FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2024
North Callaway R-1 School District Celebrates Significant Academic Progress
Thunderbirds across the North Callaway R-1 School District have reason to celebrate as the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released its 2024 Annual Performance Report for all Missouri public schools. The report highlights remarkable progress made by the district over the past year.
For the 2024 report, the district saw an impressive 12.5% increase in its performance score, moving from 67.6% in 2023 to 80.1% in 2024. This significant growth not only surpasses the 70% accreditation threshold, which the district failed to meet in 2022 and 2023, but also reflects the dedication and hard work of North Callaway’s teachers, staff, and students.
Most notably, the district achieved a 40% improvement in student achievement growth, with an 84.17% increase in English Language Arts (ELA) growth compared to the previous year.
“On behalf of the Board of Education and the district administration, we commend our teachers, staff, students, and community for their unwavering commitment to improving academic outcomes,” said Board President Amy Reinhard. “Success for students takes every person in our district, and this progress is a testament to the collective efforts of our educators and families.”
In April 2024, voters in the North Callaway R-1 District approved a 25-cent tax levy increase. This investment allowed the district to enhance teacher salaries, reinforcing the community’s commitment to attracting and retaining highly effective educators. These efforts directly contribute to improved student outcomes and reflect a shared dedication to providing an excellent education for all.
While the district celebrates its progress, it acknowledges there is still work to be done. Improving student attendance remains a priority, as attendance is essential for effective learning. Additionally, the district is committed to ensuring students achieve grade-level performance across all subjects. Following the successful implementation of a new reading curriculum in 2023-24, the district has also updated its math curriculum and anticipates similar gains in this area.
“We must keep our foot on the gas for our students,” said Superintendent Kenya Thompson. “While we can celebrate this success, it’s essential to continue pushing forward to grow and learn as a district. It feels good to see the hard work of our teachers and students leading to tangible improvements, but our mission to provide the best education possible remains ongoing.”
The North Callaway R-1 School District remains focused on fostering student achievement and building on its momentum. With the continued support of the community and the dedication of its educators, the district is optimistic about further advancements in the years to come.
A video by our NCHS and NCMS productions students can be found here: