Hancock County officials highlight ACT gains, enrollment dip and a bond plan they say won’t raise taxes

Hancock County School District leaders on Monday credited changes to testing and curriculum for gains on the ACT, reported a modest enrollment decline and outlined a preliminary bond plan they said would not raise local taxes.

Speaker 5, identified in the meeting as the superintendent, told the board the district finished fourth in the state for junior ACT scores and has seen its composite score rise from about 18.2 to 20.1 since the district began providing the 10th‑grade ACT during the school day. "Every child in Hancock County School District has the opportunity to get 2 free ACT tests on the school day," Unidentified Speaker 2 said, describing the district's policy to reduce testing barriers. The superintendent said the district’s composite increased by roughly 1.9–2.0 points since the 10th‑grade initiative began.

Administrators described several tactics behind the gains: embedding ACT‑aligned practice across courses, adjusting algebra sequencing so students take the tenth‑grade ACT when relevant math is freshest, and participation in an MDE Jumpstart pilot for juniors. "We made the ACT something we prepped for in every class," the superintendent said, adding the district uses daily ACT “bell‑ringers” and release‑test practice items to keep skills current.

At the same time, the superintendent reported overall district enrollment is down about 51 students, with the high school most affected. Special education currently comprises about 20% districtwide, with West Hancock at approximately 29% of its student population. Attendance dipped slightly month‑to‑month; officials said they will begin reporting month‑over‑month comparisons to show trends.

On facilities, the superintendent presented a draft bond package intended to address long‑deferred maintenance including HVAC, roofing and safety improvements across every campus. He emphasized the package would leave "no tax increase to the public," and said the plan includes a 20‑year outlook and a reserve for emergencies. The board will review the bond timeline and messaging in early 2026, with a possible vote referenced for May 19 on a timetable rather than a final sale.

The district also reported robust community participation in planning items: a recent calendar ballot received 883 responses and, as of the update, the option for professional development on the Friday before Halloween led with 71% support. The ballot remains open through Dec. 12.

Next steps: the district will bring more detailed bond materials and data on middle‑school pilot results to the board at a future meeting; administrators said they expected to present additional performance data after the vendor completes a forthcoming data run.