The Albion Central School District Board of Education convened Monday night for a regular meeting that highlighted substantial academic progress in the elementary grades, personnel shifts, and safety improvements to the campus. Vice-President Mrs. Linda Weller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. **Elementary Literacy Shows Strong Growth** The centerpiece of the evening was a presentation by Mrs. Angela Conway, Elementary School Principal, regarding the 2023-2024 building goals. She reported significant strides in literacy, a primary focus for the district this year. According to data presented, the percentage of students in grades K-5 reading at or above grade level jumped from 47% at the start of the year to 60% by the end. Furthermore, the number of students requiring "urgent intervention" dropped by half, falling from 21% to 10%. "Growth took place in kindergarten, first, second and third grades where students learn foundational skills," Mrs. Conway told the Board. The data showed particularly strong results in the lower grades: 70% of kindergarteners and 73% of first graders are now reading at grade level. However, Conway noted that comprehension remains a challenge in the upper elementary years. Fourth-grade reading levels saw a slight decline, while fifth grade remained relatively flat. Conway stated she would be working with teachers on specific strategies to assist students with comprehension in the coming year. **Middle School and High School Updates** Mr. Brad Pritchard, Middle School Principal, reported that 61% of middle school students met or exceeded the national average for expected growth on the STAR reading benchmark. However, he noted that 144 students still require intervention services, with 68 of those students being chronically absent. At the High School level, Mrs. Jennifer Ashbery shared Regents exam results. While the Living Environment exam saw a 91% passing rate and Earth Science a 75% passing rate, the Algebra results remain a concern. The January Algebra exam had a 54% passing rate. Mrs. Ashbery placed a "pin" in the academic goal regarding Algebra, noting that the new exam was scheduled for June 4 (today), with additional testing dates set for June 14. The district is waiting for those results to see if the 10% improvement goal was met. **Personnel Changes and Hires** The Board approved a slate of personnel items, including the resignation of Paul Gilbert, Assistant Principal at the High School, effective June 30. In new business, the Board moved to fill key positions supporting student health and guidance: * **Laura Maier** was appointed as the Registered Professional Nurse (RPN) at the Elementary School, effective June 5. The position carries a salary of $50,000 plus a $1,000 RN stipend. * **Thomas O’Donnell** was appointed as a School Counselor at the Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year. The Board also approved the removal of several inactive substitute cleaners from the list. **Athletic and Safety Highlights** The meeting also celebrated student success outside the classroom. Ms. Mariah LaSpina, Athletic Director, announced that for the second year in a row, Albion was recognized as a School of Excellence. Spring sports teams had a successful season, with the Tennis team and Boys’ Track & Field team both winning Niagara Orleans League Championships. The Boys’ Track team has now won the title for five consecutive years. On the operations side, Board Member Mr. Schmitt provided an update from the Health & Safety Committee. To improve emergency response times on the district’s single campus, new signage has been installed on the exterior of buildings displaying door numbers. The committee is now moving forward with marking individual interior rooms to ensure first responders can locate specific classrooms quickly in an emergency. The meeting concluded with the approval of the new "Guidelines for Board of Education Members and Administrators" and the "ACS New Board Member Orientation Manual."