Thank you to all those who have submitted questions for our Fast Fact Friday!
Due to the overwhelming number of questions submitted, we will answer multiple questions throughout the coming weeks to cover as many as possible. These questions are answered in the order they were submitted.
In addition, building-specific questions that the building administration can address have been forwarded to that building and will be answered promptly. If your question has not been answered this week, don't worry—it may be included in the following weeks!
QUESTION #1: According to School Board Documents/Policy, what is the procedure to fill the Superintendent position if the current one resigns?
QUESTION #2: Why are middle school sports always at another school? Why don't they have sports at each school?
ANSWER #2: The district used to have athletic teams at all middle school buildings. Unfortunately, we have had to combine the middle school athletic programs to have enough students on each team due to decreased participation. The athletic teams use facilities at all buildings, but they mainly use the Middle School Central [MSC] gymnasium due to its size. The MSC building also has the football field the team uses.
QUESTION #3: Are you doing away with AP classes at the high school?
ANSWER #3: No, AP classes are not being eliminated. The Office of Teaching and Learning directors are working with the GMHS Administration and Counselors to review the Program of Studies. The first round of revisions was presented at the Board of Education Meeting on January 10, 2024. The BOE has not approved them yet, and modifications must be made.
The changes to the Program of Studies are based on data and student performance success. In the past five years, only 333 out of 850 Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken by our students have a passing score of 3 or higher. That means only 39 percent of all tests our students take have a passing score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test (on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest score). In the same timeframe, our students have taken 1,322 CCP courses and passed 1,231 - a passage rate of 93.9 percent.
Per the Program of Studies, AP classes must have at least 20 students registered when the student request window is closed. Courses with less than 20 student requests will be reviewed for approval by the Superintendent. If a course drops below 20 students within the first two weeks of the semester in which the course is offered, the Superintendent will review whether or not the course will continue or be eliminated.