State Test Results Reveal Kindergarten Reading 100%
Superintendent Kylee Morris reported on the results of the state required tests at the regular meeting of the Midvale School Board. Students averaged higher than the state averages for proficiency. English instructor Brian Shaber was commended for the high scores his classes achieved. It was noted that 80% of his students in 11th grade are testing as college ready. Also of note was the Kindergarten class who scored 100 percent on the Idaho Reading Indicator test. The average for K-3 was 79 percent, however results have not been received for grades 4 and 5.
Ag instructor Matt Jones was present to explain some delays in finishing the ag building septic system and the addition to the machine stop. Inspectors are requiring more work on the septic system and additional items for fire suppression in the machine shop. With the cost of the additional construction, he reported that he will have to wait to see how much money is left to buy the machinery for the buildings. The hope of completing the projects by fall may not be possible.
Jones also reported on his students’ activities. Three FFA teams will be going to Moscow for the state competition in ag mechanics, forestry and livestock. Twenty have SAE projects which they will be taking to the county fair. The 8th grade raised, butchered and sold 86 chickens. They were required to feed and care for the chicks, keep records and develop a sales pitch. He said, “The quality of the kids we have is amazing.”
At the entrance to the school is a new metal sign designed by Lexi Gay and completed by the shop class.
One of the buses, the 2017, died on the freeway with the second grade on board for a field trip. It was towed by Western Mountain Bus and is now in the shop. It failed the compression test even though it has only 80,000 miles.
The elementary program had to be canceled due to the instructor becoming ill. With the addition of another elementary class, the elementary resource room has been moved into the old high school.
The school property liability insurance has risen $9,000 and is now $34,000. A fire at a school in eastern Idaho last year may be responsible for the increase.
The board approved the following: classified salaries, class schedule for 2024-2025, two salary adjustments, and bonuses for district employees totaling about $25,000. It was noted that the district’s earnings on investment is up to $88,000.
The next regular meeting will be June 17 which will also be the budget hearing.
