by Brian Orr
WALSENBURG- The Re-1 School Board discussed on Tuesday evening, among other things, the latest results on CSAP scores. “There’s a lot of room for improvement,” was the diplomatic phrase used by John Mall Principal Trudy Vader.
She was pleased to say that the 9th and 10th grades reading scores were in the 93rd and 90th percentiles, but went on to discuss the weaknesses in the 7th and 8th grades.
Vader noted this year they were “way ahead” on placing teachers in critical classes, and that the Response to Intervention team will be looking for kids that either fit into Gifted and Talented or behavior risks. The new School Administrator Michael Doyle summed the matter up by stating “We have some work ahead of us.”
In other business, Gardner Principal Julia Marchant noted that a new roof was going on the Gardner School, but other than that, they were ready. Patty Martinez echoed that sentiment, also saying they were “ready to go.”
The new Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Pat McDonald introduced himself, and made a pitch for the District to recognize Cross Country track be allowed to start up. After some discussion over concerns how it might impact the budget, it was agreed to try it for a year.
New bus routes were discussed, trying to find ways to make the trip more efficient. It was noted that now the District transports approximately 254 kids 562 miles a school day.
Gaye Davis gave an update on various grants she is working on, including a $660,000 grant with DOLA on the multi-purpose building to be built next to the new track.
The timeline for when the school administration would move over to Washington School was discussed, with the earliest date likely to be in mid-October.
