Jim Davis

This Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) for Neosho School District outlines four key priorities. These priorities include ensuring access to rigorous educational opportunities for all students, enhancing the organizational culture to attract and retain effective team members, cultivating a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment, and providing and maintaining high-quality facilities and technology resources. The plan's vision also encompasses developing partnerships, leadership programs, career exploration, literacy initiatives, and strong multilingual engagement with families and communities.

The budget development for the 2025-2026 cycle faces unique challenges with impacts on revenue sources at local, state, and federal levels. These include the adoption of the senior tax freeze by Newton County, potential reassessment year impacts, and uncertainties in state foundation formula funding. Expenditure plans involve increasing staff salaries while controlling spending, with a conservative approach to raises. The focus of the Operations department will shift to preventative maintenance and updating existing buildings, with bus purchases being forgone this year. An increased emphasis will be placed on literacy and reading, supported by a state grant and a district literacy coordinator. The administration aims for a conservative budget, potentially increasing fund balance reserves.

The Schoolwide Program Plan for 5040 George Washington Carver Elementary focuses on improving student learning through supplemental instruction in math, reading, English Language Arts, and science. Strategies include a model of instruction with elements like chunking content and academic games, project-based learning, and professional development for teachers on scaffolding instruction. The plan also addresses the needs of at-risk students through interventions, tiered support for behavior, and professional development for staff. The plan aims to increase learning time through extended school year programs and enrich the curriculum. It also focuses on preparing students for postsecondary education and the workforce through career/technical education and access to advanced coursework. The plan integrates various federal, state, and local programs and involves parents and the community.

This document is a comprehensive needs assessment for 5040 George Washington Carver Elementary School. Key areas of focus include improving student achievement in ELA and Math through intervention strategies and teacher training (using the PCL Model & Envision), enhancing family and community engagement (particularly ESL family participation), and providing professional development for teachers in areas such as PLC and PBL strategies. The assessment highlights the need for supplemental materials in ELA, STEM/STEAM, and other areas. The school's strengths include consistent growth in iReady & DRA data, appropriately certified staff, consistent learning expectations, and 1:1 technology. Priorities include allocating Title I.A funds for professional development and supplemental materials to support reading and math interventions and providing training on PLC & PBL strategies.

The 4020 Benton Elem. Comprehensive Needs Assessment identifies key strengths and weaknesses to improve student achievement. Strengths include improved attendance, consistent class sizes, and effective behavior systems. Weaknesses include supporting English Language Learners (ELLs), addressing socioeconomic disparities, and providing Tier 3 interventions. Priorities include providing staff training for ELL support and Tier 3 interventions, improving reading interventions for low-performing students, and implementing Response to Intervention (RtI) in math. Curriculum and instruction strengths include LETRS training, phonics curriculum, and access to supplemental materials. Weaknesses include consistent RTI methods, lack of intervention strategy training, and training for Tier 3 service providers. High-quality professional staff strengths include certified staff and coaching support, while weaknesses include the number of staff with less than 5 years of experience. Family and community engagement strengths include well-attended family events and parent communication, while weaknesses include ESL family involvement and translation/interpretation services. School context and organization strengths include BIST training and appropriate class sizes, while weaknesses include a growing student population. Title I.A funds will be used to address prioritized needs related to professional development, supplemental materials, and improved intervention strategies for Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction.