MAP Scores Force Sanctions on Two Francis Howell Schools

The Francis Howell Board of Education heard the first results of the recently released district scores on Missouri Assessment Program tests for 2011.

The scores, , showed two Francis Howell schools failed to meet state goals and will face sanctions. Central Elementary and Harvest Ridge Elementary students failed to meet state benchmarks on the math and reading tests.

Central and Harvest Ridge were sanctioned last year and forced to undergo a year of changes. Under the rules, the schools were required to provide technical assistance, revise the school improvement plan, offer students the option of switching schools, include information on the District’s website and spend 10 percent of title funds on professional development.

The two schools implemented those changes, and some additional moves that that weren’t required for 2010-11.

This year, Central showed its highest math score since 2006 and had a six percent gain. Harvest Ridge posted its highest scores in communication arts since 2006.

The sanctions will once again be in effect this year, however, there will be some changes with the school choice program. In 2010-11, Warren, John Weldon, Castlio, Henderon and Fairmont were offered up as alternative schools for Central and Harvest Ridge students to attend. In 2011-12, the alternative schools will be Waren, John Weldon and Daniel Boone.

If a student opted to attend Castlio last year, he or she can still attend this year, but the district won’t provide transportation.

Francis Howell will host meetings to explain school choices to parents. Central’s will take place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 10. Harvest Ridge will meet at 6 p.m. on Aug. 11.

In addition to the sanctions imposed last year, Central and Harvest Ridge will have to offer students additional tutoring services.

Tutoring is offered to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Approved providers will supply the tutoring. Both schools have around 40 percent of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, which is based on income.

If the two schools once again don’t meet the goals for achievement, year three sanctions aren’t much different than this year, Chief Academic Officer Mary Hendricks-Harris said.

Other Notes

• Chief Financial Officer Kevin Supple was recently awarded with the highest honor from the Association of Business School Officials. Supple won the International Award—a lifetime achievement award for his service with Francis Howell. 

“I admire his commitment and passion to education,” Superintendant Dr. Pam Sloan said. “… He really does have a passion for our kids. “

Supple was give a $5,000 scholarship that will be awarded to a senior this year.

• The Board approved 13 purchases of more than $7,500. Among the purchases listed are 20 new Apple computers for the Francis Howell High School yearbook program. The computers cost nearly $33,000.

Also on the purchase list is an offer to buy 145 Dell computers to spread between Francis Howell and Francis Howell Central. The computers will cost nearly $109,000.

• After a nearly four-hour meeting on July 21, Thursday’s meeting clocked in at a crisp 52 minutes.