SJSD to discuss attendance updates, long-range plan

By Jazmine Knight

The St. Joseph School Board gathered for another school board meeting Monday night.

Starting off strong with recognitions, the district honored Raider cadets that completed the JROTC National Ranger Challenge. Following that, the district recognized George Willoughby as a Cross Country Class 5 State Medalist and the Benton High School Cross Country team for placing third at state.

The main area of focus would be the updates regarding the long range plan. School board president, LaTonya Williams, is happy to see the plan moving ahead of schedule.

During the meeting, the board voted to approve a contract between the district and DLR Group, the architectural firm for the proposed new high school.

“It’s amazing that there are agencies and businesses interested in collaborating for the betterment of the district and the education of our kids,” said Williams.

Superintendent, Gabe Edgar, also provided a monthly update on district attendance. Overall, the district is averaging between 85-86%.

“High schools are at 80.2%. CHS is leading the attendance in high school and the middle schools are at 86.17% with Bode leading the way at 88.46%,” Edgar said.

Elementary schools are thriving at 89.01% with five schools maintaining over 90% (Eugene Field, Bessie Elison, Pershing, Oak Grove and Pickett Elementary).

Six schools are between 87-89% including Coleman, Edison, Hosea, Hyde, Parkway and Skaith Elementary.

Edgar contributed much of the elementary success to the early learning program.

“Finally you’re starting to see some of the fruits from that a little bit,” he said. “When I first got here, kindergarten numbers were in the tank.”

Edgar describes times where kindergarten attendance was near 50%. He says he’s proud to see the improvements district wide.

“That proves that the parents and the children are prioritizing education,” said Williams. “To look at the numbers increase, it’s just amazing.”