BROSELEY — The Twin Rivers R-X School Board reviewed the most recent testing data, which shows how students in the district are performing compared to the state average. The numbers were encouraging.
“I’m very pleased to see that our early elementary grades tested very well,” Superintendent Rob Brown noted. “In many instances, they tested above the state average in the advanced and proficient categories.”
The Measures of Academic Progress tests are a regular part of the student experience in public schools, and are necessary for the purpose of informing teachers how the students are performing. The test also helps instructors understand areas where students may be struggling.
In almost all grades and most of the categories, Twin Rivers students tested above the state average in the basic category, and were typically at the state average in the proficient category.
“We did have a lot of growth in a lot of areas,” Brown commented. “We feel like we’re making a lot of headway to improvement with all the areas we’re focused on.”
The board also made the decision to purchase a new intercom system for two campuses: Qulin and Brosely.
“It’s an absolute necessity,” Brown informed the board. “Especially in light of recent activities with the threats to schools, we need to have a functioning intercom in every building.”
Brown explained the intercom system in Qulin isn’t functioning at this time, and the one in the high school is not functioning as it should.
Further discussion of the matter was held in closed session. The board approved the purchase of systems for both the Qulin and Broseley campuses in the amount of $57,929.
“The intercom systems we’re purchasing have multiple functions and are tied into the internet,” Brown commented later. “We spoke with the company selling the system and he answered all the questions. We were assured that if the internet were to go down, the intercom would still function as it should.”
In other board news, there was brief discussion regarding whether or not the district should pursue a bond issue or a tax levy for the next big project that is scheduled.
“We are planning to expand the high school campus to include the 7th and 8th grades,” Brown explained. “It is a big project and we will just need to discuss it further and get some questions answered before we know which direction is best.”
Brown said he hopes to receive more information on the matter before the next meeting.
Brown also informed the board that school district’s financial audit was completed Sept. 13, and he hopes the presentation of the audit will be ready for board members by no later than November.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 17.