2024 MAP score averages improve across R-1 District

NEW MADRID, Mo. - Results from last spring’s Missouri Assessment Program and End of Course testing for New Madrid County R-1 students show an upward trend.

Superintendent Bridgett Masterson reported to the New Madrid County R-1 School Board on the MAP and EOC scores during the December meeting. The MAP scores measure achievements in language arts, math and science for students through eighth grade while the EOC testing is done at the high school level.

According to Masterson, Districtwide the increase was approximately 5 percent over the 2023 average.

“There is an upward trend,” Masterson said. “There are still some areas where we have work to do but in a lot of areas students performed very well.”

The most recent round of test scores provide the District with a guide to what standards are being covered and what else needs to be done. Masterson said the District will keep working with professionals who assist teachers in focusing on state standards and areas to cover in the classroom.

“We hope to continue to see the scores get better as our students move toward proficient and advanced,” she said.

Principal Joe Moss also addressed the Board about the 2024 Annual Performance Report at the Middle School.

Moss reported the Middle had substantial growth, increasing by 26.8 percent. He attributed the growth to hard work by students, teachers and staff.

As in every meeting, Masterson reported on the District’s Continuous School Improvement Plan to meet state standards. Masterson spoke about student discipline numbers and attendance.

“Student attendance is up,” Masterson said, noting the CSIP seeks to have 90 percent of the students in class 90 percent of the time. “Every building in the District is above 90 percent so Districtwide we are doing great.”

In other action:

• The Board selected Peyton Jarmon as the District’s candidate for the John T. Belcher Scholarship.

• In personnel matters, the Board accepted the resignations/retirements of Steven Clark, Electrical Pathways teacher at the Technical Skills Center, Andrew Cherry, technology maintenance, and Kristila Sprouse, counselor at Lilbourn Elementary, who plans to retire in 2025.

Transfers approved include Andrea White from custodian to special education aide and Andy Keith Trout from maintenance/bus driver to custodian/bus driver. Both transfers were effective Dec. 2.

The Board employed Joeli Noble as a teacher assistant at Lilbourn Elementary and Austin Young in technology maintenance. The resignation by Jasmikia Davis as special education assistant at Central High School was rescinded.

Dr. Scott Dill with the Missouri School Board Association discussed the continuing superintendent search with the Board.

• Sealed bids on bank depository were opened and presented for the Board’s consideration. Due to some questions on bid details, the issue was tabled to the Jan. 9 meeting.

• A representative from L J Hart and Company presented information about potential bond refinancing.

The Board approved a resolution from L J Hart to form a committee to evaluate the best possible options to maximize interest savings and be the most flexible in bonding capability. Masterson said it is hoped the committee will determine the best way to pay down bonds resulting in a financial savings to the District.

• Several policies including those dealing with professional staff short-term leaves; part-time and substitute employment; and staff health were approved.

• CD investments were reviewed.

• Consideration about making an annual investment to build on innovative economic development through Progress with Partnership was tabled.

Following the meeting, Masterson spoke briefly on the impact of several recent deaths of students. She praised the efforts by residents throughout New Madrid County and from the surrounding communities to assist the District’s students and staff in dealing with the losses.

“When tragedy strikes every one steps forward and is willing to help the families of the ones we lost and those in our school,” Masterson said. “It is amazing to see how much people care about our schools and communities.”