board of Education meeting to press the board on recent state testing results. "We're 5% proficient in math and 22% efficient in English," Turnbull said, and urged the board to post results on the district website and to be more transparent with the community.
Dr. Larimore, the district superintendent, acknowledged the low results and said the district would not "make any COVID excuses." He told the board staff has conducted "mathematical analysis" to identify a "movable middle" of students who could reach proficiency with focused support, as well as "emerging learners" who will need multi‑year interventions. "Movable middle should be able to make the jump this year," he said, adding that the district will produce customized reports and programs for students across Laurel.
The superintendent also reviewed recent school events and staff efforts and announced steps aimed at improving school safety. He described weapons‑detection measures already implemented at Laurel Middle High School and said the district plans to acquire another open‑gate system for Laurel High School and five mobile screening units for other schools' offices to speed visitor processing.
Turnbull volunteered to help in classrooms and urged parents to take responsibility for student readiness; he also asked the board to use results as motivation rather than something to hide. The superintendent emphasized planning across multiple years and said the district is "steadfast into the data" to drive interventions.
Board members did not vote on a formal academic recovery plan during the meeting. The superintendent provided several near‑term dates — Jan. 24 for second‑marking‑period report cards and the district's honor‑roll ceremonies later in January — and encouraged community involvement as staff continue to develop the academic strategies described.
The public‑comment exchange and the superintendent's remarks concluded without a board directive recorded as formal action during the meeting.
