VILONIA — Vilonia School District officials are exercising some bragging rights concerning the mandated adequate yearly progress determination (AYP).
In a public address held prior to the Board of Education meeting Monday night, school officials reported on the status of the school district. Principals representing each school touched briefly on their individual school goals that included continuous student and staff improvements as well as parent involvement and technological advancements.
Assistant superintendent Gary Lambert followed by energetically delivering the message that none of the district’s schools are on alert or school improvement status.
“I am happy to say that all schools meet the (Adequate Yearly Progress) AYP standards. Vilonia is the only 5A school (in the state) that can stand up and say that,” Lambert said.
However, he said he isn’t comfortable “bragging” about it saying that “we still have work to do,” and that it has taken a lot of hard work by students and teachers to achieve the status. Last year, the primary school, the middle school and high school were on alert status and the elementary school was on school improvement status. Lambert touched on the work that goes into getting off such a status.
“Patrons or our district should be very proud of the achievements we have made though,” Lambert said. The No Child Left Behind Act requires that all students meet the proficient level of performance in literacy and mathematics by the end of the 2013-2014 school year. In the intervening years, schools must make AYP toward meeting that goal. In Arkansas, schools must make AYP on the state’s Benchmark and end-of-course exams each year. Arkansas’ annual AYP goals are determined by the Arkansas Department of Education and are part of the state’s plan, which has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
In conclusion, Lambert told the board, the district’s continued goals include placing the same focus on science that it has placed on math and literacy. Several other factors, he said, are also favorable in the district for continued achievement. The attendance rate, he said, is “unbelievable” with a 98.9 percent rate.
“Our folks come to school,” Lambert said.
The graduation rate in the district exceeds 94 percent, with the dropout rate being less that two percent.
In response, board president Danny Lawrence touted the praises of the teachers and staff saying they generally go about their jobs without bragging about accomplishments but adding that this is one time maybe they should exercise some bragging rights.
“I really don’t think it is bragging to let other people know what is happening here,” Lawrence said.
Lambert also provided other statistical information regarding students. He said 39.1 percent, or 1,165 of the 2,976 students in the district, are eligible for free or reduced lunches. Out of the student population, 2,824 students are classified as white, 16 Asian, 29 African-American, 63 Hispanic, 27 Native American and 16 Hawaiian/PI.
Superintendent Frank Mitchell presented the overall school district goals outlining financial, facility, accreditation, curriculum and parental/community involvement.
Financially, he said, the goal is to maintain a positive balance despite anticipated small revenue increases and limited student population growth.
“Most of our money comes from the state,” Mitchell said, adding that he doesn’t know how much “new money” will be coming to the district this year.
Facility wise, he said, the goal is to plan and meet needs for expanded services in the near future through means other than major construction projects. He talked briefly about the decision that was made early on to postpone a millage proposal due to the economy as well as a decision to postpone the purchase of additional land.
Accreditation wise, Mitchell said the goal is to keep all schools off alert and school improvement status. It was said the middle school was cited for having a teacher that was teaching out of a certified area (special needs). However, that teacher is currently achieving the certification.
Curriculum goals, Mitchell said, includes achieving proficiency in student and teacher standards for technology, and communication systems that provide better information for parents were expanded. He talked about parents being able to pay for their children’s lunch via Internet. As well, he said, the district is able to share the use of additional school facilities with the public with the artificial turf and resurfacing of the track projects.
The district Web site has been improved recently, he said, adding that he was told at least one family moved to the area as a result of checking out the Web site. He also said more parents are using the services offered at the Parent Center.
Mitchell suggested a survey be conducted to gauge how many students have computers in their households. He said there may be a need to expand computer services at the Parent Center providing access for parents.
Following the public meeting, the board addressed the following:
• Approved a $300 bonus to be given in December for all full-time employees and $150 for part-time employees including bus drivers.
• Approved a bus bid of $73,175 to Diamond State Bus Co.
• Approved change orders on the turf project and track project. It was said the track is anticipated to be complete within the next two weeks.
• Approved the purchase of an awning at $8,213 to be placed at the daycare and $7,931 for vinyl siding to be placed on the old gymnasium from Simon Home Improvement.
• It was announced the district received a $15,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Rural Services to place lighting on the tennis court allowing the public to use it after hours.
• Approved a Christmas meal for the board to be held Dec. 14, at the high school cafeteria prior to the regular board meeting set for 7 p.m. at the administration office. Board members Mike West, Mark Samuelson and Jerry Roberts were recognized for completing 50 hours of professional development.
