School board reviews goals during retreat

HARTSVILLE — The Darlington County Board of Education reviewed district achievement goals during a retreat Friday at Hartsville Memorial Library.

“Where do we want this district to be in 5 years, 10 years?” Superintendent Dr. Rainey Knight asked. “I want our district to be more than mediocre. I don’t want to be in the middle. I want to beat the odds.”

SAT scores show the district has surpassed its 2010 goal (952) and was just four points shy of the state average (985).

“One of my goals in increasing SAT scores,” Knight said. “For non-school people, SAT scores is a big indicator even though it represents only a small proportion of students.”

Knight also noted the district has exceeded its 2010 goals for graduation rates and is on track to meet its goals for the number of highly qualified teachers. For student achievement on AYP math and English tests, Knight reported progress is being made, but the district’s current goal may be unrealistic.

The discussion mainly focused on HSAP and End-of-Course (EOC) testing, both of which were disappointing. EOC tests are given statewide and count toward 20 percent of a student’s grade.

“We’re struggling with EOC, and we shouldn’t be,” Knight said.

The EOC test scores led to a discussion of switching the school district schedule from 4x4 block to seven periods each day. Knight said it’s critical to have continuity for subjects like math and foreign languages. It will probably be brought to a vote in November or December.

“If not for the horrible economic shape, I wouldn’t honestly be pushing it,” Knight said.

Board member Jamie Morphis suggested morale was a factor in reaching the district’s achievement goals.

“If you don’t have the motivator to unlock them, you never have the performer,” Morphis said.

Board Chairman Dr. Allen McCutcheon agreed and said he felt a competitive spirit could help drive achievement, too.

Board secretary Charles Govan took a different angle. He suggested school staff become more involved in the communities in which they work.

“All principals don’t live in the area where they work. They need to be more involved in that community,” he said. “You used to see teachers every day at the grocery store, church and around town.“

Knight said half the district’s principals don’t live in the town where they work and only half live in Darlington County.

“Principal needs to be involved in the community. We know it works,” Board vice chairman Connell Delaine said.

“If the principal has it in her, it projects down to the teachers and children,” board member Joyce Thomas said. “The principal sets that tone for good learning.”

Knight said her goal for every school is improvement.

“More of our children will meet the state standards with the new PASS test,” she said. “Our proficient was so high (with PACT). It was the second highest in the nation.”