SPCSD recognized as one of the top ESSA scorers in the area

Monday Night, board members of the South Pike County School District held their regular monthly meeting.

During a presentation, Superintendent Tanya Wilcher reported to the public that the current enrollment at the South Pike County School District is 665. Out of that 665, Murfreesboro Elementary School has 345 students, the Murfreesboro High School has 320 students and both schools are fully accredited. Wilcher also reported to the board that the district will receive title I, II, and IV funds. She also mentioned that the district used to get Title V funds which is also considered REAP but due to the new census coming out this year Murfreesboro doesn’t count as a rural school district any longer. These funds are said to be used to provide services above and beyond those required for all students in elementary, as well as technology supplies and software.

Wilcher talked about the new communication tool called Rooms which is an app that makes it easy for teachers and staff to communicate with parents and students.

District Curriculum and Testing Coordinator Melissa Jones presented the overall ESSA Overall index Scores. According to her report MES/DES scored a 72.34 a B, which increased since last year. MHS scored a 67.08 a C, which increased from last year’s score as well. Jones reported that MES and MHS were one of the top ESSA scorers in the area. 

Jones also mentioned that SPCSD has been awarded the SOAR grant in the amount of $80,000 which was approved by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education that will be used to enhance literacy instruction and learning for their students.