MISD reveals STAAR scores

The Moulton Independent School District unveiled its State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR test scores for the 2023- 24 school year at the July 24 meeting. Some construction projects were also approved.

“Our teachers and our students work extremely hard all year long,” Elementary Principal Victoria Ortiz said. “Sometimes it’s a little unfair to take one day of work and hold a campus or teachers or students accountable. There’s a lot of work and a lot of stress that goes into this.”

For the Elementary side of things, all third and sixth graders made over the state average. In sixth grade Math, all students passed the exam.

Fourth grade math and fifth grade science were below the state average, which is reflective to the state performance. MISD was also 1% below state average in fifth grade reading.

“Talking with people from other districts, the science assessment was very different from what we anticipated it to be,” Ortiz said. “We saw a huge drop in the state. However, we had some celebrations including 46% masters from students in sixth grade Reading and 54% masters in sixth grade Math. We are going to place students in intervention groups with teachers three times a week based on STAAR data, and we will continue to use computer programs to target areas of weakness that are specific to each individual's needs.”

For Junior High, seventh grade cumulatively scored above state average in both reading and math. This is also true in seventh grade in the masters and meets categories for both subjects. Eighth grade subjects were a bit lower with math, science and social studies students averaging below the state. There were fewer students tested in the math category for eighth grade because the majority of students were enrolled in Algebra I. Eighth graders saw success in reading with those who scored in the highest category, masters, scoring above state and regional averages.

High School EOC subjects were above the state averages for English I, English II, and Algebra. All of these subjects had scores that were higher than the state and regional averages in the two highest categories, masters and meets. US History and Biology scored below state averages, which is reflective in both state and regional averages. A highlight in US History is that more than half of students scored in the highest category available, masters. In the masters category, those students' scores were more than 25% higher compared to state and regional averages. EOC subjects are courses the students must pass to graduate.

Teachers and staff will continue to help those students who need additional assistance for next school year while continuing to provide the highest quality instruction to all students.

“We want to meet each student's needs and provide them with the tools they need to obtain the highest level of mastery possible,” said Academic Dean Angelica Raley. “We’ll be having RTI or response to intervention sessions. Those interventions will be based on students' needs. Basically, for those students who did not pass or are struggling, we’ll be hitting their needs at least two times a week through targeted interventions. We’re going to make sure each student receives the help they need, and we’ll adjust accordingly as we progress through the school year.”

The STAAR scores included every student including those with special needs.

MISD board members also approved electrical upgrades to the Career and Technology Education Building. Additional electrical outlets need to be added to the CTE building to allow enhanced movement around the shop with their welding machines. To mitigate this, the building needs three fifty-amp services on the wall where the welding machines are now as well as one ariel fifty amp on a retractable reel.

This was discussed at the June board meeting but was tabled so the board could find bids that were local.

“I reached out to Zimmerman Electric out of Bastrop,” Maintenance Director Jeff Beimer said. “The price was $3,300, but we also have to add the price of the reel. Reels are very expensive in order to have a fifty-amp extension cord for the welding shop. In total, the job would be around $8,000. Zimmerman is really close to us, and he could knock this project out within a couple of days.”

This was approved and will be coming out of CTE funds.

The board also discussed floor refinishing for the old gym.

“It’s really difficult to see any of the lines on that floor,” Superintendent Renee Fairchild said. “I’m told that there is probably 50 years of wax on that floor. I think this would be really good for the building, our community, and our kids especially to have this fixed. I think it would also brighten up the gym considerably.”

This will cost $15,000 and would be done by Quality Hardwood Floors.

This item, however, was tabled because some board members wanted to focus on repairing the roofs before taking on the gym floor.

“It sounds like we have more important things to spend our money on than the gym floor,” Board Member Chuck Greive said. “If our roofs are leaking, it is causing more damage.”

Other items on the agenda include:

• MISD filled out a grant from the Texas Emissions Reductions Plan for two new busses which will replace Bus 10 and Bus 11.

• Partitions have been replaced in the bathrooms at the new gym. Lights were also changed in the bathrooms.

• The stage is complete in the old gym.

• Ice makers in the cafeteria have been fixed.

• MISD updated its board operating procedures.

• A budget workshop has been scheduled for Aug. 7. The tax rate should be announced on Aug. 28 as well and the next regular board meeting will be Aug. 14.

• It was announced that 49 kids participated in basketball camp. Cross country will be starting Aug. 1.

• Board members approved the salary schedule. It is in line with surrounding schools.

• Goals for the board were discussed including a five-year plan. A plan was drawn up for approval, but board members tabled it so they can review it. Some of the goals include improving facilities, the athletic program, and the CCMR program.

• MISD recognized the Booster Club for their great work. They highlighted some things the club has done this year including purchasing a new net for the tennis court as well as various other donations. The PTO was also recognized.