The Blair Oaks School District Board of Education reviewed its gifted program and annual performance report and adopted a resolution supporting military families at its regular March meeting Thursday.
Ruthie Caplinger presented on the gifted education program in the district. Caplinger had some of her students show off their National History Day projects that earned awards.
Assistant Superintendent Kimberley Walters presented on the district's Annual Performance Report (APR), which was released last week.
The APR is made up of performance metrics, such as academic achievement and graduation rate, and continuous improvement metrics, such as a school improvement plan and a culture and climate survey. The APR plays a role in accreditation, but the APR scores will not be counted in accreditation until fall 2024.
With 90 percent in performance and 100 percent in continuous improvement, Blair Oaks earned 93 percent of the total points. If the school district's APR were being used to determine accreditation this year, it would fall in the accredited category, just short of the 95 percent score needed to be accredited with distinction. Only four schools fell in the accredited with distinction category.
The district is submitting an application to be recognized as a Missouri Purple Star School. Purple Star schools are "military-friendly local education agencies (LEAs) that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military," according to the DESE website. The designation lasts for three years.
One component is a resolution supporting military families, which the board approved.
The resolution acknowledges the challenges faced by military families, including frequent moves and separations, and offers gratitude to military personnel, their families and veterans.
"Be it further resolved, the Board of Education of the Blair Oaks R-II School District encourages all school staff and community members to initiate, support, and participate in appreciation activities designed to recognize the exceptional role and unique sacrifices our military-connected youth make in our nation's best interest," the resolution states.