The Middlesboro Independent Board of Education was presented with the district’s KSA scores by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jamie Johnson during their October meeting.

Johnson shared highlights from each of the district schools in the 2023-24 Kentucky Sumative Assessments (KSA) that show significant improvement across multiple levels.

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our students, teachers, and staff. These results reflect the district’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement,” said Superintendent Waylon Allen. “Our focus will remain on fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.”

Johnson said the district is in their second year of  utilizing evidence-based High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIR) in reading and recently adopted HQIR’s in every content area exposing students to vibrant learning experiences daily in the classroom.

“This summer, Middlesboro Independent Schools held the first-ever two-day professional development event led by their very own teachers. Additionally, teachers engaged in onsite training hosted by every HQIR providing them the opportunity to unpack new resources and use them collaboratively to improve student outcomes,” Johnson said. “During this event educators celebrated and empowered each other to continue their professional growth and development. Our teachers shared their expertise, insights, and best practices to inspire and support each other.”

Also known as Middlesboro U, the blend of benchmark assessments, HQIRs and professional development has been a driving force in creating a vertically and horizontally aligned curriculum, she added..

“State test results are used to make improvements in teaching and learning, and we use the results to follow student progress and identify strengths and gaps in curriculum and instruction,” Johnson said. “They are one — but only one — measure we use to determine the effectiveness of our instruction.”
She said the test results and other date are used to create a “whole story” for each student. The focus is on improvement district-wide with goals of increasing the number of students with Proficient and Distinguished scores while decreasing the number of students with Novice scores.
Highlights from each school include:
Middlesboro Elementary School
•  MES increased in all areas resulting in an overall color change to Yellow.
• Overall Indicator increased 5.7 points
• Reading/Math Indicator increased 10.4 points
• Science Social Studies & Writing Indicator increased 14.4 points and is rated Green
• Quality & School Climate Indicator increased 5.2 points and is rated Green
Middlesboro Middle School
• MMS increased 13.4 points on Quality and School Climate Indicator giving them a Blue rating!
• Status scores in reading and math increased +0.6
Middlesboro High School
• MHS ranked 41 in the state out of 229 high schools.
• MHS math and reading has increased 31.8 points over the last 2 years.
• Post Secondary Readiness received a blue rating for the 2nd year in a row!
• Ranked #1 high school in the county in mathematics

Also during last week’s meeting, the board heard a presentation by LMU DCOM students Allison Young and Wyatt Erwin on the benefits of medical cannabis. They were asked by Middlesboro ARH CEO Michael Slusher and Dr. Elizabeth Douglas to share the information with the board.

Medical cannabis has shown to be beneficial for students with cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, chronic nausea, post traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. Studies also suggest benefits for patients with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Erwin and Young also shared the Kentucky regulations for medical cannabis, which becomes legal on Jan. 1. The most important for the school board included that medical cannabis must be administered by a school nurse for any children under age 18. Medical cannabis cannot be smoked, it is prescribed in edibles, oils, tinctures and raw plant materials.

They also shared slides showing the efficacy of medical cannabis for various conditions along with potential risks and side effects and provided the board members with a handout with information and frequently asked questions.

Allen said the board will have to make a decision on whether or not to allow medical cannabis to be used in the district’s schools soon.

The board also heard a presentation from Greg Wilson, Scottie Sumner and John Boley with the Elgin Fondation. They discussed Middlesboro Schools participating in Bible Release Time for one hour once per month. Students in grades 2 through 6 with written permission from their parents or guardians would be transported to a local church for the program. Elgin provides training and background checks for all volunteers as well as all the resources from the classes. The foundation also reimburses the district for the cost of bussing the students.

53 schools in 14 districts in Kentucky participate in the program, including Bell County and Pineville Independent Schools. Sumner said Covenant Methodist and Shiloh Church in Middlesboro already accommodate 150 students from Yellow Creek each month and both churches would be willing to work with Middlesboro students as well.

Board member Bill Johnson said the program sounded like a good thing and asked if the board could vote on it. A vote could not be taken because the meeting was a special called one, moved back due to Fall Break. But the board members all seemed to be in favor of starting the program.

Approved during the meeting were:

— a resolution authorizing the Middlesboro Independent District Finance Corporation to issue Revenue Refunding Bonds.

— payment to First State Financial Series 2015 Energy Conservation Revenue Bond, Interest Payment of $17,565.00.

— the 2024-25 Dual Credit MOA with Somerset Community College.

— shortened school days for certain special needs students at the Elementary School and Middle School.

— the contract with MindPsi School Psychological Services, PLLC, for Behavioral Evaluation for autism testing on an as needed basis from October 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

— accepting the FY2025 KETS first offer of assistance in the amount of $10,842 for technology from the School Facilities Construction Commission.