Elementary schools report mixed gains; district approves superintendent's summative evaluation and routine appointments

At its June 22 meeting the East Longmeadow Public School Committee received end-of-year presentations from elementary-school leaders summarizing attendance, academic screening results and social-emotional learning progress across Metobrook, Mountain View and Maple Shade.

Metobrook presenters reported district average daily attendance of 95.2% (exceeding a 95% target) but a chronic absenteeism rate of 7% compared with a goal of 5%, and outlined tiered interventions and referrals for students with extended absences. The presenters described gains on DESA social-emotional screeners (for example, social awareness and self-awareness increases) and math screening (USNS) gains at kindergarten, noting an increase from 14 students on or above grade level at the start of the year to 68 by year-end in an early numeracy measure.

Mountain View reported a 96.3% average daily attendance and a chronic absenteeism rate reported at 3.7%; presenters noted strong I Ready growth in reading and math for several grades and said the school changed its SEL curriculum to Wayfinder this year and will expand related professional development.

Maple Shade and district summaries showed attendance around 95.6% and mixed achievement across grade levels, with some grades narrowly missing growth targets. Presenters said the district collected about 85 parent survey responses and highlighted family events and PTO fundraising (notably a Penny Wars fundraiser that raised about $3,400).

Following presentations, the committee finalized and approved the superintendent's summative evaluation for summer DESE reporting. Greg Johnson moved to approve the evaluation as presented; William Strawther seconded the motion and the committee voted unanimously to adopt it.

The committee also moved to appoint Amy as its representative to the town's recreation review committee; that motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned after routine closing motions.