School strategies reviewed
by Larry S. Chowning
During school budget talks Monday, Middlesex School Superintendent Rusty Fairheart reviewed strategies and progress of the county school system.
Under strategies, Fairheart said one of the main goals of the school system is to continue to hire highly-effective teachers, administrators and staff.
He wants to continue professional growth for all staff; continue to present a strong curriculum with appropriate resources; and encourage innovative programming.
Funds will continue to be needed to be spent on facilities, Fairheart said. “We have to continue to maintain safe and conducive facilities to learning.”
School officials must continue to have high expectations of “every” student, and instruction needs to be driven by assessment outcomes, he said.
Teachers and administrators need to focus on reinforcement for all learners and encourage strong parent involvement and support, he said.
Fairheart told school board members that all county schools are fully accredited, and Middlesex High School and St. Clare Walker meet federal adequate yearly progress standards.
Middlesex High School has an 84.96% “on-time” graduation rate and St. Clare Walker recently received the national “Schools to Watch” award.
Fairheart said strides are being made in closing subgroup achievement gaps, which is the gap between students of different races.
He noted that curriculum offerings have been expanded for students, and schools have improved in their use of time and scheduling.
Fairheart said the school system has recently instituted quarterly assessments to measure student progress to identify weaknesses and evaluate instructional practices.
The school system also has introduced new educational and technology resources for students and staff and is working to improve communication with parents and the community.
“We have to continue to maintain and improve the high standards of learning that we have accomplished,” said Fairheart.