USD 257 students had better scores on American College Testing (ACT) exams last year than in any of the previous five, board members were told Monday night.
In each category, local students also exceeded state averages, a significant accomplishment since Kansas averages are among the highest in the nation for the sixth consecutive year.
ACT scores are tied to college admission and scholarships, with the threshold for admission to Kansas Regents schools a score of 21.0.
The five categories, with local scores listed first and statewide second, are English, 22.0/21.4; mathematics, 22.4/21.7; reading, 23.0/22.3; science, 22.6/21.9; and composite, 22.7/22.0.
Last year, 57 percent of USD 257 students took the ACT, the highest percentage since 2007, when 61 percent took the test.
Local students also did well on state assessment tests.
For all students, 86.7 percent were at or above standard in reading, which had a target of 81.3 percent; 85.2 percent were at or above standard in mathematics, which had a target of 76.4 percent. The 2010 graduation rate was 82.4 percent, the statewide target was 80 percent.
In a related matter, board members signed a governance document for the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee, which will have 20 members from faculty and administration. The CIAC will be a sounding board for discussions about curriculum and instruction, work with professional development, coordinate accreditation and direct work of subject area committees.
ENROLLMENT as of Friday was 1,315 students, 22 fewer than on Sept. 21, 2009.
Dr. Craig Neuenswander, superintendent of schools, noted that 2010-11 enrollment likely would change for the better by Sept. 20, the official counting date.
“We had three students enroll today,” he said Monday.
Numbers show 646 elementary students, compared to 630 last year; 284 at the middle school, compared to 288 last year; and 385 at the high school, compared to 419 last year.
Much of the difference at Iola High is found in the senior class, which has just 78 students year compared to 98 a year ago.
BOARD members accepted a bid from Tholen Heating & Cooling of $11,766.69, the lower of two, to install a new HVAC unit at Jefferson Elementary School.
They also scheduled a strategic planning session for Sept. 13 as part of a regularly scheduled meeting.
