December 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Dr. Jonas reported that additional storage space is needed and noted that approximately 40 student desks, in varying conditions, have been unused for at least four years. She requested board approval to advertise the desks on social media and to dispose of any remaining desks thereafter. She explained that the desks are not currently used in classrooms and have not been utilized in over four years. While a small number of desks are in usable condition, there are not enough to furnish a full classroom.

Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions for Dr. Jonas. No questions were raised.

Dr. Jonas presented an overview of the district’s annual AQuESTT report, which was released following the lifting of the embargo and published in the Gothenburg Leader. She highlighted that the district rating remains "Good," with the junior high rated "Great," consistent with prior years. Dr. Jonas emphasized the district’s commitment to moving beyond identified barriers to student achievement and increasing targeted, student-specific instructional interventions. She noted this is the first year teachers have received actionable student data early enough in the year to make meaningful instructional adjustments.

Dr. Jonas identified ongoing challenges, including social-emotional learning needs, an increase in the special education population alongside a decline in the non-special education population, and related behavioral concerns. She reported that additional student support staffing has allowed principals to focus more on instructional leadership. She also emphasized continued efforts to select high-quality instructional materials with proven effectiveness.

Mrs. Tiller presented detailed assessment data, beginning with English Language Arts (ELA). She reviewed four years of district proficiency data from NSCAS and ACT assessments, comparing district and state performance. While proficiency rates have fluctuated, district leadership is not satisfied with recent scores and is focused on strengthening instruction and using data to target individual student needs. Cohort data demonstrated overall growth trends, despite some year-to-year variability.

Math assessment data showed a narrowing gap between district and state proficiency rates. Mrs. Tiller noted that new elementary math materials were implemented this year and expressed optimism regarding their impact. Junior high math scores continue to trend higher, with notable growth among certain cohorts, including significant gains by the Class of 2030.

Science assessment results remain a district strength, with proficiency rates consistently exceeding state averages over the past four years. Mrs. Tiller highlighted strong longitudinal growth among specific cohorts, including last year’s eighth-grade students.

ACT data indicated that while the district’s average composite score remains above the state average, the percentage of students meeting ACT proficiency benchmarks was slightly below the state. Mrs. Tiller noted that individual subject scores, with the exception of English, exceeded state averages.

Key instructional priorities moving forward include increasing year-to-year student growth, sharpening instructional strategies, expanding the use of student-specific data, maintaining momentum in mathematics, strengthening English Language Arts instruction, reviewing ELA curriculum materials beginning in January, reinforcing literacy instruction, and continuing to invest in professional learning communities, collaboration time, and instructional coaching.

Mr. Dalrymple asked for specific examples of math initiatives. Mrs. Floyd described the rollout of new math materials, including multiple professional development days, collaborative scope-and-sequence planning, classroom walkthroughs, and teacher feedback. She also discussed targeted math interventions, including the expansion of "Math Club" for students in grades 3-6 who are near proficiency, as well as Math Olympiad opportunities for advanced learners.

Dr. Jonas and Mrs. Tiller also described secondary-level ACT intervention supports, including the use of pre-ACT data to place students into small-group intervention classes and the adoption of new ACT preparation resources.

In response to questions regarding writing proficiency and the impact of artificial intelligence, Dr. Jonas and Mrs. Tiller discussed observed declines in writing mechanics, instructional strategies utilized by teachers for emphasizing process-based writing, and the importance of teaching students responsible and appropriate use of AI as an instructional tool.

Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any additional questions for Dr. Jonas or Mrs. Tiller. No further questions were raised, and no action was taken.

Mr. Fornoff reported that, as part of the Board of Education’s annual responsibilities, the superintendent evaluation process has been completed in accordance with district policy and state guidelines. He explained that the evaluation included a comprehensive review of the superintendent’s performance, with emphasis on leadership, communication, administration, and vision. Board members completed individual evaluations of Dr. Jonas, which will be compiled into a summary report.

Mr. Fornoff noted that members of the evaluation committee will meet with Dr. Jonas the following week to formally review the results. He thanked board members for their time and participation in completing the evaluation.

Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions from the board. No questions were raised, and no action was taken.

Personnel Committee - Mr. Fornoff reported on behalf of the Personnel Committee that the committee met with the Gothenburg Education Association (GEA) the previous week. He described the meeting as productive and stated that discussions are progressing toward an agreement. The committee plans to meet again before Christmas and will also meet with Dr. Jonas next week to review the superintendent evaluation.

Transportation and Facilities - Mr. Dalrymple reported that his committee has not met and is currently awaiting referrals from architectural firms in order to resume planning and scheduling additional projects. He noted that ongoing bus repairs are also being addressed.

Finance -Mrs. Jobman reported that the committee continues to closely monitor the activities budget initiated last year, which remains on track. She noted that one of the two federal grants was received in November and that all grants for the 2025-2026 fiscal year are progressing as expected. While November and December are typically low-revenue months, the district is projected to maintain a cash reserve of approximately $3 million, consistent with established financial goals. Overall, the district budget remains aligned with projections.

Committee on American Civics - Mrs. Terrell reported that her committee has not met but anticipates meeting next semester.

Policy Review - Mr. Fornoff reported that that there have been no policy updates since the previous board meeting.