- Attendance was at 84% - a bit low but considering how we were still in COVID it was better than Remote Learning the previous school year.
- Student to staff ratio: 18:1 (elementary) 21:1 (high school)
- Teacher retention rate: 91%
Points of Pride:
- MOST DIVERSE SCHOOL DISTRICT - According to Niche.com RIMSD#41 is one of the most diverse school districts in the state. They pull their data from the US Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics.
- ROCKSTAR STAFF - Last year our district CQ team led staff through a series of sessions about anti-bias, inclusivity, and equity with a nationwide leader in the field, Paul Forbes. We held our first Educator of the Year Teacher Gala in person last April where we recognized teachers for the great work they are doing in and out of the classroom. Our Family Engagement Team was in full force last year Ready to Rock; Summer Enrichment Focus with Community Partners and working with Kiwanis on the annual school supply drive. The Partners in Education (P.I.E.) created a grassroots-level system to get parents involved in schools.
- ACADEMICS - The Illinois State Report Card data for the 2021-22 school year will be released at the end of October, as of now the data that is available is from the 2020-21 school year. Our 2020-21 Graduation rate went up from the previous year to 79%. From our district Strategic Plan report, we anticipate that to increase to over 80%. There were 420 students who crossed the stage at the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony at the Tax Slayer Center. Those 420 individuals earned $3.4 million in college scholarships and funding, devoted 1,750 volunteer hours in the community, led sports teams to victory, and/or found their calling with a career in a trade. The AVID program is benefiting many students at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. It is a college readiness system that prepares students in kindergarten through 12th grade for college eligibility and success.
Construction Projects
Dr. Lawrence shared about current construction projects going on in the district.
- Renovations/construction-Washington Junior High School completed construction of the $2.1 million renovation at Washington Junior High School. The project featured a secure entryway and cafeteria renovation and expansion. Plans also included administrative offices, two flexible spaces for specialists that serve students, and a space for the school nurse that includes a separate bathroom and shower. Rock Island High School renovations and expansion are underway with a $9.8 million construction budget for work that will include a cafeteria renovation, commons addition, secure entry addition, food service equipment, and site work. The proposed construction will add 38,000 square feet. Administration Center - The $7.6 million project will include 15,000 square feet for administration offices, 15,000 square feet for warehouse space, and 5,000 square feet for a production kitchen.
- Safety focus-All school renovations include restructured entrances to limit access to buildings. All persons will have to go through the main office before gaining access to school. We have also installed security cameras and updated intercom systems. In addition, there will be a new key fob system to manage those who have access to the building. We have also added a new position - District Safety Manager - who will focus solely on safety structures and practices across the entire district.
2022 - 2023 School Year
Looking ahead to this school year Dr. Lawrence talked about the school district's focus this year is on MTSS-Multi-Tiered System of Support implementation. A system-wide shift in meeting the needs of students whether it’s academic, behavioral, medical, or emotional. It’s about reaching the whole child. Students come here to learn but we know that’s not the whole story and our district is making it a priority to support Tier One instruction and embedding the Multi-tiered system of supports will help each student get the support they need to grow academically
Budget:
The district has earmarked money in several areas COVID related-PPE, sanitation, technology devices, and curriculum/social-emotional learning support. We are also able to use CARES money to improve the air quality in our school buildings and the board approved money to go toward the Guaranteed Energy Saving Program to upgrade and replace several rooftop units in the school district. Thanks to this money we are able to accelerate the replacement of rooftop units by several years instead of waiting to use proceeds from the 1% Sales Tax Revenue. RIMSD received COVID funds through the ARP act. The school district decided to put those funds to use for air quality and devoted $12 million for that purpose.