Brandon Twp.- In the last two weeks, the president gave the ‘State of the Union? address, the governor gave the ‘State of the State? address, and here in the township, Superintendent Matt Outlaw gave his first ‘State of the District? address.
Outlaw has been at the helm only six months, but a requirement of his contract is that he review his personal goals and growth goals for the district every January and he met that requirement with a presentation during the Jan. 19 school board meeting.
‘I’m very pleased with the progress we are making, we’re moving forward very quickly,? said Outlaw. ‘We’re doing exciting things, but the results will tell the story.?
Goal number one for the district is improvement of student test scores in each subject area as measured by the percentage of Brandon students meeting state minimum standards on standardized tests. The M-STEP is being implemented this year, replacing previous tests, including the MEAP and MME, but regardless of test, the state sets the norm for what is proficient.
In 2013-14, Brandon students performed below the state average in 13 of 23 areas tested. In reading, 67.3 percent of students were deemed proficient; 47.8 percent were proficient in writing; students were 40 percent proficient in social studies; in math, only 31.3 percent of students were deemed proficient; and science had the worst showing, with just 23.7 percent proficient.
District staff have also set a goal to increase NWEA scores across the district this year. The NWEA is a local test measuring student progress in reading and math. Teachers use data from the test to tailor instruction to children in the areas they need help. Outlaw emphasized that while teachers are aiming to improve test scores, they are not teaching to the test.
‘If we focus on the right things, they will do well,? he said. ‘We need to have an outstanding curriculum where everything is connected from K-12… We are elevating expectations for all students, ensuring we are challenging every kid beyond what they are easily able to do. We are focusing on fundamentals and doing solid interventions for kids not meeting standards.?
Other district goals include a fiscal study of all programs, identifying financial liabilities, reviewing operations including custodial services, transportation, food service, community education, and support services; a technology plan review; and what Outlaw calls ? compassionate right-sizing? of the district.
‘We’ve lost 850 students (since 2006) and we will continue to lose students based on birth rates,? he said. ‘We need to make sure our staff fits the number of students we have… Enrollment is a big factor. We are not looking at privatization. We are going to have to right size every year, like any business, for those that you service.?
Outlaw is looking forward to the Feb. 9 school board meeting, during which there will be a presentation on Brandon 2025? a strategic planning committee that is working on a vision for the district, which will include Brandon students being among the top 25 percent in the state in all tested areas 10 years from now.
The next school board meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 9, at ITEC, 609 S. Ortonville Road.